ABOVE: Charles Sturt University has been working with DAFF since 2022, utilising the university’s teaching and research strengths to train more than 840 frontline biosecurity officers.
Recently, Australia’s defence against crippling biosecurity threats was strengthened with the launch of the Charles Sturt University Biosecurity Hub, a co-investment in research and training of almost $30 million to enhance the nation’s biosecurity defences, protecting our food, farms and communities.
The announcement was made at an event at the National Press Club in Canberra on Tuesday August 20.
The hub brings together a multidisciplinary team of expert researchers, scientists and trainers from various fields, including microbiology, ecology, veterinary and animal science, environmental science, artificial intelligence and cyber futures, extended reality and biosecurity training.
The university has long-standing partnerships in biosecurity – including collaborations with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Asia-Pacific government and industry partners, state government agencies, industry and the community – and is equipped to tackle a range of current or emerging biosecurity threats in the Indo-Pacific region.
The hub focuses on leadership in research and development, traceability innovation, education and training, capacity-building initiatives and building and maintaining strong partnerships.
It will specifically respond to threats as outlined by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, where it is estimated that invasive species cost Australia approximately $25 billion a year.
Estimations for specific diseases are as dire – the direct economic impact of a large multi-state outbreak of foot and mouth disease could reach $80 billion over 10 years.
If khapra beetle were to become established, it could cost the economy $15.5 billion over 20 years.
Charles Sturt vice-chancellor and president Professor Renée Leon expressed pride in the global impact the university was having on protecting Australia and neighbouring countries against potentially devastating biosecurity pests and diseases.
“Charles Sturt University is a national leader in biosecurity research and training initiatives, spearheading innovation and transformation efforts to safeguard Australia’s food, farms, environment and communities from the increasing threats posed by pests, weeds and diseases,” Professor Leon said.
“Our hub focuses on strengthening Australia’s capacity to detect, prevent and respond to pests and diseases that threaten our food, farms and our future.”
Biosecurity Training Centre academic director David Mackay highlighted the university was at the forefront of training frontline personnel who are protecting Australia’s borders and those of its Asia-Pacific partners.
“Charles Sturt University has been working with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry since 2022, utilising the university’s teaching and research strengths to train more than 840 frontline biosecurity officers in capabilities, contributing to the sector’s goal of growing the country’s agricultural production to $100 billion by 2030,” Mr Mackay said.
Charles Sturt Gulbali Institute for Agriculture, Water and Environment executive director Professor Lee Baumgartner said the hub’s program of biosecurity activities was dedicated to identifying and mitigating biosecurity threats.
Professor Baumgartner mentioned the university’s ‘training hub promoting regional industry and innovation in virology and epidemiology’ program as a key initiative.
“THRIIVE is dedicated to developing skills in agricultural epidemiology and virology to identify and counter zoonotic viruses such as foot and mouth disease virus, Japanese encephalitis virus, avian influenza virus, swine flu, Australian bat lyssavirus and Hendra virus,” Professor Baumgartner said.
More than 130 people from industry, government, academia and regional communities attended the event at the National Press Club on August 20, 2024.
In addition to hearing about the hub, guests heard from some of Australia’s leading biosecurity experts, including:
- DAFF Biosecurity, Operations and Compliance Group deputy secretary Justine Saunders
- DAFF Australian chief veterinary officer Dr Beth Cookson
- Local Land Services Animal Biosecurity and Welfare program lead Dr Scott Ison
- Charles Sturt University Biosecurity Training Centre academic director David Mackay.
Professor Leon encouraged those interested in making a global impact to consider the range of courses offered at Charles Sturt, which equips students with the skills needed to address biosecurity challenges.
“Our diverse range of courses, such as the Bachelor of Veterinary Science, offer strong foundations in sciences, preparing students for a range of careers in biosecurity,” Professor Leon said.
In the past five years, Charles Sturt University has produced more than 640 graduating students with biosecurity capabilities.