A-peeling opportunity: ILO Training in Orange

Plant Health Australia (PHA) in conjunction with the Department of Primary Industries New South Wales (NSW) will be hosting an Industry Liaison Officer (ILO) training workshop in Orange, NSW, on Wednesday 21 February 2024. The face-to-face workshop will equip future ILOs with the skills to work in a control centre during a plant biosecurity incident.

The training session will provide insights into the ILO role and help participants understand how to work alongside the incident management team in an emergency response.

Another ILO workshop is scheduled to take place in the Northern Territory on Wednesday 15 May 2024 for those unable to attend the February session. Workshops are also planned for Victoria and Queensland in the second half of 2024. Be the first to hear about these training opportunities by joining the mailing list.

If you’re interested in the role of an ILO and would like to attend the training, contact your peak industry body for more information.

Register online for the ILO workshop.

Here’s what past participants have shared about the training:

“Amazing information reinforcing the importance of the ILO role and how to engage in it”.

“A great balance of presentations, group discussion and the opportunity to network with a mix of industries”.

“Excellent facilitation using real-life scenarios and insights shared by those with first-hand experience”.

For more information on ILO workshops or help with registration, contact the PHA training team via email at training@phau.com.au.

 

 

ASW and ADW 2024 venue and dates confirmed

The Annual Diagnostics Workshop (ADW) and the Annual Surveillance Workshop (ASW) 2024 will take place at the Twin Towns Conference Centre in Tweed Heads, Queensland/New South Wales respectively.

  • ADW 2024, 19 – 20 March 2024, Challenges of unculturables and their vectors.
  • ASW 2024, 20 – 21 March 2024, Surveillance in remote locations: challenges, solutions and incorporating community engagement.
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    Both events will be held separately but at the same venue to allow for cross-pollination between surveillance and diagnostics practitioners on an overlapping day on Wednesday 20 March.

    The ADW and ASW events provide the opportunity for National Plant Biosecurity Diagnostic Network (NPBDN) and Plant Surveillance Network Australasia-Pacific (PSNAP) members to improve their skills, exchange tips and techniques, share knowledge, and to network with colleagues. Together, these annual events aim to strengthen plant biosecurity diagnostic and surveillance capabilities within these networks and in Australasia as a whole.

    Abstract submissions for both workshops are now closed. NPBDN and PSNAP members are encouraged to keep a lookout for email and website updates over the coming weeks to stay informed on exciting ADW and ASW 2024 developments!

    If you are unsuccessful in securing a NPBDN- or PSNAP-funded place at ADW/ASW, please be assured that organisation-funded face-to-face places or free virtual attendance are still available. More details to follow.

    For more information on ADW, ASW, or both networks, please contact npbdn@phau.com.au or psnap@phau.com.au.

     

    Biosecurity Basics – keeping the message simple

    In a crowded public messaging space, it’s sometimes challenging to break through and effectively connect, engage and inform with what can be a diverse target audience. This is particularly so when we want to start a conversation about the importance of biosecurity to our economy, livelihoods, environment, and our way of life.

    To try and more effectively engage with its audiences, Biosecurity Tasmania has gone back to basics – literally.

    General Manager of Biosecurity Tasmania, Rae Burrows summed up the challenge.

    “As part of a broader, ongoing campaign to better engage with visitors and locals alike, about the importance of a shared responsibility for our biosecurity, we thought, let’s go back to basics.

    “We identified four basic behaviours we wanted to promote. They needed to be simple actions that visitors and locals could adopt so they could better meet their general biosecurity duty: check your bags, come in clean, stay on the path, and report anything unusual.

    “We then developed simple icons to accompany and illustrate those four basic messages. We have now successfully incorporated those icons (and variations of those icons) into our everyday communication products across a range of channels, and the results are very promising,” Ms Burrows said.

    “A good example is our recent campaign at the start of summer; a season that brings plane and boatloads of visitors to Tasmania – and potentially unwelcome pest and disease visitors, hitchhiking their way into our beautiful island State.

    “Our social media channels have featured Facebook posts and a YouTube advertising campaign reminding visitors and Tasmanians to “Check Your Bags” and to “Report Anything Unusual”.  The reach and engagement of the campaign has been very encouraging, and we plan to follow that up with a focus across all four of the Biosecurity Basics,” Ms Burrows said.

    Find out more about the Biosecurity Basics on the website: nre.tas.gov.au/biosecurity-basics

    Watch the Biosecurity Basics video series on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_LeRPTlTNWiPWKlbJdaubnfNVHh4xYri

     

    First planning workshop to deliver $10M veggie project

    The Plant Health Australia (PHA) team attended the first planning workshop to support delivery of the $10 million Vegetable Industry Biosecurity and Business Continuity Strategy, in Melbourne in December.

