The newly released plantation forest biosecurity plan (IBP) was created under the guidance of industry, and prioritises current known threats to the sector based on expert knowledge and assessment.
The study by Plant Health Australia identified more than 50 exotic plant pests and the potential biosecurity threat they represent. Each pest was given an overall risk rating based on four criteria: entry, establishment, spread potential, and economic impact.
The benefits of the IBP include potential early detection of key pest threats; effective and efficient biosecurity programs; reduced loss/incident damage; and greater transparency and inclusiveness in decision-making. As a result of the project the forest industry is a signatory to the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed (EPPRD) and has contributed to the formation of the Subcommittee on National Forest Health (SNFH).
The plantation forest industry should use the document to guide its operations in terms of what to watch out for and how best to plan for contingencies. The Australia Forests Products Association is the main point of contact for the IBP.