Torres Strait Island Regional Council is among five Indigenous businesses set to receive a share of $2.4 million in funding to create innovative business opportunities that capitalise on achieving biosecurity outcomes under the Federal Government’s Biosecurity Business Grants scheme.
The Council will receive $312,475 in funding for its Waste and Material Biosecurity Management Project.
“The Waste and Material Biosecurity Management Project will see the development of a targeted Waste and Material Biosecurity Management Plan for the Torres Strait Island Regional Council that will underpin the guiding principles and objectives outlined in the Torres Strait Regional Biosecurity Plan 2018-2023 which was developed as part of a regional collaboration,” Council said in a statement.
Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia, David Littleproud has congratulated the successful applicants under the first round of the grants program.
“Biosecurity in northern Australia underpins development opportunities and protects the whole country from the threat of pests and diseases that could devastate our agricultural industries and our environment,” Minister Littleproud said.
“The successful projects will improve remote Indigenous community animal health surveillance capacity, safeguard Indigenous-led forestry in northern Australia, strengthen ranger capability and improve biosecurity and waste management in Torres Strait.
“The projects will deliver important biosecurity outcomes in northern Australia, and support increased economic opportunities for Indigenous communities.”
He said the goal of the funds program was to encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses and other organisations working with Indigenous people in northern Australia to view the emerging biosecurity market as an economic prospect to cultivate innovative business ideas.
“The innovative projects funded through the Biosecurity Business Grants will help the Top End respond swiftly and effectively to potential biosecurity risks and safeguard our vital agriculture industries and environment,” the Minister said.
Round 2 is anticipated to open in the second half of 2022.
For more details on the five successful round 1 projects visit the Biosecurity Business Grants website.
