David Littleproud
Australia’s forests will get more protection, through the Coalition Government’s 5-year strategy to stop exotic pests that could threaten our forests. Source: Timberbiz
Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources David Littleproud announced $896,500 in seed funding for the National Forest Biosecurity Surveillance Strategy 2018–2023, which coincided with the International Day of Forests.
“Top of our most wanted plant pest list is Xylella fastidiosa but we also have Gypsy moth and pinewood wilt nematode in our crosshairs,” Minister Littleproud said.
“We are targeting exotic pests that have the potential to devastate natural and plantation forest ecosystems, putting at risk forests, wine and other horticulture industries and associated jobs.
“Australia’s forest industry employs around 67,000 people and generated $23.7 billion of income in 2015–16. Tens of thousands more are employed in horticulture.
“It’s so important we protect our forests and our horticulture industry from diseases and pests.
“Xylella fastidiosa is a bacterial plant pathogen that can even wipe out entire orchards in the citrus, grape and other horticultural industries, impacting the livelihoods of growers.
“The Gypsy moth is a keen hitchhiker and has a high reproduction rate which is why it poses a high risk to Australia’s forests.
“The Pinewood wilt nematode is a tiny worm and is responsible for losses of more than two million cubic metres of wood per year in the USA.
“This is an operation that must succeed—jobs, industries and trade all rely on this—these exotic pests have the potential to cause significant environmental, economic and social harm.
“The new strategy will see an even closer working relationship with Plant Health Australia and the forestry industry to keep exotic pests out of Australia.”
The program will be overseen by a National Forest Biosecurity Surveillance Group, headed by a National Forest Biosecurity Surveillance Coordinator, who will work out of Bunbury, Western Australia; liaising with industry, state governments and other forest industry stakeholders.