    The five-year program is being led by AUSVEG and will build the vegetable industry’s resilience to exotic pest threats through the creation of an industry-led biosecurity program that will strengthen pest surveillance, preparedness and management efforts.

    The workshop brought together project partners including PHA, state governments, CEBRA, Onside, RMCG and Hort Innovation to discuss key priorities and develop an annual plan that provides information on activities to be undertaken in the first year of the program.

    Funded by Hort Innovation on behalf of growers through the Hort Innovation Vegetable Fund, the program will include:

    1. a contingency fund for industry responsiveness to unanticipated threats, providing an adaptable, flexible approach to preparing for high-priority exotic pests
    2. demonstrations of robust, audited on-farm biosecurity practices by growers to foster reassurance and trust within grower communities and multi-level government and non-government groups
    3. developing protocols to facilitate produce movement and the swift reinstatement of market access
    4. a comprehensive communications and extension program across growers, agronomists and consultants.

     

    Message from the CEO – January 2024

    Welcome to the first 2024 edition of Tendrils.

    I’m looking forward to another productive year packed with projects, collaborations and partnerships (existing and new) with events designed to ensure ongoing engagement. Before looking ahead to what 2024 has in store for us, it would be remiss of me not to take the time to reflect on a few highlights from 2023.

    Within our digital systems space, an additional two million records were uploaded to AUSPestCheck® bringing the total number of records in the plant tenancy to over 6.5 million. This flagship system collects, analyses, and displays plant pest surveillance data and provides users with real-time pest numbers and spread. In 2024 we will continue our focus on facilitating greater data sharing between government and industry organisations to support market access, enhance early detection and support proof of freedom.

    Over the past 12 months we developed and delivered new eLearning courses to meet a range of needs including industry liaison to improve industry response readiness to plant biosecurity incidents; forest surveillance exploring the role biosecurity plays in keeping Australia’s forests healthy and an Australian Plant Pest Database course for system users. In addition, we created new content to support ‘just-in-time’ training and improve readiness and capability of our Member organisations.

    In November 2023, I was invited to showcase Australia’s focus on the role of partnerships in plant biosecurity during a virtual presentation at the Canadian National Horticulture and Invasive Species Conference. As a nation we are unique on the world stage when it comes to the value we place on biosecurity.

    We topped off a great year with the launch of the National Biosecurity Training Hub – Australia’s first one-stop online shop for biosecurity training developed in collaboration with the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Agriculture Victoria, New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, and Animal Health Australia. The Hub provides a central location and database of biosecurity training resources, reducing duplication of effort and costs associated with developing and delivering biosecurity training. Now in a single location that streamlines and facilitates national visibility of biosecurity-related training across government, industry and community, we are excited to help the Hub deliver value and continue to grow.

    Our wet summer kicked off with ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper dumping nearly 1000 mm of rain on Far North Queensland in mid-December, causing extensive damage in the region. Cleanup operations are continuing with the threat of more to come. Primary producers have felt the impacts of the deluge, with the peak industry body for sugarcane growers indicating some farms suffering crop losses as high as 60%. Reduced yields and impacts to harvesting operations of summer fruit and other plant production processes are expected for local growers. To assist the economic recovery of the region, the Queensland Government is offering disaster assistance to primary producers and the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) is also hosting information sessions this month.

    The eastern states also experienced prolonged wet conditions amid El Niño with the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) predicting the climate model is at, or near its peak, with the likelihood of it weakening over the coming months. Preparing your farm for severe weather events and managing the risks associated with people movement should remain top of mind during these wet conditions to reduce the risk of new pests and diseases being introduced.

    Coming up in February I’ll be touching base with the AgForce Biosecurity Committee at their first meeting of the year where I’ll be providing a general overview of PHA, presenting on key projects and initiatives delivering local impact and exploring potential collaborations to benefit Queensland’s rural producers.

    As we look ahead to the next 12 months, our focus on Member satisfaction remains a priority and we will continue to measure this through face-to-face consultations, submissions via our Member email address memberships@phau.com.au, and feedback received from PHA events.

    I’m looking forward to stepping into this year and building on our achievements and partnerships that strengthen the Australian plant biosecurity system for the benefit of the economy, environment and community.

    PHA Board Meeting 113 Communique

    At the end of November each year Plant Health Australia (PHA) hosts Members over two days to facilitate and deliver industry and government engagement on biosecurity priorities in person and online.  

