EDITION 2 | FEBRUARY 2022
Message from the CEO
Welcome to the February edition of Tendrils!
2022 has certainly taken off to a flying start with the announcements of two new five-year programs; CitrusWatch designed to bolster surveillance and increase expertise or early detection of high priority pests and Phase 4 of the National Fruit Fly Council for the continued coordination of fruit fly management in Australia. PHA welcomes this investment, and we look forward to working with our project partners to deliver improved biosecurity outcomes.
New endorsed version of PLANTPLAN and associated documents
A new version of PLANTPLAN (Australian Emergency Plant Pest Response Plan) and four amended PLANTPLAN documents were issued on 8 December 2021 following their endorsement by signatories to the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed (EPPRD). Amendments arose from a major review conducted by PHA in consultation with EPPRD signatories.
2nd Australian Biosecurity Symposium
The interim program for the 2nd Australian Biosecurity Symposium is now ready to download! Featuring MC Costa Georgiadis and keynotes by Dr Norman Swan and Dr Anika Molesworth with multiple concurrent sessions. Now is the time to register to attend!
PBRI Symposium Kim Ritman scholarship
Dr Kim Ritman was a foundation member of PBRI and Australia’s Chief Plant Protection Officer. In honour of Kim’s efforts, PBRI members are supporting the Ritman scholarship to recognise students commited to plant health.
Former grains leader receives Australia Day honours
Congratulations to Dr Mark Sweetingham on receiving a Public Service Medal for ‘Outstanding public service to scientific research and development of the grains industry in Western Australia’.
2022 Future Cotton Leaders Program
The Cotton Australia and the CRDC 2022 Future Cotton Leaders Program have selected eight women and seven men, including PHA’s Project Officer, Jess Lehmann!
2021 SunRice Grower of the Year
Keeping a close eye on the latest in RD&E is what sets Darrell Fiddler apart from other rice growers and earnt him the accolade of 2021 SunRice Grower of the Year. Darrell is committed to seeking out new information and the best advice from a wide range of operators and experts, which he uses to drive a profitable farm business while balancing the need for sustainability.
Farm-gate hygiene activities on the rise in South Australian vineyards
South Australian vineyard owners are investing more time and money into farm-gate hygiene activities than they were in 2018, according to Vinehealth Australia’s 2021 Vineyard Owner Survey.
Tasmania’s Potato Import Risk Analysis Project update
Biosecurity Tasmania initiated a state-level Import Risk Analysis (IRA) for potatoes in October 2020, and significant components of the analysis are now complete. Several hundred pests and diseases are being reviewed in the process. This work is being ably led by Dr Darren Phillips, a very experienced biosecurity risk analyst who is part of the Plant Biosecurity Policy Team
Latest from Prevent Fruit Fly
2022 Priorities
In 2021 the National Fruit Fly Council (NFFC) identified priorities to strengthen the national fruit fly system. These priorities are the culmination of stakeholder interactions and input over the past two years and comprise three key fundamental areas: market access and biosecurity, on-farm management, and supporting the national system.
National Fruit Fly Council Webinar
The National Fruit Fly Council is hosting a webinar on Interspecies Competition in fruit flies, 2pm-4pm AEDT, Monday 4 April 2022. The event is open to all via registration.
Out and about
Sarah Corcoran, Irene Kernot (ACIAR) and Dr Joanne Daly (Deputy Chair PHA Board and former member of ACIAR Commission) attended ACIAR 40th Anniversary dinner at the National Arboretum Canberra in February.
Staff movements
Welcome Lucy
Tran-Nguyen
Dr Lucy Tran-Nguyen joined PHA in late January 2022 as the National Manager, Diagnostics. Lucy previously worked at the Northern Territory Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade for 15 years.
Welcome Francesca Strutt
Francesca started her career as a Research Assistant with the QUT Fruit Fly Group working on the Plant Biosecurity Cooperative Research Centre (PBCRC) project, Next Generation National Fruit Fly Diagnostics and Handbook.
Farewell Natalie O’Donnell
Dr Natalie O’Donnell commenced with PHA seven years ago as a Project Officer in the Training and Biosecurity Preparedness unit, and gained experience in plant biosecurity, BOLT e-learning, contributing to simulation exercises and coordinating the training and the diagnostic and surveillance networks. We wish her all the best with her next adventure!
Upcoming events
Protected Cropping Australia 2022 Conference
When: 28 - 31 March 2022
Where: Coffs Harbour, New South Wales
Find out more
2nd Australian Biosecurity Symposium
When: 3 - 5 May 2022
Where: Gold Coast, Queensland
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Plant Biosecurity Research Symposium 2022
When: 11 - 12 May 2022
Where: Adelaide,
South Australia
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4th Australian Bee Congress
When: 8 - 11 June 2022
Where: Sydney,
New South Wales
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3rd Australian Native Bee Conference
When: 11 - 12 June 2022
Where: Sydney,
New South Wales
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11th Australasian Soilborne Disease Symposium
When: 1 - 5 August 2022
Where: Cairns,
Queensland
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