THE Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) is urging the Victorian Government to consider a complete overhaul of the state’s truck wash network to plug major gaps in Victoria’s biosecurity preparedness safety net.

VFF Livestock President Scott Young said the recent closure of the truck wash facility at the Pakenham saleyards has exposed how fragile the state network is.

“Our biosecurity safety net is only as strong as its weakest point and with the closure of the Pakenham facility, we’re left vulnerable," he said.

“Truck washes are a vital part of keeping of our industry safe and detecting any potential threats.

"In the event of an emergency animal disease, the need for an efficient and effective truck wash network would be central to a statewide response.

“We’re calling for an overhaul of the state’s truck wash network.

"Metropolitan Melbourne is a major route for truck movements, so it makes sense to establish more truck washes on key arterials, such as the Western Ring Road or Hume Highway.

“There’s arguably no bigger threat to Australian agriculture than a large-scale biosecurity outbreak.

"We see investing in this infrastructure as insurance to help protect our multi-billion dollar industry,” Mr Young said.