| Agency overview | |
|---|---|
| Preceding agencies |
|
| Jurisdiction | State of Queensland |
| Headquarters | Primary Industries Building, 80 Ann Street, Brisbane |
| Minister responsible | |
| Website | www |
The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries is a department of the Queensland Government which aims to maximise the economic potential for Queensland's primary industries on a sustainable basis through strategic industrial development. The section known as Biosecurity Queensland is responsible for biosecurity matters within the state.
The department was formerly known (with varying responsibilities) as:
after which it assumed its current identity Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.[10]
Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry provides expertise and support that increases primary industries productivity, expands markets and assists with adaption to change.[11] It conducts research, policy advice, protects against pests and diseases, maintains animal welfare standards, as well as managing fisheries.
The first functions of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry began in 1855 when a sheep scab inspector began work in the New South Wales colony of Moreton Bay. After Queensland's Separation, livestock diseases were addressed through regulations administered by the Stock Branch in the Queensland Colonial Secretary's Office.[12] The Stock Branch was established by the Queensland chief inspector of stock Patrick Robertson Gordon.[13]
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Further information: Biosecurity in Australia |
The Biosecurity Queensland section[14] is responsible for coordinating efforts to minimise the risks and effects of threatening pests and diseases.[15] Biosecurity Queensland is responsible for weed management in the state.[16]
In 2009, Biosecurity Queensland was successful in its attempt to eradicate a citrus canker outbreak in Central Queensland.
The Tree of Knowledge was successfully cloned in 2008 by workers at the former Department of Primary Industries.[17]
The overarching federal legislation, Biosecurity Act 2015, the state's Biosecurity Act 2014,[18] and the Queensland Biosecurity Strategy 2018-2023[19] govern and guide the department's responsibilities with regard to biosecurity.
In 2009, Primary Industries and Fisheries (now Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) together with the University of Queensland were granted federal funding to study how methane emissions from cattle and sheep could be reduced.[20]
From 1897 to 1921 the department published the Queensland Agricultural Journal.
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