Maurice Thompson: Supporting Growers, Strengthening Biosecurity
Maurice Thompson
When you talk to Maurice Thompson, ABGC’s newest Grower Support & Engagement Officer, one thing becomes clear: he believes good biosecurity starts with good relationships.
Maurice has recently joined the Grower Support team, bringing with him not only years of practical biosecurity experience but also a genuine passion for working alongside growers to solve challenges together.
From Hospitality to Biosecurity
Before making the move into agriculture, Maurice spent 25 years in hospitality - an industry that, like farming, relies heavily on people and trust. He says that foundation gave him a strong grounding in communication and problem-solving, skills he has carried with him ever since.
He first got involved in biosecurity while working on the banana freckle response in the Norther Territory. Over the next six years, he played a vital role across multiple responses, including green myrtle virus, browsing ants and Asian honeybee.
“We were doing everything from surveillance to destruction and most importantly—community engagement.” – Maurice Thompson
Experience Across the North
After his time in the NT, Maurice returned briefly to help inspect newly planted banana blocks and confirm disease clearance before moving to Queensland. For the past seven years, he’s worked in local government across Southern Downs, through to Mount Isa, coordinating environmental and biosecurity programs.
From tackling weeds to managing feral pigs and wild dogs, Maurice has led teams on the ground, always focused on practical solutions and collaboration with landholders.
Maurice’s Biosecurity Toolbox
Surveillance & monitoring
Pest & feral animal control
On-farm biosecurity plans
Team leadership & training
Grower engagement & trust-building
“You can’t just rely on one thing alone,” he says. “You need a full toolbox of strategies to tackle different challenges. That’s as true for feral pig control as it is for managing Panama TR4.”
A Practical Approach to TR4
Maurice’s work has given him insight into the frustrations growers face when dealing with invasive pests and plant diseases. Having also worked with Biosecurity NT on aspects of Panama TR4, he understands both the science and the human impact.
“It’s very hard to achieve anything unless you build trust with growers. You’ve got to be out there, on the ground - not just sitting in an office.” – Maurice Thompson
Here for Growers
In his new role with ABGC, Maurice’s priority is clear: be there for growers when they need support.
“My idea is to give full support to growers,” he says. “That might mean taking a phone call, or it might mean visiting them on-farm. It’s about being available and helping them work through the stress of dealing with Panama - whether that’s keeping it out or containing it on their property.”
Looking Ahead
Maurice is most looking forward to getting out into the paddock, meeting growers and building those connections.
“At the end of the day, it’s about resilience,” he says. “Together we can find ways to reduce risk, protect our bananas and support growers in the work they do.”