• New biosecurity package strengthens Australia’s ability to keep out exotic pests and diseases, together with its preparedness, response and recovery capability in the event of an outbreak
• Investment part of Australian Government’s ongoing commitment in support of agriculture industry’s goal of $100 billion in farmgate output by 2030

Safeguards to protect Australia’s farming communities from exotic pests and diseases are being boosted with a new $371 million investment to strengthen biosecurity.

The package complements significant reforms the Australian Government has committed to across the biosecurity system to ensure it is modern, efficient and keeps Australia safe from risks such as African swine fever, khapra beetle or foot and mouth disease.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said Australia’s biosecurity system protects $53 billion in agricultural exports and 1.6 million Australian jobs across the supply chain.

“Biosecurity plays 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,” Mr Vasta said.

“It provides critical protection for our agricultural industries, expected to be worth $71.2 billion this year, and the health of our communities, environment and the national economy.”

Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management David Littleproud said protecting our disease free status delivers access to premium global markets and generates real, significant benefits for agriculture.

“We are protecting industry as well as rural and regional communities like those in Bonner that depend on it, and ensuring agriculture continues playing a leading role in Australia’s national economic recovery,” Minister Littleproud said.

The package comes immediately after a record $888 million Australian Government investment in biosecurity and export services in 2020-21 and includes:

• $84 million towards critical frontline resources and people to better manage the risk of pests and diseases coming to Australia, including more on the ground resources to target known and emerging threats, like African swine fever.
• $80.9 million to build a modern, effective biosecurity system underpinned by the right technology and analytical capabilities.
• $205.9 million to strengthen partnerships with importers, companies, producers, state and territory governments and the community to improve our ability to detect and manage threats offshore, while increasing capacity to respond to incursions. Proof of concept trials will explore options for faster, safe, clearance of low-risk goods.

Fast facts

• Recent University of Melbourne Centre for Excellence in Biosecurity Risk Analysis modelling puts the net present value of the biosecurity system at $314 billion over 50 years.
• This means a $30 return on investment for every dollar we spend on biosecurity over the next 50 years.
• The national biosecurity system is a key contributor to our farming systems, the wider economy, our environment and biodiversity, our human health and the social fabric of our country.
• Last year there were over 2.5 million container arrivals into Australia, 19,000 commercial vessel arrivals and 60 million mail items.

The Morrison Government has welcomed the opening of a world-class Olympic winter training facility at the Sleeman Sport Complex in Chandler.

The Geoff Henke Olympic Winter Training Centre is the Souther Hemisphere’s only all-year outdoor water ski ramp-elevating the aspirations of athletes for generations to come.

The Commonwealth Government contributed $5.3 million towards construction of the $6.5 million facility, a collaboration with the Queensland Government, the Australian Olympic Committee and the Olympic Winter Institute of Australia.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said he was thrilled to see the opening of the centre, with Bonner becoming home to these athletes ahead of the 2022 Winter Olympics.

“To compete on a world stage, our Australian athletes need to be at the top of their game. With this new centre, athletes now have access to the facilities they need, that previously never existed in this part of the world,” Mr Vasta said.

“The idea for this facility has been more than a decade in the making. All levels of Government have worked together to deliver on Geoff Henke’s incredible vision for this centre and ensure the ongoing support of our athletes.”

“This will well and truly be a game-changer for the future of Australian winter sport and the generations of elite athletes to come.”

Minister for Sport, Richard Colbeck, said “The Morrison Government is right behind the bid to bring the 2032 Summer Olympics and Paralympics to Brisbane, but right now we’re delivering a world-class facility to our Aussie Winter Olympians.”

“Australia has long enjoyed success in aerial ski disciplines, from Alisa Camplin’s historic Olympic gold medal in 2002, through to the success this year of aerial ski world champion Laura Peel and Crystal Globe winner Matt Graham, in the moguls,” Minister Colbeck said.

The facility boasts varying levels of difficulty making it a fitting training venue for athletes eager to hone their skills and one day represent Australia on the world stage.

Athletes can reach speeds of more than 70km/h and launch up to 17m above the water from the top of the 37m ramp.

It allows trainees to test and perfect manoeuvres safely before transitioning to snow.

“We expect the 37m-high water jump will also become a beacon for international athletes who seek to come to Australia, hire these facilities and push our athletes to become the very best they can be,” Minister Colbeck said.

The facility is named in honour of the life-long contribution Geoff Henke AO has made to Australian Winter Olympic sport.