Responding to Rising Biosecurity Risks
A one-day event in Guyra connected producers with experts to tackle rising biosecurity risks.
Capacity building - LEP23-024-4-0004
The issue
The Guyra Landcare Network identified a growing need for practical, region-specific guidance to help farmers manage increasing biosecurity risks.
Producers in the New England region face mounting pressures from emerging livestock diseases, rising feral animal populations (especially pigs), invasive weeds, and the need to comply with evolving industry programs like Livestock Production Assurance (LPA).
While resources exist, many farmers were unsure how to apply biosecurity practices on-farm.
The solution
The solution was to deliver a locally-focused, practical event that connected producers with biosecurity experts and service providers in a format that was accessible, relevant, and action oriented.
By hosting the event in Guyra, with presentations from experts and local farmers alongside a panel discussion and local service provider stalls, the event gave producers:
- Clear, region-specific advice
- Real-world examples of biosecurity in action
- Opportunities to ask questions and share experiences
- Connections to local support networks.
This practical, peer-informed approach directly addressed producers' need for hands-on, localised guidance.
The impact
The day was well attended, showing strong interest from the local farming community.
Audience engagement was high, with producers actively participating in discussions, asking informed questions, and sharing their own experiences.
76% of attendees reported feeling more confident about identifying biosecurity risks and implementing practical measures on their own properties.
The event helped strengthen connections between producers and local service providers, supporting ongoing learning and follow-up.
Overall, the event successfully raised awareness, built knowledge, and promoted a proactive, locally tailored approach to on-farm biosecurity.
Key facts
- Annually invasive species cost Australia $24.5 billion
- Invasive plants cost the NSW farming sector $1.3 billion annually
- Invasive plants significantly harm the environment by displacing native plants, changing ecosystems, and impacting watercourses and water quality
- NSW has the highest number of feral animal species in Australia
- NSW annual production loss from feral animals is estimated at $170 million
- Feral animals pose a risk to Biosecurity by promoting disease, destroying the landscape, environment and biodiversity.