Australia’s plantation forests are a vital renewable resource. The Plantation Forests Biosecurity Plan (Version 3.0), developed by Plant Health Australia with industry, government and research partners, provides a coordinated framework to protect this resource from exotic pests and diseases.
The plan identifies priority threats, highlights gaps in surveillance and response capability, and guides practical investment in research, preparedness and extension. Its focus is clear: turn biosecurity knowledge into action that supports productive, resilient and internationally competitive plantation forestry businesses.
Benefits for industry
• Reduced business risk: Better prevention, early detection and response help limit the operational and economic impacts of pest incursions.
• More targeted investment: A nationally agreed list of priority threats helps direct research and resources to the areas of greatest industry need.
• Stronger preparedness: Improved surveillance, diagnostics and contingency planning support faster, more coordinated responses.
• Greater capability: Practical guidance, education and training help businesses and workers recognise risks and strengthen on-ground biosecurity practices.
• Protected productivity and market access: Strong biosecurity supports healthy forests, reliable supply and confidence in Australia’s compliance with international standards.
• A stronger industry voice: Collaboration between growers, processors, researchers and governments ensures that investment and policy respond to real operational priorities.
Turning the plan into real impact
FWPA has committed $3 million over five years to research, development and extension initiatives that address priority biosecurity challenges. The program will translate the plan’s findings into practical tools, knowledge and capability for industry. Priority action areas:
• Developing diagnostic tools, surveillance programs and pest-specific contingency plans for High Priority Pests.
• Investigating pest-resistant breeding strategies and integrated pest management approaches.
• Strengthening early detection and response through clearer protocols and better coordination.
• Building industry-wide awareness through practical training, education and extension activities.
• Sharing research outcomes and usable guidance with growers, managers and other forestry professionals.
• Collaborating with Australian and international partners to address emerging and global biosecurity risks.
Key plan facts
• 51 exotic pests were identified as potential threats to plantation forests.
• 13 were classified as High Priority Pests because of their likelihood of entry and establishment and their potential economic impact.
• Established pests also remain an ongoing management and surveillance priority.
• Capability gaps include pest-specific contingency plans, diagnostic protocols and targeted surveillance strategies.
A shared commitment to resilient forests
By aligning research, investment and extension with agreed industry priorities, the plan provides a pathway from risk identification to practical action. This shared approach will help safeguard Australia’s plantation estate, strengthen business resilience and support the sector’s long-term contribution to regional communities and the national economy.
