Biosecurity Hub Project

The key focus of the Hub is to address regional NRM organisations needs, through:

• shared 2-way knowledge exchange via Community of Practice meetings
• an improved online portal (NRM RA website Knowledge Hub)
• member-focused information platform (Slack)
• webinars
• newsletters
• conference sessions (NRM Knowledge Conference, Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator Conference)
• improved networks with R,D & E providers and NGOs to service tactical needs

There is also a strategic element, enabling NRM RA to have input into the development of new strategies, plans and processes related to national biosecurity matters.

The NRM Biosecurity Hub is an Australia-wide project, collaboratively engaging regional NRM organisations and government and non-government organisations working in the biosecurity system.

NRMs play a critical role working at the regional level across Australia to reduce the impacts of pests, weeds and disease on our natural environment, particularly threatened species. The 54 NRMs around the country provide significant capacity, creating opportunities to leverage resources and align priorities with biosecurity focused agencies working to implement national biosecurity objectives..

• Create and maintain the NRM Biosecurity Hub, including user-centred design approach to ensure the hub meets the requirements of end users (primary audience NRMs).
• Communication, learning and collaboration on biosecurity priorities and risks via webinar series
• Host regular online Community of Practice meetings which facilitate more in-depth discussion, knowledge sharing and networking around biosecurity issues.
• Convene biosecurity sessions at the National NRM Knowledge Conference with a feature on environmental biosecurity bringing together regional NRM teams with researchers and agency staff.
• Increase biosecurity community awareness of environmental biosecurity risks, surveillance and reporting.
• Communication and engagement through an online Slack channel, offering NRM members means to receive updates and engage peers on biosecurity issues.
• Hold workshops between NRMs and those working in environmental biosecurity to raise awareness of environmental biosecurity focus/priorities, to understand work of NRMs and opportunities to increase the communication, coordination and collaboration with NRM groups.
• Build networks with Commonwealth, state and territory biosecurity officers and others non-government organisations working in the National Biosecurity System to pursue opportunities for greater collaboration with NRM groups to align priorities and leverage resources.
• Link to scientific experts and national partners such as CSIRO, CISS, NESP, PHA, AHA to share the best science and seek to extend applied research to deliver practical benefits for NRMs and landholders managing the impacts of exotics pests, weeds and diseases in Australia.
• Strengthen the relationships with other national environmental NGOs (such as ISC, ALCA, Rabbit Free Australia) including Indigenous organisations, to increase community awareness of environmental biosecurity risks, surveillance, and reporting.