Plant Health Australia’s (PHA) Digital Systems team continues to play an important role in strengthening Australia’s plant biosecurity system by supporting the accuracy, accessibility and growth of national data platforms.

Based in Hobart, Caitlin Tolsma, PHA’s Acting Manager, Digital Systems has been working closely with the Tasmanian Plant Pest Database (TPPD) and the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG) to facilitate bulk uploads into the Australian Plant Pest Database (APPD). This collaboration will result in the addition of hundreds of thousands of new data points, building on the more than 1.4 million records already available to biosecurity professionals across Australia.

By supporting the collation and integration of pest and pathogen data, PHA and national reference collections are contributing to critical research, surveillance and response activities. These efforts help ensure decision makers have access to reliable, up-to-date information vital biosecurity research and response activities.

Help shape the future of PaDIL

PHA also continues to enhance the Pest and Disease Image Library (PaDIL), an online resource featuring more than 7,200 high-quality diagnostic images covering a wide range of biosecurity and biodiversity specimens.

To ensure PaDIL remains relevant and aligned with user needs, we are inviting feedback from our users. We are particularly interested in understanding what content is most valuable and how the platform can be improved.

A short user survey will be available on the PaDIL website from 18 March to mid-April and will take approximately five minutes to complete. Insights gathered will directly inform future enhancements and help guide the development of new content.

Outside of the survey period, feedback is always welcome. Please contact the PaDIL team at padil@phau.com.au with any suggestions or ideas.

Thank you for helping us continue to improve this important diagnostic resource.