A landmark new initiative, Catalysing Australia’s Biosecurity (CAB), will draw on cutting-edge technologies and digital systems to strengthen the nation’s biosecurity defences and protect our native species, crops, livestock and food supply.
With an initial co-investment of more than $55 million over six years, the CAB involves the CSIRO, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), industry and a range of partners. On collaboration is with Hort Innovation, working on the deployment of advanced pest management systems at the crop and landscape scale.
The initiative recognises that Australia’s biosecurity defences, processes and protections must be robust, world class and science-based; hence the CAB’s focus is on research and innovation to further advance the nation’s current biosecurity system.
Projects will incorporate cutting-edge developments in AI, machine learning, decision support platforms, genomics, robotics, drones, remote sensing, big data analytics, and next-generation biological solutions like advanced therapeutics and genetic control options.
CAB also has a focus on empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to contribute their expertise towards national biosecurity efforts, while new funding opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises provides potential for enhanced regional prosperity and security.
Other projects in the CAB’s initial suite include:
- Investing significantly to prepare for emergency animal diseases such as the Japanese encephalitis virus and lumpy skin disease;
- Trialling the BeeRight and eDNA technology to detect varroa mites in bee hives;
- Delivering a real-time biosecurity alerts service in partnership with Atlas of Living Australia;
- Developing an Australian Biosecurity Research Database to guide strategic investments and decision-making.
For more information on the CAB, visit the DAFF website here or the CSIRO’s Missions website here.