    This year the second Government Members Forum, the 36th Plant Industry Forum, the 23rd Annual General Meeting (AGM), the 13th PHA Members Forum and the 38th Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed (EPPRD) Signatories Meeting were held 28-29 November 2023. Over the two days PHA hosted discussions on the public consultation on the draft agricultural levies, the National Biosecurity Implementation Plan and Plant Property Identification Codes. We also presented on our digital systems that provide critical national infrastructure to support industry and government data sharing opportunities, network coordination of diagnostics specialists and surveillance practitioners, bee biosecurity and why it is more important than ever. We also discussed forest biosecurity and the launch of the unique ForestWatch program, which demonstrates how surveillance projects spanning government, industry and community are critical to the delivery of collaborative biosecurity activities in the future.  

    At the EPPRD Signatories meeting, the change in representation for the Onions industry following the merging of Onions Australia and AUSVEG Ltd was voted on and endorsed by signatories.  

    Departure of Board Chair Mr Steve McCutcheon 

    At the 23rd AGM on 28 November 2023, outgoing Director Mr Steve McCutcheon delivered his final address as Board Chair after six years in the position and serving eight years in total. He took the opportunity to note several key highlights during his time as Chair of the Board, including: 

    • welcoming the Australian Tea Tree Industry Association as our 29th Industry Member  
    • securing additional EPPRD signatories  
    • receiving funding for the National Fruit Fly Council  
    • raising awareness of the importance of plant health to a wider group of stakeholders through the International Year of Plant Health  
    • sponsoring the inaugural Farm Biosecurity Producer of the Year Award  
    • publishing the Australian Handbook for the Identification of Fruit Flies and companion website  
    • celebrating 21 years of PHA  
    • releasing PHA’s 2022-2027 strategic plan.  

     
    Mr McCutcheon also thanked outgoing Directors Dr Joanne Daly and Mr Robert Prince both having served two four-year terms on the Board, acknowledged the excellent work of PHA CEO Sarah Corcoran, and thanked all PHA Members for their continued partnership and commitment to improving plant biosecurity for the economy, environment and community. 

    Mr McCutcheon’s address was shortly followed by the unanimous appointment by Members of three new Board Directors: Ms Ros Baker, Mr Jolyon Burnett and Dr Ron Glanville. Ms Kathy Kelly was re-appointed to a second term and Dr Jeremy Burdon was appointed by the Board for two years, following the resignation of Prof Simon McKirdy in September. 

    Appointment of new Chair of the PHA Board  

    With the departure of three longstanding Board Directors, Board Meeting 113 (BM113), held Thursday 30 November 2023, marked important changes in the makeup of the PHA Board and its two committees. 

    Following deliberations at the commencement of BM113, the board unanimously resolved to appoint Mr Kim Halbert to the position of Chair of the PHA Board for a term of two years, and Mr Doug Phillips to the position of Deputy Chair for a term of one year.  

    Ms Kathy Kelly was re-appointed as Chair of the Finance & Audit Committee (F&AC), and Ms Baker, Dr Burdon, and Ms Susan Petrellis were appointed as members of the F&AC. Mr Burnett and Dr Ron Glanville were appointed as members of the People & Culture Committee, chaired by Mr Halbert and including Mr Phillips. 

    Special thanks were again given to outgoing Directors Mr Steve McCutcheon, Mr Robert Prince and Dr Joanne Daly for their service to the Board and PHA, and especially Mr McCutcheon for his service as Chair. 

    Board Meeting 113 report 

    All Directors were delighted to attend and meet with Members and stakeholders at the AGM and Members Forum held over the two days prior to BM113, and to hear from PHA staff regarding the many varied projects currently under way. 

    At BM113, the Board also met with Canberra-based staff in the PHA Office over lunch, better acquainting themselves with the diverse team who underpin the work of PHA. 

    Also in attendance at BM113 by invitation of the Board were PHA’s Chief Executive Officer Ms Sarah Corcoran, National Manager (Marketing and Communications) Ms Amanda Yong, General Manager (Emergency Response) Dr Susanna Driessen, Acting Chief Financial Officer Ms Somania Dahal, and Chief Operating Officer Ms Jessica Arnold. 

    During BM113, the Board’s discussion of matters of special importance to the company and its Members included: 

    • congratulations on the successful meetings and engaging presentations from PHA Members and staff at the preceding meetings 
    • discussion of the Varroa destructor debrief on 27 November 2023, at which the deliberations produced excellent results that the PHA team will draft into a report  
    • discussion of the Biosecurity Protection Levy, including Members’ and PHA’s concerns about potential impacts on funding arrangements  
    • discussion and review of the PHA Values Campaign, including key elements of its process and execution such as attention to authenticity, cultural activities and employee recognition; and 
    • other ordinary business, including discussion of the latest F&AC report, discussion of optimal financial management system arrangements, review and approval of the Corporate Risk Register, and review and approval of the Workplace Health and Safety Metrics report. 

