$15m to better biosecurity

The state government will allocate $15.1 million in the 2021-22 budget to protect Western Australia’s primary industries from biosecurity risks.

The funding will be given to the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development to enhance early warning and detection systems, boost biosecurity emergency preparedness and build response capacity and capability.

The move will create 22 new full-time equivalent jobs at the department.

Some of the funding will be used to develop preparedness and surveillance plans for high priority plant and animal pests and diseases which could impact on the state’s primary industries and trade, including African swine fever, khapra beetle and white spot in prawns as well as environmental pests like myrtle and red imported fire ants.

Agriculture and Food Minister Alannah MacTiernan said the earlier a pest or disease was detected, the faster the response and the better chance they had to eradicate it.

“In 2020 alone we managed six biosecurity incidents concurrently across Western Australia, including Queensland fruit fly, red imported fire ants and khapra beetle,” Ms MacTiernan said.

“Successfully eradicating Qfly alone saved the State’s horticulture industries an estimated $38 million annually in lost production and market access.

“Investing in preparedness and training will make sure we have the people and systems in place to protect all Western Australians into the future.”