Victoria’s biosecurity system will be strengthened with a $6.1 million investment by the Victorian Government for projects that help prevent, monitor, and control diseases in cattle, sheep, goat, swine and honeybee industries.

Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence recently announced that 16 organisations will receive grants to deliver 38 projects that provide ground breaking solutions and use emerging technologies to improve livestock biosecurity in Victoria.

The Livestock Biosecurity Funds Grant Program reinvests funds raised through duties on the sale of livestock and beekeeper registration fees back into the sector to help meet emerging biosecurity challenges head on.

Warragul based Veterinary Support Services will receive $1.4 million to deliver a 2 year Victorian Livestock Veterinary Scholarship program.

This includes clinical supervision and training that provides early-career veterinarians with skills, experience, networks and support to launch and sustain a livestock veterinary career in regional Victoria.

Western Plains Pork has been awarded $155,000 to run a pilot program to map contact between feral and domestic pigs to understand disease transmission risks.

This program will enhance participation and engagement from land managers – improving the industry’s preparedness and reduce the impact of diseases on the Victorian pig industry.

The Livestock Biosecurity Funds Grant Program was established collaboratively between Agriculture Victoria and the 4 Livestock Compensation Advisory Committees, representing a shared responsibility between government and industry to boost Victoria’s biosecurity and provide real benefits to industry.

Minister Spence has also appointed Chairs and members with a broad range of industry skills and experience to the four Livestock Compensation Advisory Committees to provide advice on the administration of these funds.

For a full list of the 2024 Livestock Biosecurity Funds Grant Program recipients as well as Livestock Compensation Advisory Committee members can visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/livestockbiosecurityfunds.

Words: Agriculture Victoria. Image: Supplied

Community and industry feedback is being invited on Victoria’s new Biosecurity Strategy to help strengthen the existing system against increased pest and disease risks.

Biosecurity Victoria Executive Director Katherine Clift said widespread input is critical in shaping the strategy to prevent and manage harms to our farms, natural environment and people.

Community members can complete a survey or make a submission on Victoria’s Biosecurity Strategy by midnight, Wednesday, 16 August, 2023 via engage.vic.gov.au/victorian-biosecurity-strategy-consultation

‘Victoria’s biosecurity system needs to adapt and change to meet current and future challenges with improved clarity on the role that everyone can play to reduce risk,’ Dr Clift said.

‘We welcome feedback on Victoria’s new Biosecurity Strategy – a key commitment to strengthening our existing system against increased pests and disease risks.

‘It’s crucial this strategy is informed by people from a range of backgrounds and experience – including those who regularly deal with biosecurity risks and benefit from a strong biosecurity
system.’

Biosecurity is the actions to prevent and manage the harms caused by pests and diseases, and the impact they have on what we value most.

‘Victoria’s biosecurity system has responded strongly to high priority threats in recent years and
there are great examples of partnerships across the system,’ Dr Clift said.

‘The new Victorian Biosecurity Strategy prioritises more widespread collaboration as key to a stronger and more resilient system.’

The draft strategy was developed with people who have a role in biosecurity, including farmers, agriculture industry bodies, supply chain and transport businesses, community and emergency
management organisations, Traditional Owners and government agencies.

Community consultation included a series of statewide workshops earlier this year and builds on Victoria’s Biosecurity Statement endorsed by the Victorian Government in 2022.

The strategy has also been shaped with input by Victoria’s Biosecurity Reference Group (BRG), a collective representing industry and community views.

‘In our collective pursuit of a secure future for both food and fibre, we must recognise that biosecurity is a shared responsibility,’ BRG member and VFF Vice President Danyel Cucinotta
said.

‘We encourage farmers to actively engage in shaping the draft strategy with invaluable insights and collaboration that will fortify our defences, ensuring a resilient and thriving agricultural sector for generations to come.’

The draft strategy is the next step in a four-year change program working with government, industry and community to strengthen different aspects of the biosecurity system.