Investment in NWQ Region’s Biosecurity on Agenda at Meeting with Minister
North West Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils Executive Officer, Greg Hoffman PSM, and Southern Gulf NRM CEO Geoff Penton, were pleased to meet with Minister Mark Furner MP, Director-General Dept of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF), Bob Gee, and Deputy-Director General DAF and Chief Biosecurity Officer, Malcolm Letts.
SGNRM and NWQROC are seeking financial support from the State Government for implementing the new NWQ Regional Biodiversity Plan, the first of its kind for 10 Councils in the Gulf region.
Also discussed is the urgent need for State Government biosecurity officers to be based in the North West to focus on pest and weeds. These resources are needed in the region to support vital work protecting environmental and agricultural assets. Our Councils cannot carry the load alone in protecting such a large and significantly important area to the State's economy and future.
North West Queensland’s agriculture industry, driven by beef production, is a powerhouse in the Queensland economy. Our location also makes us incredibly vulnerable to biosecurity threats. Investment in the implementation of our region’s plans as well as boots on the ground are imperative to ensure our region, and the wider Queensland and Australian industries are in the best position to prevent and respond to biosecurity threats.