On The Land
16 June, 2023
Biosecurity fears over closure
A state Government move to close Cape York Biosecurity Centre will leave Australia exposed to a potentially “catastrophic” risk of disease, AgForce has warned.
A state Government move to close Cape York Biosecurity Centre will leave Australia exposed to a potentially “catastrophic” risk of disease, AgForce has warned.
The farming organisation has called on the government to urgently reconsider its decision amid fears it is leaving the country defenceless to attack from disease and pests, including an incursion of foot and mouth disease or lumpy skin disease.
Queensland’s Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) will close the facility, north of Coen, on 30 June.
The land on which it is situated is subject to an ongoing Native Title claim, sparking rumours the government will hand the keys to the Southern Kaantju Traditional Owners.
AgForce CEO Michael Guerin said removing the physical checkpoint between Papua New Guinea and Far North Queensland was a dangerous move.
“It is simply madness to close this facility,” he said.
“At this point in time, with FMD and LSD biosecurity incidents in Indonesia, African Swine Fever in Papua New Guinea, plus vectors that could come down the Cape from Papua New Guinea, it makes absolutely zero sense.
“Without a solid movement control checkpoint in Cape York, an emergency animal disease outbreak on one of the Torres Strait Islands could have a catastrophic impact on red meat exports from Australia.”
