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  4. Plant Biosecurity Research Symposium highlights excellent collaboration and partnerships

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Plant Biosecurity Research Symposium highlights excellent collaboration and partnerships

  • Newsletter
  • Plants
  • Biosecurity
3 May 2024

The Chief Plant Protection Officer and staff from her office part sponsored, helped organise and attended the Plant Biosecurity Research Initiative (PBRI) Symposium in Cairns on 8-9 May 2024. This biennial Symposium, coordinated by Dr Jo Luck, Program Director of the PBRI, highlights the importance of collaborating across industries, to achieve improved plant biosecurity through better coordination of research investment. Delegates at the symposium also joined in a celebration of the International Day of Plant Health with a special morning tea sponsored by Plant Health Australia.

Image of Dr Jo Luck, Program Director of the PBRI with Gabrielle Vivian-Smith and Department Secretary Adam Fennessy at the PBRI Symposium
Dr Jo Luck, Program Director of the PBRI with Gabrielle Vivian-Smith and Department Secretary Adam Fennessy at the PBRI Symposium.

Over 180 delegates attended the symposium, including representatives from government, Research and Development Corporations and research organisations, Plant Health Australia, peak industry bodies and growers. The symposium provided an opportunity to hear about the impacts and outcomes of plant biosecurity research co-investment and created a time for stakeholders to connect and collaborate.

Senator the Hon Murray Watt, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry opened the symposium with a pre-recorded message, highlighting the work of government in protecting Australia’s plant biosecurity followed by a keynote address by Danny le Feuvre, CEO, of the Australian Honeybee Industry Council, who discussed what worked well in the response, what didn’t work and what was needed for the recovery of the industry following the Varroa mite incursion in New South Wales.

A diverse range of speakers presented on early warning and risk, diagnostics and surveillance and capability building. The dinner address was given by Dr Angus Carnegie, Senior Principal Research Scientist, Forest Science at the NSW Department of Primary Industries, who drew attention to the impact of myrtle rust on our forests and cultural heritage. Symposium participants were also treated to the moving ‘Roots to Resilience film on the impacts of this disease on our communities - https://publish.viostream.com/play/dicbhzwrrabm7a 

Image of Dr Jo Lee presenting on the department’s preparedness for exotic plant pests and diseases and the review of the Top 42 national priority plant pests.
Dr Jo Lee presenting on the department’s preparedness for exotic plant pests and diseases and the review of the Top 42 national priority plant pests. Credit: PBRI

On the second day of the symposium, the Department’s Secretary gave an address focused on the department’s approach to safeguarding Australia's biosecurity, by integrating science, innovation, and regional collaboration. There was a panel on industry perspectives on biosecurity, and sessions on Trans -Tasman biosecurity research, resilient crop protection systems and readiness and recovery. The keynote address by Brett Fifield, CEO of Hort Innovation emphasised the complexity of delivering on the biosecurity investment for the 37 horticultural industries, giving examples of projects that are having a positive impact.

To see details of the Symposium including abstracts of the presentations, visit https://kaigi.eventsair.com/QuickEventWebsitePortal/plant-biosecurity-research-symposium-2024/pbri2024 

Image of PBRI symposium audience engaging with the industry panel.
PBRI symposium audience engaging with the industry panel

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Page last updated: 20 June 2024

We acknowledge the continuous connection of First Nations Traditional Owners and Custodians to the lands, seas and waters of Australia. We recognise their care for and cultivation of Country. We pay respect to Elders past and present, and recognise their knowledge and contribution to the productivity, innovation and sustainability of Australia’s agriculture, fisheries and forestry industries.

Artwork: Protecting our Country, Growing our Future
© Amy Allerton, contemporary Aboriginal Artist of the Gumbaynggirr, Bundjalung and Gamilaroi nations.

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