On The Land
10 August, 2025
New appointment to help strengthen region’s biosecurity
IN a move aimed at strengthening biosecurity, Member for Cook David Kempton has welcomed the appointment of Emma Atkins as a Regional Biosecurity Lead.
Ms Atkins is one of three highly experienced Regional Biosecurity Leads now recruited to frontline roles across the state. They will work closely with industry and local government across their regions to identify the highest-priority risks.
These insights will guide where future officers are placed, based on risk and need.
Mr Kempton said he understood the importance of having an experienced person on the ground in Far North Queensland.
“With her expertise and understanding of the Cape, Emma will be on the front line, detecting and responding to biosecurity threats, carrying out inspections, monitoring risks, and upholding Queensland’s gold-standard biosecurity laws,” he said.
“Having Emma Atkins based right here in Far North Queensland is a big win for our region. Strong biosecurity is key to safeguarding our lifestyle and keeping our industries thriving.”
Ms Atkins is passionate about connecting with communities, listening to their needs, and strengthening biosecurity systems to protect the environment, economy and food security in Queensland’s Far North.
She lived and worked in Bamaga for several years, giving her a strong understanding of the unique biosecurity challenges of remote and Indigenous communities.
“Living and working in Cape York has given me a deep appreciation of the unique strengths and challenges faced by remote and Indigenous communities,” she said.
Emma has participated in emergency responses for Exotic Fruit Fly in the Torres Strait and Asian Honey Bee at the Port of Brisbane.
Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett said the State Government was delivering new officers as part of a “historic investment for Queensland’s biosecurity frontline”.
“Biosecurity is not just a line item in our Budget – it’s a frontline priority, and the Crisafulli Government is backing it with boots on the ground to safeguard the future of our primary industries,” he said.
“This is about securing the long-term future of Queensland’s traditional industries and supporting the productivity and profitability of growers, graziers and producers right across the state.”
The new roles form the first of the 100 additional officers at regional biosecurity hotspots to strengthen the state’s biosecurity frontline.
Ms Atkins will play a critical role in profiling regional biosecurity risks, building relationships with local stakeholders, and guiding future investment in frontline capabilities.
Recruitment for six additional biosecurity roles is already underway, ahead of a broader recruitment push over the coming months.
Find out more at www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au
