Greater Sydney Peri-urban Biosecurity Program

A partnership between NSW Department of Primary Industries and Greater Sydney Local Land Services

December 2017

Biosecurity Forum

The second Greater Sydney Peri Urban Biosecurity Forum was held at the Royal Botanic Gardens on the 25th October 2017. Over 55 people attended representing a broad spectrum of organisations and community groups with an interest in peri-urban biosecurity. The aim of the Forum was to highlight the work conducted over the last 18 months within the Peri Urban Program, identify further activities and collaboration opportunities and encourage stakeholders to identify an action they could implement in the future. 

Charles Sturt and Macquarie Universities researchers shared their findings from the NSW DPI funded social research project on communicating with smallholders. Many of the project leads also shared their learnings and how they are achieving biosecurity outcomes through partnerships and collaboration. However, the real work was in the group activities where actions that would benefit from collaboration were identified. 

The Peri Urban Program has laid the foundation for collaboration and partnerships to improve biosecurity outcomes in the Greater Sydney region. The program will continue to work in this region and expand to other high risk areas over coming years. This will only be possible with the collaboration and support of the engaged group that attended the Forum.

New Peri-urban program team member

When the Peri-urban program started, the Greater Sydney region was chosen as a pilot location due to its high number of international travellers, freight and density of smallholders. The pilot stage has allowed a framework to be developed which will allow for expansion to other high risk regions around the state. 

Nic Schembri has recently joined the Peri Urban Program team to coordinate projects within the program and assist with the expansion of the program. She has been working in the peri-urban biosecurity space for around 10 years and has a wealth of experience. Nic has moved across from Greater Sydney Local Land Services and will ensure our excellent working partnership continues. Welcome to the team Nic!

Update: Spot that Pest!

One of our focus areas for surveillance has been around international ports and airports including the Port Botany region. We have been working closely with our Commonwealth partners for more efficient border and post-border planning and surveillance. In October, 22 local council officers from 4 councils around Port Botany as well as National Parks and Wildlife Services rangers; officers from the Department of Agriculture, Water and Resources; the Queensland Department of Agriculture; and representatives from the Nursery and Garden Industries and Bunnings were trained in the surveillance for pests and diseases to encourage early and timely reporting of anything unusual. The next phase of the Port Botany program is a citizen science project “Spot that Pest!” to utilise community groups for surveillance around Port Botany.

Recently, a citizen “post-border” report of Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs (BMSB) in a shipping container coming from Italy to north-western Sydney was received. The container and warehouse have since been fumigated with Peri-urban Plant Health Officer, Martin Horwood playing an integral role in on-ground control and continued surveillance using a range of pheromone-based and sticky traps brought in from interstate and overseas. Effective communications and on-ground engagement in and around the infected premises by both NSW DPI and Greater Sydney Local Land Services have resulted in an overwhelmingly positive community response.

All three BMSB social media posts contributed to a massive response from the community with a total of 102,000 people reached, from 719 shares and 452 comments. 

This event highlights the importance of surveillance and reporting of pests and diseases and the critical role of citizens in protecting our industries. It also emphasises the need for programs like those being trialled in Port Botany, to protect our key entry points to NSW and Australia. “Spot that Pest!” is currently being developed and is to be delivered among the community in early 2018.

Upcoming events

March 2018

• Videos for schools - a collaboration with the NSW Department of Education and Dart Connections. Live streaming to schools around NSW with Costa Georgiadis explaining biosecurity in urban and peri urban environments.

• Camden Show – a collaboration between NSW DPI and Greater Sydney Local Land Services.

• ​Sydney Royal Easter Show- biosecurity from backyard to plate.

April 2018

• Hawkesbury Show – a collaboration between Greater Sydney Local Land Services and NSW DPI 

Upcoming 2018

• Livestock producer workshops – a collaboration with Greater Sydney Local Land Services and The University of Sydney
   
• Livestock Champion keeping livestock for profitability workshops in Greater Sydney and South East Local Land Services Regions
   
• Webinar for small holders- collaboration with Livestock Biosecurity Network (LBN)

Ongoing

• e-learning course for people working with smallholders. The course can be accessed at www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/biosecurity/greater-sydney-peri-urban