Victoria's biosecurity system will be strengthened with a $6.1 million investment by the Allan Labor Government for projects that help prevent, monitor, and control diseases in cattle, sheep, goat, swine and honeybee industries.
Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence today announced that 16 organisations will receive grants to deliver 38 projects that provide ground breaking solutions and use emerging technologies to improve livestock biosecurity in Victoria.
The Livestock Biosecurity Funds Grant Program reinvests funds raised through duties on the sale of livestock and beekeeper registration fees back into the sector to help meet emerging biosecurity challenges head on.
Warragul based Veterinary Support Services will receive $1.4 million to deliver a two year Victorian Livestock Veterinary Scholarship program.
This includes clinical supervision and training that provides early-career veterinarians with skills, experience, networks and support to launch and sustain a livestock veterinary career in regional Victoria.
Western Plains Pork has been awarded $155,000 to run a pilot program to map contact between feral and domestic pigs to understand disease transmission risks.
This program will enhance participation and engagement from land managers - improving the industry's preparedness and reduce the impact of diseases on the Victorian pig industry.
The Livestock Biosecurity Funds Grant Program was established collaboratively between Agriculture Victoria and the four Livestock Compensation Advisory Committees, representing a shared responsibility between government and industry to boost Victoria's biosecurity and provide real benefits to industry.
Minister Spence has today also appointed Chairs and members with a broad range of industry skills and experience to the four Livestock Compensation Advisory Committees to provide advice on the administration of these funds.
For a full list of the 2024 Livestock Biosecurity Funds Grant Program recipients as well as Livestock Compensation Advisory Committee members please visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/livestockbiosecurityfunds.
As stated by Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence
"The Livestock Biosecurity Funds Grant Program helps industry meet emerging challenges at a time when biosecurity risks and threats are constant, and allows us to be more proactive as we protect our state from pests and diseases."
"We congratulate the new members for the Livestock Advisory Committees, we look forward to working together so that we can continue to protect and enhance our valuable livestock industries together"
As stated by Cattle Compensation Advisory Committee Chair Ron Harris
"Livestock Biosecurity Funds Grants result in innovative projects that safeguard against pests and diseases in livestock, which supports our farmers and helps preserve Victorian agriculture."
