Risks fall but vigilance vital

THE fall in biosecurity risks being detected at Cairns Airport passengers is reassuring.

However, we cannot afford to become complacent.

It is crucial that we stop any items entering the country that could endanger our $64 billion agricultural sector and our natural environment.

We are on the doorstep of two of the most beautiful areas of Australia in the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics.

The drop in risky items is despite a growing number of visitors arriving from overseas and more international flights.

It’s clear passengers are aware of and listening to the messages about bringing in hazardous items.

In particular meat, fruit, seafood and egg products.

Even food provided on aircraft cannot be brought in.

Contaminated equipment, including footwear, is a problem many are not conscious about.

Other dodgy items include live plants, plant products or seeds, fruit or fruit product items, animal products, including seafood and grain, nut and legume products.

Australia has a strong reputation as a consistent provider of highquality agricultural produce that is free of pests and diseases.

That is critical to our economy and export success.

Some items can easily decimate an industry, such as raw peanuts, which could carry a fungus disease known as peanut smut.

It has the potential to cripple a valuable domestic production and export industry.

Biosecurity control is as important as immigration and customs to ensure that Australia remains a secure and safe destination. It’s not something to be taken lightly. Nick Dalton nick.dalton@news.com.au