     
    Following BM113, newly appointed Directors participated in a half-day induction on Friday 1 December 2023, covering personal administration, corporate governance, corporate strategy and reporting, internal governance, finances and budgeting, Member value proposition, the PHA and Emergency Plant Pest Response Levies, people and culture, ICT, and the EPPRD. 

    The PHA Board look forward to meeting with Victoria-based government and industry Members early in the new year, when BM114 is held in Melbourne, in February 2024. 

    The December issue of the National Plant Biosecurity Diagnostic Network’s e-newsletter is out now.

    The National Plant Biosecurity Diagnostic Network (NPBDN) helps Australian plant diagnosticians succeed together by working collaboratively to navigate biosecurity challenges.

    The December issue of their bi-monthly newsletter has just been published, read it now via the link below.

    Read the December 2023 issue.

    Message from the CEO – December 2023

    Plant Health Australia CEO Sarah Corcoran delivers her final message for 2023. Watch the video below.

    Read the transcript.

    Update to the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed (EPPRD)

    The 38th Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed (EPPRD) Parties meeting was held 29 November to progress strategic and operational priorities and improve the national biosecurity arrangements carried out under the EPPRD.

    This included changes to the annual debriefing process and lessons management cycle designed to improve monitoring and review of lessons identified from all debriefs carried out under the EPPRD.  The signatories also workshopped policy options developed by a working group on the categorisation processes, and cost sharing under the EPPRD.

    In the lead up to the meeting, Plant Health Australia (PHA) collaborated with Parties to identify progress against the actions identified in the 2020 review of the EPPRD.  There has been significant progress made by PHA and Government and Industry Parties against these actions, particularly in the areas of training, and biosecurity preparedness.

    Earlier this year, Onions Australia announced that they would merge with AUSVEG Ltd and would therefore resign as a signatory to the EPPRD, effective from 1 February 2024.  AUSVEG applied to represent hard onions to ensure that the onion industry retains the benefits of being represented under the EPPRD. A vote in favour of AUSVEG’s application at the meeting means that AUSVEG now represents hard onions in addition to all other vegetable crops listed in Schedule 7 of the EPPRD.

     

    PaDIL Future Directions workshop enhances the future of Australia’s diagnostic capabilities

    Plant Health Australia (PHA) hosted a virtual Pest and Disease Image Library (PaDIL) Future Directions workshop in November, where the future direction for the online database was mapped out. Attendees included members of the PaDIL Steering Committee, PHA staff, and invited guests representing end-users and content contributors.

    The workshop was facilitated by PHA’s General Manager, Partnerships and Innovation, and the PaDIL Steering Committee Chair, Dr Lucy Tran-Nguyen. The workshop focussed on three main discussion sessions about the vision, path to success and prioritisation for the system, respectively. This supports effective prioritisation of planned activities that aim to improve the current system’s ability to meet the needs of end users such as diagnosticians, as well as to further integrate with national systems and resources.

    To set the scene for discussions, PHA’s Digital Systems Manager Dr Matt Hill, Digital Systems Project Officers, Evie Kielnhofer and Jimmy Lu, provided background information on system functions and features, and system metrics to reflect the current state of PaDIL. Evie also presented findings of PHA’s recent engagement with national reference collection managers (of plant pathology and invertebrate collections) on their capacity to perform high-resolution imaging of specimens to contribute to PaDIL.

    Dr Rachel Mann, PHA’s Diagnostics Manager, presented on potential system linkages to other current and maintained diagnostic information and resources including the potential to link to National Diagnostic Protocols (NDPs) and National Surveillance Protocols (NSPs) for National Priority Plant Pests (NPPPs), Exotic Environmental Pests (EEPs) and High Priority Plant Pests (HPPs).

    The workshop captured the enthusiastic and informed insights of attendees and their vision for PaDIL over the next five years. The outcomes will help identify priorities for PaDIL and allow PHA to coordinate activities to help deliver a successful system to benefit Australian plant biosecurity.

    PaDIL is an online resource which offers high-quality diagnostic images and information tools designed to assist agronomists, biosecurity officers, diagnosticians, and researchers both in Australia and overseas. PaDIL is endorsed by the National Biosecurity Committee (NBC) as a nationally significant infrastructure for Australia’s diagnostic capability which is supported by a cost-shared arrangement for the next five years.

    During 2022, with funding support from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), PaDIL was rebuilt with an improved search functionality, a new diagnostic image comparison tool and increased representation of priority pest species.