March has demonstrated once again that strengthening the resilience of Australia’s biosecurity system is achieved through building capacity and strengthening collaboration.

Recent heavy rainfall has caused severe flooding across parts of Far North Queensland (FNQ) and the Northern Territory, with impacts expected to intensify in the coming days due to Tropical Cyclone Narelle, bringing further high winds and flash flooding. Severe weather events such as cyclones and flooding can bring significant disruption to agricultural production and can change the biosecurity risk profile of properties and regions. Biosecurity planning can reduce the risks associated with severe weather and assist in the recovery phase. The Farm Biosecurity website provides helpful tools on how to prepare effectively to protect productivity and ensure business continuity.

The Torres Strait Exotic Fruit Fly Eradication Program in FNQ implements a range of seasonal activities to prevent exotic fruit flies from establishing in Australia’s Torres Strait. The program is cost-shared under the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed and is delivered by the Queensland Department of Primary Industries. Earlier this year, the response plan was reviewed and the National Management Group approved a 12-month extension to ensure the continued suppression and eradication of exotic fruit fly species. The extension of the response, supported through the approved National Technical Plans, reflects the importance of sustained vigilance in protecting mainland Australia from high-risk pests moving through the Torres Strait.

In more positive news, Australian agriculture is forecast to reach $101.4 billion in farmgate production this financial year – a goal set by the National Farmers Federation (NFF) in 2018 and reached four years ahead of schedule. Australia’s biosecurity system has been fundamental to this success, playing a critical role in protecting and supporting the productivity of the agriculture industry.

A strategic focus on strengthening relationships and maintaining biosecurity awareness across Australia continued this month, supported by key engagements with the Centre of Excellence for Biosecurity Risk Analysis (CEBRA) Board, the Australian Grape and Wine Board, the Victorian Invasive Pests Advisory (VIPA) Board, the National Biosecurity Committee (NBC), the National Biosecurity Communications and Engagement Network (NBCEN), the Plant Health Committee (PHC), National Fruit Fly Council (NFFC) and the Plant Industry Forum Committee (PIFC).

Education and workforce development remain central to building Australia’s future biosecurity capacity. Recently, capacity‑building efforts spanned both current and emerging leaders, including the delivery of EPPRD training events to the Grain Producers Australia (GPA) Board and the PHA Board to strengthen governance capability and shared understanding of national biosecurity arrangements. This focus was complemented by outreach to the next generation of agricultural professionals, with Dr Salome Wilson presenting to Australian National University students as part of their biosecurity course, highlighting career pathways and the critical role plant biosecurity plays in Australia’s agricultural future.

At an international level, the importance of plant health was reinforced through the 20th Session of the Commission on Phytosanitary Measures (CPM-20), held at FAO Headquarters in Rome bringing together global plant health leaders, CPM-20 highlighted the critical role of strong phytosanitary systems in supporting food security, trade and environmental protection, particularly in an increasingly complex global landscape. It is encouraging to see plant health maintaining a strong international profile, with important contributions from across the biosecurity community. We also acknowledge the leadership of IPPC Secretary Enrico Perotti, a familiar name to many in Australia, whose ongoing work continues to strengthen global collaboration in plant biosecurity.

Later this week, I’ll be pleased to share the draft 2026-27 Annual Operational Plan (AOP) and invite all Members to review and provide feedback on the draft AOP. The AOP outlines PHA’s planned activities for the next 12 months to operationalise PHA’s Strategic Plan 2022-27. It reflects our shared priorities and demonstrates how Member subscriptions are invested in core activities that align with national priorities and support our mission to strengthen the Australian plant biosecurity system for the benefit of the economy, environment and community.

I extend my sincere thanks to our Members and stakeholders for your ongoing partnership and commitment. Together, we are strengthening Australia’s plant biosecurity system and shaping a future‑oriented, solutions‑focused approach for the challenges ahead.

Regards,

Sarah Corcoran