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    Protect against unwanted plant pests

    Our biosecurity system helps protects us. Everyone has a role in supporting our biosecurity system.

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Department of Agriculture

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  1. Home
  2. Biosecurity and trade
  3. Biosecurity
  4. Biosecurity in Australia
  5. Northern biosecurity

Sidebar first - Biosecurity

  • Biosecurity in Australia
    • Biosecurity Advanced Analytics Capability
    • Detector dogs
    • Innovative Biosecurity 3D X-ray Project
    • Modernising Australia’s approach to managing established pests and diseases of national significance: Discussion paper
    • Northern biosecurity
      • Aquatic pest biosecurity community awareness
      • Biosecurity Business Grants Program
      • Ranger Capability Building Grants Program
      • Biosecurity-it’s everyone’s business virtual reality experience
      • Country Handle with Care - Costa and dirtgirl Tackle Biosecurity
      • Frontline-northern biosecurity’s community song
      • Frontline Ranger Newsletter
      • Rabies Awareness-Keep a Top Watch! in your community animation
      • Report a pest, weed or disease in Northern Australia
      • You can be a Biosecurity Champion too!
        • Developing industry and supporting local growers
    • Northern Australia Biosecurity Strategy 2030
    • Northern Australia Quarantine Strategy (NAQS)
      • Co-operative biosecurity in northern Australia
      • Aircraft arriving on the Australian mainland from Torres Strait
      • NAQS target pests, diseases and weeds
      • Moving goods to, from and within Torres Strait
      • Significant events in the history of NAQs
        • Celebrating 30 years of co-operative biosecurity in northern Australia
        • Commemorating 25 years of NAQS
      • Shipping and yachting in the Torres Strait
      • Map of NAQS zones
    • Public awareness and education
      • Australian biosecurity webinar series
      • Australian Biosecurity Awards
        • Current Australian Biosecurity Award recipients
        • Past Australian Biosecurity Award recipients
      • Be a Junior Biosecurity Officer
    • Reform of the biosecurity system
      • Biosecurity Training Centre
      • Industry Partnerships and Engagement
    • Reports and publications
      • 2008-12 Imported cargo processing, a DAFF time release study
      • Biosecurity Matters Newsletter
      • Australian Quarantine a shared responsibility: The Nairn report
        • Australian Quarantine a shared responsibility: The Government response
    • Pest and disease surveillance at Australia’s borders
    • Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area Biosecurity Strategy

Northern biosecurity

Northern Australia’s vast, sparsely populated 10,000 kilometre coastline is the frontline for many high-risk animal and plant pests and diseases, particularly Torres Strait, whose northern islands are only a few kilometres from Papua New Guinea (PNG).

Biosecurity risks can reach Australia through the movement of people and goods by sea and air, through traditional trade between PNG and Torres Strait, and by natural pathways such as wind, tide and animal migration. Some serious pests and diseases are being managed in Torres Strait that have not reached the Australian mainland.

Investing in stronger, smarter biosecurity responses

In recognition of the heightened need for an integrated biosecurity response, recent Australian Government investments have focused on strengthening biosecurity surveillance and analysis, designing, implementing and promoting collaborative biosecurity surveillance capability, practices and technologies.

Across northern Australia the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (the department), through the Northern Australia Quarantine Strategy framework, has worked to:

  • expand the Indigenous Rangers network
  • increase aquatic, marine, plant and animal biosecurity surveillance
  • improve data management systems and data sharing
  • increase and improve diagnostic services, skills and facilities
  • engage communities to raise biosecurity awareness and to support biosecurity work being conducted by stakeholders and partners.

Working together

Biosecurity is every Australian’s business. The department is working more closely than ever with landholders, state and territory governments, industry organisations, rangers and communities across northern Australia to strengthen biosecurity systems and protect our agricultural industries, environment and way of life.

The Northern Australia Biosecurity Framework Reference Group, established in March 2016, includes senior representatives of all northern jurisdictions, Plant Health Australia and Animal Health Australia. The group provides strategic advice and support for a collaborative, integrated and strategic approach to managing biosecurity in northern Australia.

General enquiries

Call 1800 900 090

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Report a biosecurity concern

Related documents

  • Northern Australia Biosecurity
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Last updated: 07 February 2022

© Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.