Enhancing biosecurity capability and capacity in Queensland

Queensland’s biosecurity system is facing unparalleled challenges to respond to the increasing scale and scope of exotic pests and diseases.

In 2015, the Queensland Government commissioned an independent review (the Queensland Biosecurity Capability Review) of the state’s biosecurity capability to discover gaps and determine what a future biosecurity system should look like to meet these increasing challenges.

The review found that a new approach was needed to optimise Queensland’s biosecurity system. The panel made 32 recommendations which fall into four key themes:

  • address immediate capability gaps in Biosecurity Queensland
  • develop a best practice Queensland biosecurity system where industry, the community and all levels of government accept their proportionate share of responsibilities
  • establish investment priorities for specific pests and diseases based on risk, rate of return and distribution of public and private benefits
  • establish Queensland as the model biosecurity agency in Australia

You can read more about the review by:

For more information on the biosecurity review, contact our Customer Service Centre.

Boosting Queensland's biosecurity response

In response to the Queensland Biosecurity Capability Review, the Government announced increased funding of $10.8 million over 4 years to implement the recommendations of the review and strengthen Queensland’s biosecurity capability and capacity.

The Biosecurity Capability Implementation Program (the Program) was established with the goal to build the capability of the entire system. Ultimately, all Queenslanders will have the tools and knowledge they need to deal with the biosecurity threats that are under their control.

Seven priority projects have been designed under the Program to address the highest priorities identified from the review. The projects commenced in 2016 and most will continue until 30 June 2020:

  1. Implementing a collaboratively developed 5 year Strategy and Action Plans (the Queensland Biosecurity Strategy 2018-2023) that clearly articulates the direction and priorities for biosecurity in Queensland.
  2. Developing a risk based investment allocation model that will help decision makers to prioritise resources to manage risks and ensure an optimal return on future investment.
  3. Enhancing biosecurity preparedness and response (including external expertise) to ensure Queensland is prepared for biosecurity emergencies and that responses are consistently and effectively managed.
  4. Improvement of Queensland’s marine pest biosecurity capability through prevention and preparedness.
  5. Piloting two collaboratively developed regional biosecurity plans to use as models for the rest of the state.
  6. Upgrading plant pest and disease diagnostic processes in Queensland to gain National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accreditation.
  7. Increasing core organisational capability within Biosecurity Queensland through skills auditing, training and upskilling.