The Victoria State Government has committed $25.6 million to Victoria's livestock and horticulture industries. Although details of how the money will be spent are not yet clear, Agriculture Minister Jaala Pulford has confirmed that funding will go toward fruit fly control and biosecurity detection and analysis equipment.
“The Government is committed to modern, efficient and effective biosecurity services,” Ms Pulford said.
The Government will invest in biosecurity after a report by the Auditor-General last August found Victoria’s ability to respond to a livestock disease outbreak had been “weakened by a decline in financial and staff resourcing for core biosecurity functions”.
The Victorian Budget, to be handed down this on the afternoon of April 27, is expected to deliver a $2.9 billion surplus in 2016-17, and forecast surpluses for the next four years.
Source: weeklytimesnow.com.au