A specialist fruit fly adviser is one of the additional biosecurity inspectors the state will gain following the budget announcement.
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Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association's chief executive Peter Skillern said they were very happy with the biosecurity initiatives announced on Thursday.
"Providing officers for King Island and Flinders Island is to be welcomed. The initiatives around tourism I think is a step in the right direction. We are pretty happy with that one.
"Overall, since 2013 our understanding is that funding to biosecurity has increased from around the $20 million mark to the current just over $30 million mark. I think the government should be commended for that.
"The more we can do in the biosecurity space the more we lower the risks, however you can never be 100 per cent risk free."
Minister for Primary Industries and Water Guy Barnett said the budget is about maintaining the momentum and investing for growth.
"...(the budget) features an additional $2.6 million per year for a securing our borders initiative to further boost frontline biosecurity to keep Tasmania free from fruit fly, other pests and disease and to maintain access to premium markets," he said.
Included in the 2019- 20 budget:
- More biosecurity inspectors doing more inspections of high risk produce and imported freight and goods;
- Improved biosecurity preparedness and emergency response capacity through biosecurity education, training and support programs. Building on existing partnerships with the TFGA and Fruit Growers Tasmania, the next focus is working with key industries such as wine and plant nurseries;
- A new tourism biosecurity program to engage with the tourism industry and visitors about the vital importance of biosecurity to Tasmania;
- Further improving signage and reviewing our compliance measures at airports and ports; and
- New electronic import traceability and verification systems for more efficient biosecurity inspection administration and market reporting.
The budget also confirms the ongoing delivering of initiatives commenced in the 2018-19 budget including:
- Truck and machinery wash down stations;
- Working with industry to address risks and on-farm hygiene strategies; and
- Additional inspectors and an Industry Collaboration Manager in Biosecurity Tasmania.
"This boost to biosecurity coverage addresses the potential risks of imported produce, freight and goods bringing pests and diseases to the State and further information will be outlined in a Regulatory Impact Statement soon to be released for community and industry consultation," Minister Barnett said.
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