The abandoned former Cape York Biosecurity Centre at Coen, which was handed back to Traditional Owners in mid-2023, reflects the complete absence of a biosecurity solution in the northernmost part of Queensland. Photo: Cape York Weekly.
Eight months after the Liberal National Party (LNP) promised to re-establish a biosecurity presence on Cape York, locals still have no idea how and when the vital frontline defence of the region will return.
In the lead-up to the 2024 Queenland election, the party and now-Premier David Crisafulli announced a $50 million plan it said would “beef up biosecurity” across the state, which included a review of the controversial mid-2023 closure of the Cape York Biosecurity Centre at Coen.
The facility was shuttered by the former Labor government in June 2023 and handed back to Southern Kaantju Traditional Owners, despite overwhelming criticism from the agricultural sector and biosecurity experts.
In 2024, the vehicle inspection shed was removed by Traditional Owners and relocated to an unknown site.
Cape York Weekly has been unable to confirm whether the taxpayer-funded infrastructure was sold, or whether it is being utilised by Traditional Owners at another location.
Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett said the centre’s reopening was still a priority, with the prolonged review expected to be finalised in the second half of 2025.
“The Crisafulli government’s commitment to reinstate our northern line of biosecurity defence is steadfast and has not changed,” he said.
“Part of our commitment to strengthen biosecurity across the Cape includes a review of the former Labor government’s closure of the Coen facility, that work is underway.”
Member for Cook David Kempton said the government was in search of an “appropriate location” for a replacement centre, but did not speculate what the cost of constructing new infrastructure would be.
“As the Member for Cook, I am in continual conversation with the Minister for Primary Industries in relation to a raft of measures to bolster biosecurity in the far north and across the state,” he said.
“These measures include increasing the number of biosecurity officers, and the development of a replacement biosecurity centre in Cape York.
“I am working with the Minister and the department in relation to the most appropriate location in Cape York.”
