The Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (DAWE) has released its latest list of exotic environmental pests, weeds and diseases likely to threaten Australia’s biosecurity system.
Announced by the Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management, David Littleproud the National Priority List of Exotic Environmental Pests, Weeds and Diseases is to be used to prioritise national actions to help prevent the entry, establishment and spread of exotic pests, weeds, and diseases.
“They pose a high risk to our environment and public spaces. Australia’s biosecurity system is there to protect the great outdoors and we are doing so to protect our way of life,” Mr Littleproud said.
“Species on the Priority List pose a serious risk to Australia’s environment, our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage, the Australian tourism sector, and many also impact on agricultural production.”
He said the list was developed by experts from across the nation and agreed to by State and Territory Governments.
“It provides a national-level focus to raise awareness, guides surveillance activities, strengthens preparedness and response capabilities and informs research,” the Minister said.
Minister for the Environment, Sussan Ley said the list would play a key role in focusing prevention efforts to keep exotic pests out of the country.
“Prevention delivers the best outcomes, far more so than eradication, containment or asset protection,” Ms Ley said.
“We’ve seen the destruction caused by so many invasive pests over the years to our native species and farms and, sadly, there are many other exotic threats that can cause even further damage.”
More information on the Priority List can be accessed on the DAWE website at this PS News link.
