Northern Territory Minister for Primary Industry and Resources Paul Kirby

DPIR Snares Two Biosecurity Awards

Victor P Taffa

Northern Territory Department of Primary Industry and Resources (DPIR) has been recognised for its exemplary biosecurity work, winning 2 categories at this year’s Australian Biosecurity Awards.

Held at the National Convention Centre in Canberra last night, the awards recognised the excellent work of DPIR Executive Director Biosecurity and Animal Welfare, Sarah Corcoran, and the Aquatic Biosecurity team, who both landed accolades.

“I want to congratulate the DPIR award winners on their outstanding work over the past 12 months.” Minister for Primary Industry and Resources Paul Kirby said.

“DPIR team punches well above its weight when it comes to biosecurity, despite its small size in comparison to other states’ aquatic biosecurity teams, and has been working to maintain the highest possible standards in the Northern Territory for the past 20 years.”

 

Ms. Corcoran, along with Citrus Australia CEO Nathan Hancock, was recognised with a collaborative Industry/Government award for their response to the discovery of citrus canker in the Northern Territory.

Citrus canker was discovered on lime plants in Darwin in April 2018 and Ms. Corcoran led the resulting emergency response, opening up lines of communication with industry, growers, state and territory departments and the community.

DPIR’s Aquatic Biosecurity team were recognised for their significant contribution to maintaining Australia’s biosecurity integrity, taking out the award in the Government category.

Aquatic Biosecurity team was praised for its freshwater pest programs, marine pest monitoring and fish kill investigations. They also received recognition for public awareness programs, vessel biofouling risk assessments and inspections and Aboriginal marine ranger engagement.