As part of the Morrison Government’s ongoing commitment to support our agricultural industry’s goal of $100 billion in farmgate output by 2030, safeguards to protect the Mornington Peninsula’s farming communities from exotic pests and diseases are being boosted with a new $371 million investment package to strengthen biosecurity.
The package complements significant reforms the Morrison Government has committed to,
ensuring a modern and efficient biosecurity system that keeps Australia and the Mornington Peninsula safe from risks such as African swine fever, khapra beetle or foot and mouth disease.
Federal Member for Flinders the Hon. Greg Hunt MP said Australia’s biosecurity system is vital in protecting $53 billion in agricultural exports and 1.6 million Australian and Peninsula jobs across the supply chain.
“Biosecurity plays a critical role in reducing agricultural risk and shaping our Mornington Peninsula and our nation to become one of the few places in the world to remain free from the world’s most severe pests and diseases,” Minister Hunt said.
“It provides critical protection for our agricultural industries, expected to be worth $71.2 billion this year, and the health of our rural communities around the Peninsula, our prestigious environment and the national economy.”
“From Moorooduc to Red Hill and across the Mornington Peninsula, our farmers do vital work to help feed our nation with fresh local produce and as a Government, we are there to support them and keep their crops safe from severe disease and unwanted pests.”
The package comes immediately after the Morrison Government’s record $888 million investment in biosecurity and export services in 2020-21, which includes:
- $84 million towards critical frontline resources and people to better manage the risk of pests and diseases coming to Australia, including more on the ground resources to target known and emerging threats, like African swine fever.
- $80.9 million to build a modern, effective biosecurity system underpinned by the right technology and analytical capabilities.
- $205.9 million to strengthen partnerships with importers, companies, producers, state and territory governments and the community to improve our ability to detect and manage threats offshore, while increasing capacity to respond to incursions. Proof of concept trials will explore options for faster, safe, clearance of low-risk goods.
Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management David Littleproud said protecting our disease free status delivers access to premium global markets and generates real, significant benefits for agriculture.
“We are protecting industry as well as rural and regional communities like those on the Mornington Peninsula that depend on it, and ensuring agriculture continues to play a leading role in Australia’s national economic recovery,” Minister Littleproud said.