Future Post Entry Quarantine Arrangements

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The project’s referral to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works (PWC) was considered at a public hearing on 27 March 2013. The PWC must approve the proposed works before construction of the facility can begin.

It is expected the committee will report back to the parliament in mid May. The successful passage of an expediency motion by Parliament will allow the project to progress to the construction phase. It is expected construction on the new facility will commence from early 2014, in order to commence staged operations from late 2015, with full operation to be completed by 2018.

Further information on the PWC process for this project can be found on a dedicated page on the PWC website, Construction of a new post–entry quarantine facility at Mickleham.

Budget 2013–14

The 2013-14 Budget provides continued investment in the design and construction of the new post entry quarantine facility for high risk plant and animal imports.

In the 2012–13 Budget, the Government made a commitment of $379.9 million over seven years to fund construction of a new Government–owned and operated post entry quarantine station in Victoria, consolidating all existing DAFF PEQ functions to a single integrated site.

In 2013–14, the Australian Government will invest $60.6 million in this initiative.

This builds on the government’s announcement made in the 2011–12 Budget when a commitment to fund further development of future post entry arrangements was made, along with funds for the maintenance and refurbishment of existing DAFF PEQ facilities.

The finalisation of design in the next 12 months will allow the commencement of construction of the new facility from early 2014.

Government operated PEQ facilities manage high risk imported animal and plant species and are a key component of Australia’s biosecurity system. A secure and efficient facility discourages smuggling and reduces biosecurity risk associated with the importation of new genetic material which is necessary for Australian agriculture to maintain competiveness and productivity.

Site acquisition

In July 2012 the Commonwealth announced the acquisition of a 144-hectare parcel of land located at 135 Donnybrook Road in Mickleham, Victoria for the construction of a new post entry quarantine facility.

The new PEQ facility will consolidate existing animal and plant quarantine services into a single, integrated site and will provide Australia with the newest and most advanced technology and operating practices available.