WA Industry Funding Scheme appointments committee member Tony Seabrook.

WESTERN Australian agricultural producers and industry stakeholders interested in boosting biosecurity awareness are encouraged to nominate to join state funding management committees.

The state’s grains, seeds and hay; sheep and goat; and cattle industry funding schemes need to fill 11 vacancies.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is encouraging landholders, agribusiness operators and other stakeholders with relevant knowledge and experience to lodge an expression of interest in playing a key role in preserving Western Australia’s biosecurity reputation.

DPIRD said industry funding schemes are an integral part of the state’s biosecurity system, helping to maintain access to domestic and international markets and supporting the viability and profitability of agricultural industries. The schemes fund industry-wide programs to detect and respond to pest and disease incursions.

The committees work with industry to determine which pest and disease threats require action, how best to respond and what contributions are required from industry to address the issue, DPIRD said.

Industry Funding Scheme appointments committee member Tony Seabrook said the schemes use funds collected from WA producers, which must be spent wisely.

“For this reason, it is very important that the positions on the management committees are filled by responsible people with a depth of industry experience that is current for each individual committee.

“The schemes are an example of industry driven, self-management, where industry itself decides what is important and where best to direct investments,”he said.

Expressions of interest close on Tuesday 30 November and can be made online.

Further information is available on the department’s website at agric.wa.gov.au and search industry funding schemes or email [email protected].