Protecting Australia’s primary industries from exotic pests and diseases is essential to maintaining their productivity and supporting local communities.

To safeguard these industries, Plant Health Australia (PHA) collaborates with industry and government partners to identify and address the most significant biosecurity threats. This results in an industry-specific Biosecurity Plan, which outlines potential risks, enhances preparedness, and provides resources for managing threats.

From October to December 2024, PHA’s Biosecurity Planning team, led by Manager Dr Stephen Quarrell and supported by Project Officers Rebecca Powderly and Evie Kielnhofer, facilitated meetings with key agricultural sectors, including:

• lychee
• papaya
• passionfruit
• berry (blueberry, rubus, strawberry)
• rice
• production nurseries

These Biosecurity Reference Panel (BRP) meetings brought together industry and government experts to review emerging risks, evaluate current biosecurity efforts, and discuss future preparedness activities. Topics covered included:

• high-priority exotic pests and diseases
• existing state movement controls or management measures
• progress on research, surveillance, and diagnostic resources
• opportunities to enhance industry capacity through collaboration.

PHA thanks the participants for their time and expertise in supporting these meetings and the ongoing development of industry Biosecurity Plans. These discussions play a crucial role in strengthening Australia’s biosecurity resilience and ensuring the long-term viability of our primary industries.