The State Government has unveiled a $97.3 million biosecurity hub in Canning Vale to bolster WA’s defence against pest and disease outbreaks, including the destructive polyphagous shot-hole borer.
The ‘state-of-the-art’ facility will support the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s (DPIRD) biosecurity operations, incident response teams, diagnostics, and laboratory services.
The polyphagous shot-hole borer and Queensland fruit fly response teams will be among the first to operate from the new centre, with additional teams to follow in stages.
Once fully operational, the centre will accommodate between 200 and 300 staff members.
Located in the Canning Vale industrial area, the four-hectare site includes 6,000 square metres of warehousing, modern office accommodation, a large hardstand area for new modular laboratory buildings, and car parking.
WA Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis said she believes the facility will ensure WA is well-equipped to respond to increasing pest and disease threats and protect the state’s valuable agricultural export industry.
“This new State Biosecurity Response Centre provides a modern and functional workplace for our biosecurity staff, which reflects the vital work they do in managing pest and disease threats to the state,” Ms Jarvis said.
“As a priority, DPIRD’s emergency response teams will be among the first to move across, followed by other biosecurity functions.”
