The LGAQ today welcomed the long-awaited release of the ‘Queensland Biosecurity Strategy’, launched by the Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries, Hon. Mark Furner.
The Queensland Biosecurity Strategy is a five-year plan to build the framework for Queensland’s future biosecurity system. Importantly, the Strategy highlights the concept of shared responsibility and shared management of biosecurity risks and decision-making. Having a plan in place will help to manage the likely increasing risks to biosecurity as a result of an increase in trade, movement of people and the impacts of climate change.
Local governments in Queensland play a significant role by managing biosecurity on council-owned land, with councils spending in excess of $40 million in 2016/2017 controlling invasive plants and animals. Local governments also undertake compliance and enforcement role within their local government areas.
The Department of Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries should be commended on the consultative approach taken to develop the strategy, with major stakeholders such as LGAQ involved in drafting the Strategy. The LGAQ now looks forward to working with the department to co-develop action plans that closely align with the goals of the Strategy.