Released 28/06/2016
Minister for Planning and Land Management, Mick Gentleman, today launched a new biosecurity strategy for the ACT which aims to better protect the health of our rural economy and environment.
“Effective biosecurity management is vital in minimising the impacts of weeds, pest animals, and diseases on our economy, environment and the community,” Minister Gentleman said.
In developing this strategy the ACT Government conducted extensive consultation with industry and government bodies, ACT rural land holders and environmental community groups to ensure this strategy addressed the concerns and needs of the community.
The biosecurity strategy highlights the importance of biosecurity for the ACT and identifies the goals, objectives and supporting actions for addressing biosecurity across the Territory.
“Importantly, the strategy acknowledges that biosecurity is a shared responsibility and therefore sets out a series of recommendations for all stakeholders to work towards over the next ten years. This means working collaboratively with industry and community groups to deliver improved biosecurity outcomes for the ACT.
“This includes working to ensure notifiable and prohibited pest, disease and weed incursions are recognised and reported quickly; rural landholders implement sound farm biosecurity practices to stop or manage the spread of pest species and disease; and residents are made aware of the potential impact of pest species can have on their urban lifestyle.” Minister Gentleman said.
“Biosecurity affects everyone, whether you are a farmer, city dweller, traditional land custodian, nature lover or public land manager. Everyone has a stake in protecting our natural environment and economic recourses, so it is important we work together.
“The strategy provides the foundation for government, industry, non-government organisations, land custodians and the community to do exactly that by sharing resources, knowledge and expertise to develop a strong and integrated biosecurity system for the ACT.” Minister Gentleman concluded.
A copy of the strategy is available on the TAMS website.
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Mick Gentleman, MLA | Media Releases