Predicting Australia’s Exposure to Exotic Pests

By Robert Heyward

Australian researchers are taking a proactive approach to prepare for the biosecurity challenges of tomorrow.

The Centre of Excellence for Biosecurity Risk Analysis (CEBRA) has developed advanced forecasting models to predict which exotic pests will pose the greatest threat to Australia in the coming decades, based on changing climate conditions and evolving international trade patterns.

The CEBRA team has analysed border interception data for several high-risk pests, including the brown marmorated stink bug, spongy moth, Asian honeybee, giant African snail, and khapra beetle. Their research estimates the potential contamination of goods consignments by these pests.

The team has also created global interactive maps that project pest exposure over time, factoring in various climate change scenarios and their potential impact on international trade.

Justine Saunders,

Deputy Secretary of Biosecurity, Operations and Compliance, hailed the project as a signifcant advancement in strengthening Australia’s biosecurity system.

“This project is instrumental in guiding our threat prioritization, enhancing border screening processes, and improving postborder surveillance and eradication efforts,” Ms. Saunders stated.

She also highlighted the model’s versatility, noting that it could be expanded to predict risks related to human movement and to assess threats from multiple species simultaneously.

“Global macro trends are increasing the risks posed by pests and diseases,” Ms. Saunders added. “To effectively prepare for these threats, it is crucial to understand the potential impacts and identify which sectors may be most affected by a post-border detection.”

Ms. Saunders emphasized that the project underscores the department’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding Australia’s agriculture, environment, and economy.

For more details on the project’s methodology and fndings, you can watch the presentation by Dr. James Camac and Professor Tom Kompas as part of the 2024 CEBRA Webinar Series on the CEBRA YouTube Channel.

The full report is available for download via the QR code.

Funeral Notice

MICALLEF, ANTHONY JOHN “TONY”

29/6/1937 – 16/8/24 87 Years

Passed away peacefully on the 16th August 2024, at Whiddon Aged Care Casino

Formerly of 3 Figtree Drive, Casino

Dearly Loved Husband of Veronica Loved Father & Father in Law to Wayne & Sharon, Louise & John, Fiona & Michael and Aleeta & Claudine Loving GrandFather of Kyle, Trent, Olivia, Kurt & Freya

“Loving Devoted Dad to Fur Baby Bella”

A Funeral Service will be held for Tony at the Casino RSM Club, 162 Canterbury Street, Casino on Friday 23rd August 2024. Commencing at 10.30am. is Service will be Livestreamed, Please contact Simplicity Funerals Casino for details.

Funeral Notice

Trevor Percy Bower In Loving Memory of Trevor Bower Late of Mullumbimby

Passed away peacefully on Friday the 9th of August 2024

Aged 83 Years.

Dearly loved Husband of Winifred Bower. Loved Father and Father in Law. Cherished Grandfather.

Family and Friends are warmly invited to attend Trevor’s

Funeral Service at the Uniting Church, Mullumbimby on Friday the 23rd of August 2024 at 11.00am. After the service, the cortege will leave

Funeral Notice

TAYLOR, Shirley Ann, Passed away peacefully at Ballina Hospital on 12th August 2024, late of Lennox Head.

Beloved wife of George (Dec). Cherished Mother and Mother In Law of Donella and Tony, Elton and Tania.

Devoted “Nan” of Sally & Ben, Jaydn, Ashley and Jarrod.

Loved “Nanny Great” of Miley, Sonny, Lola and Salem. Dear friend of Bill.

Will be sadly missed by all her relatives and friends Aged 86 Years “Gone Fishin” e Relatives and Friends of Shirley are invited to attend her funeral service to be held at e Richmond Chapel of Parkview Funeral Home, 21 Kalinga St Ballina, on Tuesday 27th August 2024, commencing at 10.00am.

At the conclusion of the chapel ceremony, the funeral will proceed to the East Ballina Cemetery.