Biosecurity planning

The development of a Biosecurity Plan (BP) is an important step in improving preparedness for exotic pest incursions. Biosecurity planning is undertaken through a collaborative approach to identify the greatest biosecurity threats to Australia’s plant industries. Through this process risk mitigation activities are identified to improve biosecurity practices and preparedness. Biosecurity planning is an obligation under the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed (EPPRD).  Biosecurity plans are not designed to be on-farm manuals. For more information on farm biosecurity, see farmbiosecurity.com.au

The biosecurity planning process

The first step in developing a BP is to identify the exotic pests (including insects, mites, molluscs (snail and slugs), pathogens (diseases) and nematodes) of the crop(s) produced commercially in Australia. The exotic pests are assessed by a Technical Expert Group for their potential to enter, establish and spread within Australia and their economic impact to the crop(s) covered in the BP. Those that pose the highest risk are considered to be High Priority Pests (HPPs).

For more information on the risk assessments used in BPs see www.planthealthaustralia.com.au/risk-assessment.

The next step is to develop and agree upon biosecurity measures to minimise the risk and improve preparedness for  the pests that pose the greatest risk to an industry. This involves the industry, governments, the relevant research and development corporation (RDC) and PHA working in collaboration with each other. Agreed risk mitigation activities are aligned to five overarching strategies from the National Plant Biosecurity Strategy under:

  • Preparedness and Response
  • Capacity and Capability
  • Communication and Engagement
  • Innovation, RD&E
  • Collaboration and Partnerships

Once the BP has been developed, it is endorsed by  the relevant peak industry body (or bodies) and by each state and territory government and the Commonwealth government through the Plant Health Committee.

Biosecurity Plan implementation

To ensure Biosecurity Plans remain current, PHA may work with industry and government to regularly review Biosecurity Plans and monitor the implementation of preparedness activities.

Biosecurity Plans undergo formal reviews to ensure they remain up to date by taking into account new research, changes in pest host and geographic range and changes to  potential entry pathways.

For further information on Biosecurity Plans please contact admin@phau.com.au

For a copy of your industry’s biosecurity plan, please contact your peak industry organisation.