Message from the CEO

Welcome to the July edition of Tendrils. With National Biosecurity Week approaching from 24–30 August, I reflect on the importance of planning, preparedness and collaboration in strengthening Australia’s biosecurity system. I also share updates on strategic planning, biosecurity reforms, training and capability development, and the work underway to support future system resilience.

National Biosecurity Week 2026

National Biosecurity Week returns from 24–30 August 2026, highlighting the importance of preparedness and early action. The campaign celebrates the role all Australians play in protecting our agriculture, environment and communities from exotic pests, diseases and weeds.

Lunch and Learn webinars for avocado growers

The first webinar in the avocado biosecurity ‘Lunch and Learn’ series is now available as a recording, with upcoming sessions on response funding (25 August) and industry preparedness (15 September). Delivered by PHA, Avocados Australia and the Queensland Department of Primary Industries, the series explores key biosecurity risks and response arrangements.

How APIs are improving PHA’s digital systems

APIs are helping improve PHA’s digital systems by enabling secure data sharing, reducing manual reporting and improving access to information. These connections support surveillance, research and decision-making across Australia’s plant biosecurity network.

ILO training in Bundaberg

Registrations are open for Industry Liaison Officer (ILO) training in Bundaberg on Tuesday 18 August 2026. The training will help participants understand biosecurity response arrangements, build practical response skills and strengthen industry preparedness for future plant biosecurity incidents.

Phylloxera exercise highlights the value of preparedness

PHA recently facilitated a phylloxera preparedness and response exercise in Margaret River, bringing together industry and government representatives to test response arrangements and strengthen readiness for potential plant pest incursions.

Updates to EPPRD and PLANTPLAN

A new version of the EPPRD has been issued, with updates to Contact for Notices and minor amendments to the CCEPP operating guidelines in PLANTPLAN. These changes help maintain clear communication and support coordination across Australia’s plant pest emergency response arrangements.

BOLT training platform upgraded

PHA’s Biosecurity Online Training (BOLT) courses are now available on an upgraded platform. The improved learning experience provides free access to training on plant pest and disease preparedness, EPPRD arrangements and good biosecurity practices.

Regional workshops to guide fruit fly strategy

Stakeholders are invited to contribute to the next National Fruit Fly Strategy through regional workshops and online sessions, helping shape future priorities, investment and collaboration.

Profitable grain storage workshops

Upcoming NSW Local Land Services workshops will help grain growers explore practical storage options, pest management, grain hygiene and plant biosecurity. Kate Glastonbury from the Grains Farm Biosecurity Program will present on awareness and preparedness for exotic and endemic plant pests.

What to do when something looks unusual

If something in your crop does not look right, acting early can help protect your property. Learn the practical steps to take before and after reporting unusual signs of pests or disease and minimise the risk of spread.

PHA’s Board and Executive team came together in Canberra for the annual Board Strategy Workshop to reflect on the changing operating environment and discuss strategic priorities for the future.

PHA Chair Doug Phillips joined Richard Stevenson, CEO, Ports North, Dr Rachel Chay, Queensland Chief Biosecurity Officer, Jo Sheppard, CEO, Queensland Farmers Federation, and Mark Olsen, CEO, Tourism Tropical North Queensland, at the Biosecurity in the Boardroom event in Cairns.

PHA’s CEO, Sarah Corcoran, with Stuart Kearns, National Manager, Preparedness and RD&E, Dr Lucy Tran‑Nguyen, General Manager, Resilience and Innovation, Dr Sam Nelson, Policy Manager, GrainGrowers, Ruth Thompson, Industry Liaison, Grains Biosecurity, and Duncan Bremner, CEO, Grain Producers Australia (GPA), at a Grains Biosecurity Advisory Committee meeting in Canberra.

PHA’s Digital Systems team attended the NCRIS@20 Symposium at the Australian National University (ANU). Pictured are Simon Morgan, National Manager, Digital Systems, Jimmy Lu, Service Operations Engineer, and Imogen Gad, Coordinator, Digital Systems. PHA’s CEO, Sarah Corcoran, and Dr Lucy Tran‑Nguyen, General Manager, Resilience and Innovation, also participated online.

PHA’s Dr Rachel Mann, National Manager, Response, and David Cousins, National Manager, Engagement and Training, joined government and industry representatives at Exercise Common Thread in Brisbane, a two-day biosecurity preparedness exercise based on a hypothetical cotton boll weevil incursion.

PHA’s Dr Stephen Quarrell, Manager, Biosecurity Planning, joined representatives from AgriFutures Australia, Southern Cross University, The University of Queensland and the Australian Grown Coffee Association at the launch of the Australian Coffee Research Program in Newrybar, NSW.