Queensland’s regional NRM organisations play a critical frontline role in responding to biosecurity incursions. The Queensland Government has recognised this role through targeted investment in sector-wide preparedness and response.

Through the Biosecurity Boost Grants Program, $75,000 has been invested in industry-led simulation exercises designed to replicate real-world biosecurity threats and outbreaks, including a statewide initiative led by NRM Regions Queensland focused on H5 avian influenza (bird flu).

Turning biosecurity investment into action

NRM Regions Queensland’s project will deliver a practical, scenario-based simulation exercise designed to strengthen preparedness for a potential H5 avian influenza incursion.

The initiative brings together experts in biosecurity, wildlife health and emergency animal diseases to build capability across the NRM network and ensure staff are equipped to recognise and respond to emerging threats.

Using a train-the-trainer model, representatives from each of Queensland’s 12 regional NRM organisations will participate in a central workshop before extending training across their regions. This approach ensures critical knowledge and response capability can be rapidly distributed across the state — including into regional and remote areas.

A frontline biosecurity network across Queensland

Queensland’s NRM sector operates as a statewide network of regional natural resource management organisations, embedded in local communities, working directly with landholders, land managers and delivery partners across diverse and often remote landscapes.

This reach positions the sector as a critical part of Queensland’s biosecurity system — providing early detection and rapid escalation when potential threats emerge.

NRM organisations engage regularly with thousands of landholders each year and play an active surveillance role across the state. With staff on the ground every day, NRM organisations are often among the first to identify unusual events, providing an important frontline function in protecting Queensland’s environment, industries and communities.

Strengthening rapid response capability

The H5 avian influenza simulation exercise is designed to strengthen this role by improving how quickly and effectively staff can respond when a threat is identified.

The training will simulate real-world outbreak conditions, helping participants understand what to look for, how to respond safely, and how to escalate information into the broader biosecurity system.

Primary Industries Minister Tony Perrett said preparedness was critical to managing risks.

“Biosecurity underpins Queensland’s ability to grow and produce clean, healthy and nutritious local food, and ultimately, strong biosecurity is the linchpin of a productive primary industries sector and regional and rural communities,” Minister Perrett said.

“The simulations conducted by our industry partners are critical investments in prevention and preparedness, to ensure swift, effective responses that significantly limit impact on individuals and entire industries.”

Delivering on Queensland’s biosecurity priorities

The project directly supports the Queensland Biosecurity Strategy, strengthening the preparedness and response capability of the NRM sector and contributing to a more resilient, connected biosecurity system.

The investment recognises that biosecurity threats are a significant risk to Queensland’s economy.

“Biosecurity failures are one of the biggest threats to our $22 billion primary industries sector, and investment in preparedness ensures industry and government can respond decisively and effectively to mitigate possible damage.”

The simulation exercise is one of several initiatives being delivered across industry through the Biosecurity Boost Grants Program, alongside projects led by Cotton Australia and the Australian Lot Feeders Association.

A partnership approach

The investment highlights the importance of strong partnerships between government and regional organisations in delivering biosecurity outcomes. By combining government investment with industry-led delivery, the program ensures capability is built where it is needed most – on the ground.

NRM Regions Queensland CEO Chris Norman said the funding would strengthen the sector’s ability to respond to emerging threats.

“These exercises are a great opportunity for the NRM team across the state to simulate real-world scenarios and ensure we’re prepared to assist on any biosecurity threats where we can,” Mr Norman said.

Mr Norman said the NRM sector’s statewide footprint and strong local connections positioned it as a key partner in Queensland’s biosecurity system.

“Our regional NRM organisations are on the ground every day – working in the field, across communities, and often in some of the most remote parts of Queensland,” he said.

“That means we’re often the first to see when something isn’t right, and we have a critical role to play in responding quickly and supporting government to manage those risks.”