Set for rollout during 2025 and 2026, the NSW Government’s plan features the creation of a State Biosecurity Committee to enhance coordination of cross-government responses during biosecurity emergencies.
Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty said this committee will craft a State Biosecurity Strategy for adoption across government agencies.
Key initiatives include training 200 new staff for biosecurity emergencies, upgrading the state's main biosecurity research facility, and strengthening compliance through expanded inspections, audits and enforcement measures.
The plan introduces a new $40.7 million, four-year Weeds Action Program to support Local Control Authorities and enhance weed management outcomes.
It also emphasises educating businesses, land managers and producers about their biosecurity obligations.
“This highly practical and measurable plan demonstrates our commitment to protecting our primary industries from biosecurity threats, by strengthening our surveillance and compliance, boosting research, and increasing support for farmers and landholders,' Ms Moriarty said.
“Biosecurity is everyone's responsibility, and this Action Plan frames how government agencies, businesses and private landholders can better comply with their biosecurity duties and build the most effective biosecurity system possible.”
The initiative follows thorough reviews by the Natural Resources Commission regarding invasive species management and the Independent Biosecurity Commissioner's assessment of compliance, enforcement and governance performance.
The government's response to the NRC's report can be accessed on its website, while responses to the Independent Biosecurity Commissioner's reports are available on the commissioner's website.
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