What’s Happening?
Registrations are open for Biosecurity Unlocked at James Cook University’s Bebegu Yumba Campus in Townsville. The event will be held on Thursday 10 September and delivered jointly by Biosecurity Queensland and James Cook University.
Students, researchers, industry representatives and emerging professionals will examine biosecurity as a study and career pathway. Through practical activities, they will join research discussions, see technology demonstrations and participate in a simulated biosecurity incident.
The scenario will examine how pests and diseases spread, including the influence of human behaviour and community trust. Participants will also see surveillance and detection technologies while learning how Queensland responds to a biosecurity threat.
Why It Matters
Biosecurity protects Queensland’s agriculture, environment, communities, economy and way of life from plant and animal pests and diseases. However, the event will show that this work reaches beyond science and depends on many people, skills and technologies.
By placing participants inside practical scenarios, the program will connect technical knowledge with the decisions made during a response. It also presents biosecurity as a practical career option, particularly for people who want to work in regional Queensland.
This supports the Queensland Government’s plan to strengthen biosecurity services across northern and regional communities.
Local Impact
Holding the event in Townsville gives local students, researchers and emerging professionals access to practical demonstrations close to home. It also creates links between James Cook University, industry representatives and Biosecurity Queensland specialists.
Participants can learn how different roles contribute to protecting Queensland from plant and animal threats. These roles include surveillance, detection, emergency response, research, industry and community engagement. For northern Queensland, this focus supports efforts to build a skilled regional workforce and strengthen frontline biosecurity services.
By The Numbers
- Dr Allison Crook brings almost 30 years of animal health and biosecurity experience, including work during major emergency responses.
- The Queensland Government has recruited its first 50 new biosecurity officers across regional Queensland to strengthen the frontline.
- Another 50 officers remain to be recruited, increasing the need for skilled candidates interested in working across regional areas.
Zoom In
Queensland Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Allison Crook will officially open Biosecurity Unlocked in Townsville. Her experience includes emergency responses involving equine influenza and Hendra virus, alongside animal health and broader biosecurity work.
Dr Rachel Chay is the Department of Primary Industries Deputy Director-General and Chief Biosecurity Officer. She said the work involved far more than science.
“Biosecurity is one of Queensland’s most important lines of defence, protecting our way of life, our environment and the industries that underpin our economy,” Dr Chay said. “Biosecurity Unlocked gives people the chance to see that protecting Queensland involves a huge range of people, skills and technologies and is a great career pathway particularly in regional areas. The Queensland Government has recently recruited the first 50 new biosecurity officers across regional Queensland to strengthen the biosecurity frontline. With another 50 officers still to be recruited, we need events like this to ensure we have skilled people in regional areas who are keen to step into these roles now and into the future.”
“From surveillance and detection to emergency response, research, industry and community engagement, there are many different pathways into a career in biosecurity. By putting people in the middle of practical scenarios and demonstrations, this event will give them a real-world understanding of the work that goes into keeping Queensland safe from plant and animal pests and diseases.”
Zoom Out
Across Queensland, the government is increasing regional response capacity while expanding its frontline workforce. Biosecurity Unlocked complements that work by showing how education, research, technology, industry and community engagement contribute.
Together, the event and recruitment program support plant and animal health protection, particularly across northern Queensland.
What To Look For Next?
After the Townsville event, more participants may consider study or employment in biosecurity, particularly within regional Queensland. Recruitment will also continue for the remaining 50 officer positions as the government strengthens its biosecurity frontline.
