Biosecurity extension program enters new phase

Following a successful three-year pilot, Australia’s Livestock Biosecurity Network (LBN) is seeking new partners to ensure the beef cattle industry is prepared for potential pest, weed and disease outbreaks.

LBN was established in 2013 as an independent industry initiative funded by the Cattle Council of Australia, Sheepmeat Council of Australia and WoolProducers Australia, to provide producers with practical information about implementing on-farm measures to manage biosecurity risks and protect animal health and productivity.

In a formal review of its performance during the latter stages of the pilot period, consultants GHD and the Haines Centre for Strategic Management found LBN’s activities have delivered a return on investment to industry of $7 for every dollar expended.

The review found LBN has increased the likelihood of producers implementing new biosecurity measures to protect their farm businesses and the industry at large by raising awareness of biosecurity risks and developing and implementing biosecurity plans.

“As pioneers in the field of industry-funded biosecurity extension and awareness, LBN has succeeded in putting biosecurity on the national agenda,” LBN Chairman David Palmer said.

“To ensure LBN’s vital contribution continues, we are now seeking new sources of industry funding to supplement the ongoing financial backing of our majority shareholder, the Cattle Council of Australia.

“While WoolProducers Australia and the Sheepmeat Council of Australia remain committed to all aspects of the nation’s biosecurity programs, they have decided that it is time for LBN to stand on its own following the completion of the pilot period in June 2016.”

Over coming months LBN will be meeting with industry stakeholders to negotiate new funding arrangements, as well as potential structural changes to ensure LBN’s activities remain effective into the future.

LBN is currently staffed by a team of regional officers based in each state, who work closely with farming networks around Australia to provide producers and industry with the tools and information they need to protect the health and productivity of their livestock.