The Department of Agriculture has launched an online series of short videos encouraging members of the public to play their part in protecting Australia from the biosecurity risks of pests and disease.
The Department’s Country – Handle with Care series calls on locals and visitors to do their part to protect Australia from these risks.
Head of Biosecurity at the Department, Lyn O’Connell said the series featured well-known television personalities who shared the Department’s commitment to biosecurity.
“Biosecurity is everyone’s business and now, more than ever, we must all learn to recognise the key threats as they occur and take action to stop them in their tracks,” Ms O’Connell said.
“Country – Handle with Care shows that we all have a role to play.”
She said the seven-part series featured biosecurity officers, scientists, and Indigenous Rangers who worked on the frontline to help safeguard Australia’s environment, plant, animal and human health against pest and disease risks.
“Our biosecurity champions are supported by family favourites, Costa the Garden Gnome (pictured), Dirtgirl and Scrapboy. It also features horticulturists, farmers, fishers and tourism operators,” Ms O’Connell said.
“The series tackles a wide range of pest and disease risks, including Asian honey bees, Queensland fruit fly and Asian green mussel, which all pose a significant risk for Australia.”
She said the series also highlighted what visitors and locals could do to be better biosecurity aware, such as keeping an eye out and reporting potential biosecurity risks.
The Department’s online series can be accessed at this PS News link.
