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Posted: Wed, 24 May 2017 06:25:34 GMT

Biosecurity officials seize concerning amount of contraband at Gold Coast airport.

BIOSECURITY officers seized more than 6760 items of biosecurity concern from the Gold Coast Airport in 2016, up 15 per cent from 2015.

The increase in seizures at the airport was a concern for all Australians because exotic pests and diseases had the potential to hurt our way of life, according to Department of Agriculture and Water Resources’ Head of Biosecurity Lyn O’Connell.

“A disease like foot and mouth that isn’t present in Australia can be carried here by a passenger bringing a meat product — which is why we’re so concerned about the increase in the number of meat products we’re seizing at the border,” Ms O’Connell said.

Biosecurity officials seized a concerning amount of contraband at Gold Coast airport.

Biosecurity officials seized a concerning amount of contraband at Gold Coast airport.Source:News Limited

“ABARES modelling has calculated that an outbreak could wreck our livestock industries and cost Australia more than $50 billion over 10 years.

“Passengers entering Australia need to think about the risk they’re posing to Australia when they pack their bags.

“My advice is leave it behind — most delicacies, including meat, seafood and fruit are available for sale in Australia.”

Biosecurity officials seize concerning amount of contraband at Gold Coast airport. Photo: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Biosecurity officials seize concerning amount of contraband at Gold Coast airport. Photo: Cameron Spencer/Getty ImagesSource:Getty Images

ITEMS SEIZED AT THE GOLD COAST AIRPORT IN 2016 INCLUDED:

*969kg of meat, a 28.5% increase from 2015

*302kg of seafood, a 114% increase from 2015

*176kg of apples and pears, a 70% increase from 2015

*300 items of egg products, a 98% increase from 2015

*419 items of citrus, a 33% increase from 2015

Biosecurity officials seized a concerning amount of contraband at Gold Coast airport.

Biosecurity officials seized a concerning amount of contraband at Gold Coast airport.Source:News Limited

“I recognise that international passenger numbers are increasing at the Gold Coast airport — by about eight per cent in the past year,” Ms O’Connell said.

“We can expect this trend to continue as Australia remains an aspirational holiday destination for many people overseas.

“We need their help to manage biosecurity risks so that the environment, and native flora and fauna that so many people travel here to see, is safeguarded.

“Australia is free from rabies but should it get here we can expect it to hurt our emblematic marsupials, like kangaroos and koalas, who are mammals and would be susceptible.”

Coolangatta isn’t the only airport to have increased seizures in 2016.

About 273,000 items of biosecurity concern were seized across Australia’s international airports in 2016, up by more than 6 per cent from 2015.

“The onus is on people to do the right thing — think about what is being packed and if unsure, check agriculture.gov.au, fill out the Incoming Passenger Cards correctly, declare everything honestly and leave plane food on the plane, including fruit,” Ms O’Connell said.

“And remember, biosecurity officers actively target deliberate concealment and noncompliance with Australia’s biosecurity laws using the best science, analysis and intelligence.”

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