In a new biosecurity awareness campaign, Western Australians are being urged to do their part to protect our State from devastating pests and diseases that could harm animals, primary industries, and the environment.
The Western Australian (WA) Government’s Biosecurity – We Can All Do Our Part campaign reminds everyone to act morally and take practical precautions to protect WA from threats like foot and mouth disease as school breaks and travel are about to increase.
“With several biosecurity threats knocking on the State’s door, like foot and mouth disease, lumpy skin disease and banana freckle, to name but a few, it has never been more important for Western Australians to pull together and take action to minimise these risks,” Agriculture and Food Minister Alannah McTiernan said.
According to the State Government, the campaign includes ensuring shoes, clothing, or equipment are clean when returning from overseas or travelling in the regions, and checking what items are allowed to be brought in via the mail.
Five new biosecurity incidents, including the American serpentine leafminer, polyphagous shot-hole borer, potato spindle, blueberry rust, and Japanese encephalitis, have occurred in Western Australia in the last year alone, in addition to seven ongoing incursions.
“While Indonesia is making progress in FMD control, the heightened risk is still there, and we need Western Australians to be conscious of the role they can play,” Minister MacTiernan stated.
With a budget commitment of $15.1 million over four years for 2021–2022, the McGowan Government improved the State’s capacity for biosecurity emergency preparedness. This money will support early detection surveillance, pest and disease responses, and early detection.
The State Government said maintaining a robust biosecurity system is critical to growing WA’s economy and regions, and protecting WA’s $11 billion primary industries and natural resources.
Access to high-value markets worldwide is made possible by WA’s lack of significant animal and plant pests and diseases, which is essential for the State’s export-based agricultural sector, the State Government stated.
“The campaign reinforces these measures, harnessing the collective effort of all Western Australians in protecting our farmers and pastoralists’ livelihoods, their animals and crops, agribusinesses, regional communities, and the economy,” Minister MacTiernan said.
