Biosecurity meetings coming to a town near you

The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) is encouraging the community to get along to one of a series of biosecurity meetings to talk about how we can protect our towns and environment from pests and diseases.

DPI Executive Director Biosecurity NSW, Bruce Christie, said the meetings were part of a new biosecurity strategy being developed for NSW.

"We want to hear from people about what biosecurity means to them and what issues we should be focussed on," Mr Christie said.

"This includes how we manage biosecurity threats such as plant and animal diseases and pests, weeds, and invasive animals such as foxes, wild pigs and rabbits.

"The livelihood of our farmers and regional towns relies on a strong biosecurity system.

"It’s critical that we continually look at ways we can strengthen our biosecurity measures and maintain this enviable market advantage that we’ve worked so hard to develop."

Mr Christie said the draft Biosecurity Strategy identifies a number of priority areas including biosecurity science and research; surveillance and tracing systems; and improving the State’s capacity to respond to plant and animal health emergencies.

"These meetings aren’t just for farmers," Mr Christie said.

"Biosecurity is an issue that affects our environment, our key industries and regional economies and it’s important everyone has a say on the best way forward.

"DPI biosecurity experts will be on hand to answer your questions and talk about the development of the new biosecurity strategy."

People can download the draft biosecurity strategy or obtain further information at: http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/biosecurity  The closing date for submissions is Friday 16 November 2012.

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