October 9th, 2023Victorians urged to join the ‘great biosecurity quest’ now

The state government is encouraging all Victorian residents to learn how to help protect the state’s precious agriculture industry.

Minister for Agriculture Gayle Tierney visited the Melbourne Royal Show recently to launch The Great Biosecurity Quest, a new science program that will teach people how to combat against pests and diseases that threaten our environment.

Held in October, Victorians can register to join the Quest as a Watchout Warrior and access a science toolkit that explains the pests and diseases in their backyard, local garden or national park.

Watchout Warriors can also report their discoveries via Agriculture Victoria’s online portal and help keep our natural assets safe.

Ahead of the Great Biosecurity Quest’s opening, Melbourne Royal Show visitors can take part in the Junior Quest, an interactive display in the Livestock Building which will educate children on specific animals and diseases.

Visitors will also discover how to join the Great Biosecurity Quest and enter a competition to win an iPad Mini.

Pests and diseases pose a major threat to the state’s multi-billion dollar agriculture and tourism industries – so a strong biosecurity system is fundamental to the health, well-being and prosperity of all Victorians.

The government is committed to managing and preparing for key biosecurity threats, including emergency animal diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease or lumpy skin disease.

The government has invested $17.5 million in biosecurity as part of this year’s budget, to ensure Victoria has the skills and capability to respond swiftly to an emergency animal disease detection.