A new national online platform is now live, providing educators, students and community groups with engaging, age-appropriate tools to build biosecurity awareness across Australia.

Developed by Plant Health Australia (PHA) with funding from the Queensland Government through the Queensland Biosecurity Grants Program, the Youth Biosecurity Hub offers a centralised library of curriculum-aligned lesson plans and interactive resources. It also includes an eLearning course, launching at the end of July 2025, designed to inspire young Australians to become biosecurity heroes.

The development of the platform follows the success of the National Biosecurity Training Hub, an online library of biosecurity training resources developed by PHA in collaboration with the Queensland Department of Primary Industries, Animal Health Australia, NSW Department of Primary Industries, and Agriculture Victoria in 2023.

With the premise Biosecurity made easy, the Youth Biosecurity Hub is designed to simplify a complex subject and make biosecurity more accessible to the classroom and beyond. The project was a joint effort by PHA’s Learning and Development and Marketing and Communications teams, and features content that was shared with a selection of Queensland teachers to ensure classroom relevance and practical application.

Sarah Corcoran, Chief Executive Officer of PHA, said early education is key to future resilience.

“A strong biosecurity system starts with awareness and shared responsibility. By equipping young Australians with the knowledge and tools they need from an early age, we’re helping to build a more resilient and informed future.

The Youth Biosecurity Hub is a national resource that empowers teachers, students, and communities to take part in protecting what matters most.”

Rachel Chay, Deputy Director-General of Biosecurity Queensland, said the Youth Biosecurity Hub is a fantastic example of how we can engage the next generation.

“By fostering curiosity and responsibility in young people, we’re not just protecting our state’s unique environment and industries today, we’re investing in the biosecurity leaders of tomorrow.

We’re proud to support this important work through our Queensland Biosecurity Grants Program, encouraging innovation, enhancing education and strengthening preparedness in Queensland.”

This initiative exemplifies the value of cross-sector collaboration, bringing together government, educators and technical specialists to support Australia’s biosecurity objectives.

With accessible, ready-made materials tailored for primary and secondary schools, the Youth Biosecurity Hub makes it easy for teachers to bring biosecurity education into the classroom and for parents and community groups to reinforce learning at home or in local programs.

The Youth Biosecurity Hub is built to:

• explore key biosecurity concepts through interactive eLearning modules and activities
• engage students with real-world examples and hands-on learning
• empower young Australians to take action and become biosecurity champions.

Whether it’s protecting Australia’s precious wildlife, safeguarding agricultural industries, or ensuring future food security, biosecurity awareness starts with education.

The Youth Biosecurity Training Hub is now available at youthbiosecurityhub.com.au.