First Nations environmental biosecurity

The Environmental Biosecurity Office is committed to meaningful connections with First Nations people to achieve better policy outcomes. We focus on establishing stronger partnerships with First Nations organisations to ensure effective delivery of programs. We do this by:

• championing and supporting the maturity of First Nations-led land management activities and prioritise policy and projects to support this
• looking for opportunities to create shared benefits when working with First Nations people by listening to their priorities
• ensuring First Nations voices and perspectives are considered in environmental biosecurity
• breaking down potential barriers between First Nations people and the department
• harnessing our existing relationships to ensure meaningful engagement and opportunities for enhanced connections.

Indigenous rangers and communities play a key role in Australia’s biosecurity system, including undertaking surveillance operations across northern Australia.

The Environmental Biosecurity Office is focused on delivering the priorities from the department’s First Nations Platform for Shared Benefits.

Roots of Resilience

Roots of Resilience tells a story of the importance of environmental biosecurity, and what is at risk of being lost due to the threats posed by Myrtle rust. The film gives voice to First Nations’ perspectives, connections and concerns around forests and forest health.

First Nations people have lived in harmony with this country for thousands of years. This video describes our need to share knowledge and walk together to protect what we love. It highlights the importance of forests to people, culture and ecosystems both here and abroad.

The film was produced in collaboration with the department’s Environmental Biosecurity Office through the Environmental Biosecurity Project Fund, the Queensland and NSW governments, Aboriginal communities and partners in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

It was filmed and produced by ThunderBox films across various locations including Coffs Harbour, Bunya Mountains and Cairns.

Download