BIOSECURITY
WHY IS BIOSECURITY SO IMPORTANT
Biosecurity is about protecting the economy, community and environment from the negative impact of pests, diseases, weeds and contaminants.
Without a strong biosecurity system, biodiversity will be further compromised resulting in degradation of our unique environment, access to fresh and safe food will be limited and our infrastructure threatened.
- A strong biosecurity system is also vital for protecting our primary industries, our economy and our community.
- Australian flora and fauna are unique; by protecting them we protect our natural biodiversity, distinctive ecosystems and heritage.
- Australia’s domestic and international markets demand products that are free of pests, diseases and contaminants.
- Biosecurity helps to keep food and other products from our primary industries safe from diseases such as Salmonella and pathogenic E. coli.
Biosecurity also protects people from diseases that can be passed from animals to humans (called zoonoses), such as Hendra virus and Avian Influenza.
- Agricultural production alone in NSW underpins:
- $12 Billion NSW Primary Industries contribution to the economy
- 39,000 Agricultural businesses in NSW.
- 42,000 Farms in NSW.
- 66,000 People employed in NSW Agriculture Industry.
- $8 billion value of NSW Agricultural exports.
BIOSECURITY IS A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY
Biosecurity has played a critical role in reducing risk and shaping our nation to become one of the few countries in the world to remain free from the world’s most severe pests and diseases. While our geographical isolation has played a key role in maintaining this status, our isolation as an island nation is rapidly changing as the barriers of time and distance become less relevant and international travel and trade increase.
WHAT DOES "SHARED RESPONSIBILITY" MEAN?
Shared responsibility for biosecurity means that the responsibility for detecting, reporting and responding to biosecurity risks to the economy, environment and community applies to everyone - we all have an important role to play be it big or small.
