Senior Plant Pathologist, Richard Davis, along with colleagues from the Northern Australia Quarantine Strategy (NAQS) team and two key overseas collaborators, have recently published an article in the CSIRO special edition of Historical Records of Australian Science.
The article showcases the NAQS teams’ dedication to safeguarding Australia's northern borders from biosecurity threats. It emphasises the crucial role NAQS plays in preventing the introduction and spread of exotic pests and diseases, which could devastate the region's agriculture and natural ecosystems.
The paper provides a comprehensive overview of the NAQS program's development over the past 35 years, highlighting its growth into a successful partnership with northern First Nations communities and Indigenous land and sea ranger groups. It also showcases notable achievements in plant disease research, underscoring the value of collaborative efforts with international partners.
To learn more about the history and vital work of NAQS, read the article Northern Australia Quarantine Strategy plant health surveys: over thirty years of a globally unique on- and off-shore solution to island nation biosecurity challenges.
This special issue offers a glimpse into NAQS's challenges, triumphs, and ongoing efforts to ensure the protection of Australia's agricultural landscape. For more information on the Northern Australia Quarantine Strategy, visit the Northern biosecurity webpage.
