High powered alliance to reduce biosecurity risk in Queensland’s north
James Cook University and the Queensland Department of Primary Industries are joining forces to strengthen biosecurity protections for northern agriculture, businesses, environments and communities.
JCU and DPI’s Biosecurity Queensland have formed the Northern Queensland Biosecurity Alliance to connect government capabilities, research expertise, industry knowledge and community action and address the biosecurity challenges facing the region.
JCU Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research Professor Jenny Seddon said the Alliance was a necessary step for the region.
“Northern Queensland is on the frontline of Australia’s biosecurity system and the biosecurity risks are growing in scale,” Professor Seddon said.
“Variations in climate and environments, together with frequent natural disasters in the region, are changing the distributions of pests and diseases.
“At the same time, technological changes are transforming surveillance, diagnostics and responses and now is the time to act.”
Australia’s vast northern coast is the gateway for high-risk plant and animal pests and diseases so maintaining a ‘biosecure’ border safeguards industries like agriculture and protects our trade and unique environments.
“As Australia’s university for the Tropics, JCU is uniquely positioned to offer expertise on animal, plant, marine, environmental and human health,” Professor Seddon said.
“We will provide the Alliance’s research, education and innovation platform, connecting disciplines, engaging with industry, communities and Traditional Owners and translating evidence into solutions designed specifically for tropical and regional environments.”
Biosecurity Queensland’s Chief Biosecurity Officer Dr Rachel Chay said the Alliance was the first step to creating a coordinated, long-term regional capability.
“We want to strengthen our protections and preparedness while also creating a platform for collaborative and strategic investment for the good of the region,” Dr Chay said.
“Biosecurity Queensland brings the policy leadership, operational experience and the existing networks statewide to ensure this Alliance addresses the real biosecurity priorities in Northern Queensland.
“Our connections and responsibilities for frontline surveillance, preparedness and response will ensure the research and innovation developed by the Alliance meets our needs and can be adopted at scale.”
The first step for the Alliance is to agree on the purpose, scope and initial priorities, identifying two or three early initiatives to demonstrate the value of the collaboration.
It will integrate three core areas, Policy and Systems, Research and Development and Capability, Education and Adoption.
“We have the chance to build a durable Alliance that positions Northern Queensland not just to respond to biosecurity threats, but to anticipate them and lead the development of solutions for the wider Tropics,’ Professor Seddon said.