Member for the Mining and Pastoral Region Dave Grills MLC has welcomed the launch of the Royalties for Regions-funded State Biosecurity strategy today.
The WA Biosecurity Strategy 2016-25 provides a framework to manage biosecurity issues, including plant and animal pests, diseases and weeds, as well as diseases that can be transmitted between animals and humans.
Mr Grills said the strategy would strengthen the protection of Western Australia’s valuable agriculture and food sector, environmental biodiversity, desirable lifestyle and social amenity.
“The strategy will improve co-ordination between government, industry and the community to minimise biosecurity risks within and beyond the WA border,” Mr Grills said.
“Biosecurity is a shared responsibility and it is important that all stakeholders have a clear understanding of their role and confidence in a robust decision making process, backed by strong policies and processes.”
Mr Grills said WA boasted an enviable biosecurity reputation with robust and sophisticated protocols which were highly regarded in international markets.
“WA is one of the few places in the world which is free from major pests and diseases and therefore has a strong reputation as a clean and green producer,” Mr Grills said.
“This strategy will reinforce our international standing and pave the way for new export opportunities that will help to grow the agriculture and food sector, and the State’s economy.”
The WA Biosecurity Strategy has been developed as part of the $20 million Boosting Biosecurity Defences project under the $350 million Royalties for Regions Seizing the Opportunity Agriculture initiative.
Nationals WA Candidate for the Kimberley Rob Houston said strong and innovative biosecurity defences would be crucial to the future of the region’s agricultural sector.
“The Nationals WA are committed to safeguarding our valuable agricultural resources against the threat and impacts of unwanted pests, weeds and diseases,” Mr Houston said.
“I am pleased to see Royalties for Regions instrumental in building a sustainable and coordinated management of biosecurity risks across WA, including in the Kimberley.”
For more information about the WA Biosecurity Strategy 2016-25, visit http://www.agric.wa.gov.au and search for ‘State biosecurity strategy’.
For media enquiries contact Dave Grills MLC on (08) 90711 500 or email dave.grills@mp.wa.gov.au
