The Minister for Primary Industries and Water Bryan Green said today a review of Tasmania's biosecurity strategy would further strengthen the State's quarantine borders.

 Mr Green said the strategy was currently being updated to cover the next five years.

 

"Protecting the reputation of our primary industries is just as important as the work we are doing to grow the sector," Mr Green said.

 

"This year's Budget highlights the Government's strong focus on protecting and increasing the value of Tasmania's agricultural sector.

 

Mr Green said $18.6 million in the Budget and funding increases over the forward estimates to maintain the State's biosecurity effort demonstrated the Government's strong focus on product integrity.

 

"This ongoing support for biosecurity and product integrity is central to maintaining the State's relative pest and disease free status.

 

"We must remain vigilant against threats to our biosecurity and quarantine borders to effectively manage the risks.

 

"There is no such thing as zero risk and it is essential that we maintain our discovery, diagnosis and emergency response capabilities.

 

Mr Green said a comprehensive strategy had been developed to guide Tasmania's biosecurity system.

 

This included:

 

·      Development and publication of a biosecurity risk analysis framework.

·      Biosecurity Emergency Preparedness Program.

·      Standard Operating Procedures.

·      Biosecurity communications plan.

·      Plant and plant product import requirements.

 

"The current system is working efficiently and effectively which is a credit to all involved but we cannot rest on our laurels.

 

"There is no such thing as zero risk and it is essential we maintain and improve our discovery, diagnosis and emergency response capabilities," Mr Green said.

 

A draft of the updated strategy is expected to be released for consultation next month.