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Farm biosecurity critical in resource company negotiations

Announcement posted by Seftons 10 Jul 2014

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Media Release    10th July 2014

Farm biosecurity critical in resource company negotiations

Recognising any impact that Coal Seam Gas (CSG) activities may have on farm biosecurity is essential when negotiating with resource companies.

That was one of the key messages delivered by Livestock Biosecurity Network (LBN) Northern Australia Regional Manager Dr Sarah-Jane Wilson at recent workshops held in Queensland.

The one-day workshops in Roma and Taroom were the result of a new collaboration between the Agforce Projects CSG team and the LBN.

Dr Wilson explained to attendees how to develop a farm biosecurity plan, including pest and weed control, livestock disease control and prevention, as well as preparing for emergency situations such as natural disasters or disease/weed outbreaks.

Presenters from the Agforce CSG team and the Queensland Department of Natural Resources and Mines also delivered key information on biosecurity aspects to consider when negotiating land access arrangements with exploration, mining and utility companies.

Dr Wilson says in particular, on-farm biosecurity plans can be used as a tool when negotiating with CSG companies.

“This can ensure that property-specific biosecurity considerations are taken into account, such as wash-down procedures for all vehicles entering your property, to mitigate risks from weeds that have production impacts,” she explains. 

In total, 21 producers attended the two forums, as well as 15 participants from government bodies, community groups, resource and mining companies and industry support organisations such as LBN and Agforce.

The importance of LBN being present at this event aligns with the organisations role to improve the knowledge and understanding of livestock health, welfare and biosecurity among key stakeholders.

While livestock producers are a key target for LBN information, the organisation also participates in a national network of government and industry partners helping protect livestock industries from emergency animal disease.

In order to connect with this broad range of stakeholders, the LBN will be represented by its team of state regional officers at similar events across Australia.

To find out more about the Livestock Biosecurity Network, contact State LBN Regional Manager Dr Sarah-Jane Wilson on 0437 725 877 or visit www.lbn.org.au

To help protect their livelihood and income, producers are encouraged to visit the LBN website and create their own Farm Biosecurity Plan at www.lbn.org.au

Ends.

Released by Sefton & Associates on behalf of the Livestock Biosecurity Network.

 

For more information please contact:

 

Emily Bowman

Sefton & Associates

02 6766 5222

Editors Note

 

The LBN is an independent industry initiative established by the Cattle Council of Australia, Sheepmeat Council of Australia and Wool Producers Australia - the initiative will be funded over a three-year pilot period by industry levies held in trust.

LBN provides producers with practical information about implementing on-farm animal health, welfare and biosecurity measures to deal with the many risks producers face.

LBN regional officers are working closely with existing farming networks, raising awareness of biosecurity risks and the need to be prepared for possible outbreaks of exotic or endemic diseases and harmful pests, including on-farm biosecurity plans.