Community to have say on biosecurity strategy
THE NSW Department of Primary Industries will hold a community meeting in Tamworth this afternoon to discuss a new draft biosecurity strategy for the state.
Smaller landholders and hobby farmers are being encouraged to attend the meeting, to be held from 4pm to 6pm at the Tamworth Golf Club, and take part in finalising the strategy to safeguard NSW from plant and animal pests and diseases.
The draft strategy, released last week for consultation, builds on existing measures to keep NSW pest- and disease-free.
It identifies a number of priority areas, including biosecurity science and research; surveillance and tracing systems; and improving the state’s capacity to respond to plant and animal health emergencies.
State Primary Industries Minister Katrina Hodgkinson said while larger-scale farmers were familiar with the biosecurity threats to the “clean, green” reputation NSW enjoyed, smaller landholders were often overlooked.
“Everybody who has rural lands – primary producers, hobby farmers, boutique livestock breeders and small-scale flower and vegetable growers – has a role to play in managing biosecurity risks,” Ms Hodgkinson said.
Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson said governments needed to manage biosecurity with the support of the entire community.
“We can’t always eliminate the risk of pests, weeds and diseases entering NSW, but we can be proactive and work together to reduce the risks,” Mr Anderson said.
“Whether you’re a large landholder or keen gardener, everyone has a role in managing biosecurity threats. I urge you to be involved in the process.”
To RSVP for the meeting, email registration.biosecuritystrategy@dpi.nsw.gov.au or call 4640 6483.
The draft biosecurity strategy can be downloaded from www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/biosecurity
The closing date for submissions is Friday, November 16.
