A targeted biosecurity workshop held recently in Brisbane has provided a crucial step in keeping Australia's cotton industry ready and resilient against future threats.

The Cotton Guardians Biosecurity Workshop, held in Brisbane on 11-12 July, brought together cotton growers, extension professionals, and industry members to bolster Australia's defences against exotic threats. Organised by Cotton Australia and Plant Health Australia, the event aimed to equip participants with the skills and knowledge to protect the industry from biosecurity risks.

The workshop featured talks from experts like Doug McCollum (Cotton Australia) on why biosecurity matters, Paul Grundy (QDAF) on cotton pests to watch out for, and Linda Smith (QDAF) on exotic disease threats. Naomi Wynn (Plant Health Australia) explained Australia's emergency plant pest response arrangements and the role of industry liaisons and Brett Jackson from Biosecurity Queensland outlined the role of the lead agency in a biosecurity response.

Day two included Jessica Lye's personal experiences with biosecurity incursions in the citrus industry, followed by an interactive session on becoming a Biosecurity Guardian, hosted by Bianca Hayes from TMS Consulting.

Attendees found the workshop valuable and practical. One said, "The workshop covered all the key elements of biosecurity in our industry." Another added, "Hearing firsthand about other industries' incursions was invaluable."

The event also provided great networking opportunities. "Meeting the people we can turn to for help was one of the most valuable aspects," shared another participant.

The workshop participants enthusiastically embraced their new roles as Cotton Guardians. They were eager to assist with increasing the awareness of biosecurity and spreading the message in their communities that everyone can play a role in protecting our industry from exotic threats.