The Environmental Biosecurity Advisory Group (EBAG) met on 20 March 2026 for EBAG meeting #17.
The meeting was chaired by the Australian Environmental Biosecurity Officer (ACEBO), Dr Bertie Hennecke. The meeting opened with updates on major work programs for the Environmental Biosecurity Office, including progress on the Exotic Environmental Pest List (EEPL) review, upcoming reviews of the Australian Weed and Pest Animal Strategies, and ongoing work in the Carp Biological Control Program. Members also discussed national preparedness issues, including the potential impacts of fuel shortages on member organisation activities.
Members updates included progress on Australia’s Strategy for Nature and upcoming Threat Abatement Plan consultations, continued preparedness for H5 bird flu, advances in rabbit and weed biocontrol and discussed the transition to management of the polyphagous shot‑hole borer response.
The group discussed the draft EBAG workplan and opportunities to strengthen its role under the Environmental and Invasive Committee (EIC). Members emphasised the importance of collaboration between DAFF and stakeholder organisations. A second draft of the workplan will be shared with members for their review.
DAFF also provided updates on the 2026 Environmental Biosecurity Roundtable, the NEBRA review and the recent Environment and Invasives Committee (EIC) meeting.
The next EBAG meeting will be held online on 19 June 2026.