Media Release: 18 May 2009

With biosecurity emerging as a major economic, environmental and social concern, a timely international biosecurity conference is set for centre-stage in Brisbane from 28 February - 3 March 2010.

Global Biosecurity 2010 is the first international conference and exhibition to be held in Australia that focuses on agricultural and environmental biosecurity.

"Effective biosecurity measures are vital to keeping agricultural industries, environment and community healthy, and enhancing market access for food and feed exports. Biosecurity is everyone's business," said Mr Rob Delane, Deputy Secretary for the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

"The convening of a major international conference in Australia with a focus on agricultural and environmental biosecurity is recognition of the global standing of Australia's institutions in this area, and the important role that Australia can, and should, play in biosecurity science," he said.

‘Science-based risk management is a key platform of an effective biosecurity system which needs to operate effectively across the pre-border, border and post-border continuum'.

Mr Delane said Global Biosecurity 2010 provides an outstanding opportunity for representatives from biosecurity agencies, research organisations, agricultural industries, environmental organisations and other relevant stakeholder groups to keep up-to-date on world's best practice.

"Tapping into the collective expertise of those attending the Global Biosecurity 2010 conference will help enhance the ability of Australia and all participating nations to effectively manage biosecurity roles along the continuum, protect and improve their pest status and facilitate trade, travel and community development," he said.

Conference organisers are now calling for papers for presentation at the event through the conference website http://www.globalbiosecurity2010.com/  Opportunities for sponsoring, exhibiting or attending the conference are also available.

Global Biosecurity 2010: safeguarding agriculture and the environment is a collaborative partnership between Australian Biosecurity Cooperative Research Centre for Emerging Infectious Disease, Cooperative Research Centre for National Plant Biosecurity and Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre.

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