Maranoa producers come together to address biosecurity at successful information event

Rural Lands Services, in collaboration with Biosecurity Queensland, AgForce Queensland and BQ Mates Ambassador Brigid Price, successfully hosted a Biosecurity Information Event at Roma Saleyards.

The event, which attracted over 20 local producers and industry stakeholders, provided crucial insights into risk mitigation and response procedures for biosecurity events.

Attendees gained valuable knowledge on how to stay prepared and informed about biosecurity risks with opportunities to network and engage with local industry professionals.

Portfolio Spokesperson for Rural Services Cr Brendan Seawright expressed his appreciation of the event’s outcome.

“The event was a great success with positive feedback from attendees who found the information both relevant and practical,” Cr Seawright said.

“We’re committed to supporting our local producers and ensuring they have the tools and resources needed to effectively manage biosecurity risks.

“We are pleased to have seen such strong engagement from the local community, and we look forward to continuing these important initiatives that help safeguard our agricultural industry.”

The event featured informative presentations on behalf of the Rural Lands Services team, AgForce, DPI and Roma Saleyards staff.

Additionally, DPI staff hosted a session to assist producers in reviewing their Property Identification Codes (PIC) and Registered Biosecurity Entity (RBE) details, ensuring that contact information and property records were current and accurate.

Biosecurity Queensland Mates Ambassador and local cattle producer Brigid Price emphasised the significance of in-person events for fostering industry engagement and facilitating knowledge sharing.

"In today’s digital age, with so much information available online, it can sometimes feel overwhelming,” she said.

“At the same time, we must acknowledge that some producers don’t rely on online resources – they gather information from trusted agents and through word of mouth.

“Events like this provide reassurance, offering an opportunity for producers to engage directly with all the key biosecurity stakeholders in the area, including the Council, saleyards, DPI staff and biosecurity experts.

“It’s a valuable two-way exchange of information, not just for landholders, but also for those working within the industry.

“Overall, it was a very positive event."

The event coincided with the timely establishment of the new Maranoa Regional Council Biosecurity Advisory Committee.

The committee will play a crucial role in advising the Council on biosecurity issues, with a focus on enhancing programs to control invasive species, managing pest plants and animals, and strengthening regional biosecurity measures.

Councillor Seawright said the Committee will play a crucial role in advising on policy and the development and review of a Biosecurity Plan.

“We’re looking forward to receiving expression of interest from landholders across the Maranoa,” he said.

“By having a broad range of perspectives, we can ensure that our biosecurity efforts are both comprehensive and effective, addressing the needs of the entire region.”

Landholders interested in submitting an expression of interest should contact Council’s Rural Lands Team via customer service at 1300 662 27 or email lands.management@maranoa.qld.gov.au to learn more.