Plant Health Australia (PHA) in collaboration with government and industry delivered Exercise Motus to test Australia’s preparedness for a detection of Bactrocera dorsalis (oriental fruit fly). This is currently an exotic pest to Australia and one of the most serious threats to our horticultural sector.

Representatives from government and industry participated in the exercise held in Sydney (8-19 July 2024) and Cairns (8-9 August 2024).

The scenario explored how an incursion could affect production and market access, and assessed the early actions required to maintain business continuity.

The exercise identified several recommendations to strengthen biosecurity preparedness, including the need for agreed movement protocols, clear and consistent communication, and a nationally coordinated approach.

The insights gained will help enhance Australia’s biosecurity framework and support faster, more effective responses to future biosecurity threats.

PHA acknowledges its funding partners, Hort Innovation, Macquarie University, South Australia Research Development Institute, New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and the Australian Government. We also thank the Exercise Planning Team for their expertise and contributions to the design of the simulation.

Download the final report now.

For more information on other training opportunities in plant biosecurity, please contact training@phau.com.au.