Biosecurity experts and the state's citrus industry are building on their strong partnerships following three exotic citrus pest surveillance training workshops.

The workshops were an opportunity for Biosecurity Queensland officers and citrus industry 'pest scouts' to receive up-to-date training from internationally renowned citrus pest specialists.

The workshops were held at Mareeba (with follow-up surveillance activities in Cairns), Mundubbera and Brisbane in June.

Senior plant health scientist Ceri Pearce of Biosecurity Queensland said the citrus industry became more acutely aware of biosecurity threats following the citrus canker outbreak in Central Queensland in 2004.

"The successful response was only achieved with all stakeholders working together," Dr Pearce said.

"It is important to build on the relationships we forged during the citrus canker response.

"Early detection is vital. We all have to be prepared to respond quickly and efficiently.

Participants learned about exotic citrus pests, including known pests occurring in Papua New Guinea and neighbouring countries, their potential impacts and modern surveillance methods.

"The citrus industry relies on the ongoing work of pest scouts to survey and control endemic pests in Australia.

"They are at the frontline and are often the first to detect pests.

"This training will help improve their recognition skills for exotic pests as well."

Dr Pearce said training involved practical exercises to demonstrate surveillance techniques and improve detection skills.

Technical adviser to Citrus Australia and national citrus expert pathologist Pat Barkley, entomologist Andrew Beattie of the University of Western Sydney, and Queensland's citrus pathologist DEEDI, Andrew Miles, shared their knowledge and expertise on citrus pests and diseases.

* To report exotic plant pests, ring the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881 or Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23.