Strengthening the Northern Territory's capabilities to manage exotic diseases
The Northern Territory Government has taken a significant step towards strengthening the Territory's resources against exotic diseases with the implementation of several stronger legislative changes to the Livestock Act 2008 and Livestock Regulations 2009.
As part of this initiative, 15 properties across the Northern Territory, including 5 NT Government research stations, will trial a new biosecurity program.
As of yesterday, these legislative changes have come into effect and we are grateful to industry members, key stakeholders and Traditional Owners for their support and consultation as we processed a suite of amendments through parliament.
The program aims to streamline tracing capabilities and better support properties to remain free of any exotic pests and diseases. Over the coming weeks, these properties will trial a new Biosecurity Visitor App, which will support a seamless transition of over 200 properties to roll out Biosecurity Management Plans aligning with the implemented legislative changes.
The Biosecurity Legislative Amendments will support the Territory's economy, bolstering our existing efforts to protect the NT and more broadly, Australia, against exotic diseases and pests.
The Northern Territory's Agribusiness sector is worth $1.3 billion, with the Territory with the Territory Government's aim of a $2 billion Agribusiness economy by 2030.
The Northern Territory remains free of all Emergency Animal Diseases, including Lumpy Skin Disease and Foot-and-mouth disease. Biosecurity is everyone's responsibility.
If you spot something unusual, call the Emergency Animal Disease hotline on 1800 675 888.
You can read more about the changes and find out how to get involved on the Northern Territory Government website.
