The Queensland Government is bringing together emerging biosecurity leaders to explore how Queensland protects its agriculture, environment, communities and economy.
- Registrations open for Biosecurity Unlocked event in Townsville on 10 September
- Interactive activities will showcase the people, technology and expertise behind biosecurity and tackling future challenges
- The Queensland Government is delivering on its plan to strengthen biosecurity in the north
Registrations are open for Biosecurity Unlocked, held at James Cook University’s Bebegu Yumba Campus in Townsville on Thursday 10 September, bringing students, researchers, industry representatives and emerging professionals together for a hands-on look at biosecurity as a study and career pathway.
Delivered by Biosecurity Queensland and James Cook University, the event will hold practical activities, research discussions, technology demonstrations and a simulated biosecurity incident.
There will be the opportunity to explore how pests and diseases spread, the role of human behaviour and community trust in biosecurity, emerging technologies used for surveillance and detection, and what happens when Queensland responds to a biosecurity threat.
Queensland Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Allison Crook will officially open the event, drawing on almost 30 years’ experience in animal health and biosecurity, including major emergency responses such as equine influenza and Hendra virus.
Department of Primary Industries Deputy Director-General and Chief Biosecurity Officer Dr Rachel Chay said Biosecurity Unlocked is a chance to see that the opportunities to study and work in biosecurity was about more than science alone.
“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.”
Contact
Email media@dpi.qld.gov.au.
Last updated: 03 Sep 2026