Plant Health Australia (PHA) will be hosting a two-day workshop in Melbourne from 13 – 14 March 2024 to finalise activities in the Nationally Integrated Surveillance System for Plant Pests (NISSPP) project.

The workshop will present findings from the previous consultation process undertaken with PHA Members. It will discuss the current surveillance system and programs and identify requirements to improve the way plant pest surveillance is delivered and resourced into the future. This will be used to develop an implementation plan based on a shared understanding between plant industries and governments on its components and priorities.

The NISSPP project is led by PHA and is funded by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF). This work recognises that while surveillance is critical to detect pests, provide data for improved decision making in responses, and to build and maintain market access, it is costly. At a time when all government agencies, plant peak industry bodies and their growers are facing mounting resourcing pressures, surveillance activities need to provide clear benefits and be undertaken effectively and efficiently.

To make the system sustainable, discussions will be required on roles and responsibilities, available resourcing, and the value of surveillance amongst the many competing priorities stakeholders face.

The workshop will be held at the Park Royal Hotel, Melbourne Airport and for those attending in person, a dinner will be included at the hotel on Wednesday evening. For those unable to attend in person, there is an option to attend virtually.

All PHA Members have received an invitation to register for this hybrid event. Multiple attendees from the same organisation should complete one registration form per person to assist with planning and catering.

If you have not received an email seeking to register your interest, please contact Sharyn Taylor staylor@phau.com.au before Friday, 1 March 2024.