Biosecurity

Biosecurity is about protecting farms, the environment, the economy, and people’s health from pests and diseases. It includes trying to prevent new pests and diseases from arriving, and helping to control outbreaks when they occur.

Cotton Australia holds the official role for biosecurity stewardship in the Australian cotton industry, and works with the Australian Government to manage this national priority through its membership of Plant Health Australia.

This work includes:

  • representation and involvement in national debates;
  • policy development and implementation;
  • prioritisation of resources;
  • decision making;
  • overseeing the Cotton Industry Biosecurity Plan;
  • helping to manage incursions that affect cotton.

What to do if you suspect a problem

Biosecurity is the protection of your property, and the entire industry, from the entry, establishment and impact of exotic pests. Biosecurity measures implemented on-farm by growers play a key role in protecting the Australian cotton industry from exotic pests.

Biosecurity is everyone’s responsibility. If you suspect a pest incursion, call the Exotic Plant Pest Health Line on 1800 084 881 and Cotton Australia (02) 9669 5222.

Quick links

Biosecurity Group

This group meets annually to discuss current industry biosecurity issues and to make sure the cotton industry’s responsibilities under the Emergency Plant Pest Response (EPPR) Deed are met each year.

DisciplineOrganisationRepresentative
Cotton productionCotton AustraliaDavid Walton
ExtensionCottonInfoSharna Holman
EntomologyCSIROWee Tek Tay
EntomologyCSIROSimone Heimoana
EntomologyDAF QLDPaul Grundy
Plant biosecurityNSW DPIChris Anderson
Biosecurity planningDAF QLDSuzy Perry
PathologyDAF QLDLinda Smith
PathologyNSW DPIKaren Kirkby
CommunicationsCotton AustraliaDesley Sheedy
PolicyCotton Australia

Doug McCollum

ExtensionCottoninfoJanelle Montgomery
CommunicationsCottoninfoMegan Woodward
ResearchDPIRD WAJulia Grassl
Research and developmentCRDCSusan Maas
AgronomyOrd River Co-opPenny Goldsmith
Pathology / BiosecurityNT DITTStanley Bellgard
VirologyDAF QLDMurray Sharman
WeedsDAF QLDJeff Werth