Bio-security in Northern Australia

The Northern Australia Quarantine Strategy (NAQS) provides an early warning system for exotic pest, weed and disease detections across northern Australia to help address the unique biosecurity risks facing the region. Dr Gardener will be outlining the work undertaken by NAQS and describing some areas for potential collaboration with CDU.

Dr Mark Gardener is a senior botanist with the Northern Australia Quarantine Strategy (NAQS) in the Australian Government’s Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment. NAQS was established in 1989 to provide an early warning system for exotic pest, weed and disease detections across northern Australia. Mark, a long-time Territory resident, has worked extensively in invasive species management; bushfire ecology and planning; and mine rehabilitation. He holds an undergraduate degree in tropical biology from James Cook University and a PhD in weed ecology from the University of New England. Mark believes working together with the jurisdictions, researchers and the community is key to address the unique biosecurity risks facing northern Australia.