Biosecurity has always been a priority for farmers, but it’s clear that it’s now everyone’s business. This message was front and centre at the launch of Biosecurity in the Boardroom, a new initiative by QFF in partnership with Biosecurity Queensland. The program highlights the growing risks biosecurity incursions pose to businesses right across the Queensland economy, not just agriculture.
Biosecurity risks are forecast to grow fourfold in the coming decade. Left unmanaged, they can disrupt supply chains, damage reputations, inflate costs and even force businesses to close.
The initiative was launched at a recent breakfast event at Customs House in Brisbane, opened by Assistant Minister for Primary Industry Development, Water and Western Queensland Sean Dillon MP. Leaders from tourism, transport, logistics, infrastructure, energy and insurance attended, highlighting the broad recognition of biosecurity as a critical business risk.
Keynote speaker Dr Rachel Chay, Queensland’s Chief Biosecurity Officer and Deputy Director-General Biosecurity with the Department of Primary Industries, outlined the increasing complexity of Queensland’s biosecurity landscape. Colin Fruk, CEO of Greenlife Industry Queensland (GIQ), and Melanie Anderson, General Manager of Strategy and Advocacy at the Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC), shared industry insights on the impacts of biosecurity incursions and proactive steps already being taken across their sectors.
QFF members and corporate partners, and supporters, were well represented, including Cotton Australia, CANEGROWERS Australia, GIQ, and CarbonLink, RELA, Sparke Helmore Lawyers, Telstra and Windlab.
The event also hosted peak industry bodies including the Local Government Association of Queensland, Queensland Renewable Energy Council, Cement Concrete & Aggregates Australia, Queensland Resources Council, Australian Energy Producers, and NRM Regions Queensland, as well as leaders from corporate sectors.
As the campaign continues, QFF encourages business leaders to access newly developed resources to consider the biosecurity risks that may impact their operations.
Learn more at business.qld.gov.au/running-business/risk/biosecurity.