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Tasmanian Biosecurity Advisories

Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment

Latest Advisories

Subscribing to get DPIPWE’s Biosecurity Advisories is the best way you can keep yourself up-to-date and fully informed about Tasmanian biosecurity issues. Our Advisories cover topics such as changes or proposed changes to Tasmania’s import regulations, animal health and welfare, plant health, forthcoming regulation reviews and opportunities for public comment, new or emerging pest/disease risks and a range of other matters related to Tasmania’s biosecurity.


213 advisories found.
 
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Biosecurity Advisory 24/2019 - Public comments are invited on the proposed import of the Golden lion tamarin into Tasmania

​The Wildlife Management Branch of the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment have received a submission for the Golden lion tamarin (Leontopithecus rosalia) species profile for consideration to import into Tasmania. 

Public comments are invited by 13 November 2019
  
Details of the species profile and risk assessment is available for viewing on the DPIPWE website at:  

(1/11/2019)
Categories: Freshwater pests; Invasive Species; Natural environment; Policy and Legislation; Wildlife; Livestock; Gene technology;

Biosecurity Advisory 23/2019 - Important Update: Proposed Property Identification Code (PIC) Reforms - submission date extended

​MPORTANT UPDATE: The closing date for submissions of public comments on the proposed property identification code (PIC) reforms has now been extended until Friday 15 November 2019. (See Biosecurity Advisory 22/2019 for more details). Please visit the website for more information: http://www.agriculture.gov.au/…/propertyidentificationrefor…​

(1/11/2019)
Categories: Cropping; Freshwater pests; Gene technology; Horticulture; Invasive Species; Livestock; Marine pests; Natural environment; Pasture; Plant diseases; Plant pests; Policy and Legislation; Seeds; Timber imports; Wildlife;

Biosecurity Advisory 22/2019 - Proposed Property Identification Code (PIC) Reforms – Important Reminder

​The Commonwealth, States and Territories are currently reviewing traceability arrangements across animal, plant and food industry sectors. This work is examining opportunities to enhance traceability systems and arrangements to help Australia more effectively:

  • manage pest and disease outbreaks;
  • manage food safety, trade and market access requirements, and;
  • address consumer interest in product sustainability, ethics and provenance.
One critical component of Australia’s existing primary produce traceability system is the Property Identification Code, commonly known as a PIC.  A PIC is a unique code assigned to one or more properties or businesses that are involved with activity along the primary produce supply chain. 

PICs have been used in the livestock sector for many years as part of the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS).  In Tasmania, PICs are assigned by Biosecurity Tasmania following an application process. 
As one component of the broader traceability review, governments are currently examining PIC arrangements with a view to implement a national harmonised property identification system across our primary production sectors.  

These reforms are focused on improving the locational aspects of traceability, harmonising the business rules used to assign PICs and extending the benefits of PICs to other primary production sectors.  For example, the mandatory inclusion of the plant sector is new from a national perspective, although in Tasmania many properties engaged in plant production may already have PICs.

The need for PIC reform has been recognised and strongly supported by the many system participants involved in the recent discussions about Australia’s future traceability requirements.  Now you have an opportunity to provide input on these proposed important reforms.

For more information, and to have your say, please visit the Commonwealth Government Property ID reforms portal:

Please note that the opportunity for feedback closes on the 1 November 2019.

(21/10/2019)
Categories: Cropping; Gene technology; Horticulture; Invasive Species; Livestock; Natural environment; Pasture; Plant diseases; Plant pests; Policy and Legislation; Seeds; Timber imports; Wildlife;

Biosecurity Advisory 21/2019 - Community urged to be vigilant and look for signs of Blueberry Rust

​Community urged to be vigilant and look for signs of Blueberry Rust

With the spring growing season upon us, all Tasmanians who have blueberry plants are encouraged to remain vigilant for the signs of blueberry rust.
Although the disease is currently present in the State, a containment strategy is in place to help protect industry and reduce the risk of further movement of the disease. There are five commercial berry growers being actively managed under the containment strategy.

As part of the ongoing containment strategy, the Department is currently investigating the detection of a number of blueberry rust infected plants at a small number of Tasmanian retail nurseries. The infected plants were supplied to nurseries in the north, north-west and south of the state.

Biosecurity Tasmania has worked with the outlets to remove all blueberry plants from sale at these locations until further notice and is undertaking an ongoing investigation.
The outlets involved have been very proactive and supportive of the importance of this work. 

Our priority upon detection is to immediately manage the biosecurity risk and ensure appropriate measures are implemented to manage blueberry rust presence on site.
Our message to people is simple. If you have recently purchased blueberry plants and have concerns, please contact Biosecurity Tasmania on (03) 6165 3777.
Biosecurity Tasmania Officers are available to come to your home and inspect the plants.  Suspect plants should not be disturbed or moved.

Blueberry rust is a disease of blueberries that causes extensive defoliation and may cause plant death in the case of severe infections.

The Government is investing in research into new treatments for blueberry rust, conducted by the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA), with funding from the Agricultural Innovation Fund.

Further information about blueberry rust, including signs and symptoms, is available here: dpipwe.tas.gov.au/blueberryrust

(3/10/2019)
Categories: Cropping; Horticulture; Invasive Species; Plant diseases; Plant pests;

Biosecurity Advisory 20/2019 - Biosecurity Advisory Committee – Chair and Members - Expressions of Interest close 5pm 7 October 2019

​A reminder that Expressions of Interest for the position of Chair and members of the new Biosecurity Advisory Committee (BAC) to be established under s267 of the Biosecurity Act 2019 (the Act) will close at 5pm Monday 7 October 2019.

The BAC will provide advice to the Minister and Secretary on any matter related to biosecurity, in particular:
  • the requirements of a comprehensive and effective biosecurity system for Tasmania, and necessary linkages to other biosecurity systems (national and international); 
  • opportunities to improve industry and community awareness of biosecurity;
  • opportunities to improve collaboration in achieving improved biosecurity outcomes including preparedness for biosecurity emergencies; and
  • any other biosecurity related matter referred to the Committee by the Minister or the Secretary.
The Committee will comprise a Chair and a membership comprising the following:
  • a representative of wild fisheries industries;
  • a person with relevant knowledge and experience in science, industry and community liaison and education;
  • a person with relevant accounting, economic or strategic planning expertise;
  • a person with public administration expertise at both the State and local government level;
  • a representative of animal-based agricultural industries;
  • a representative of plant-based agricultural industries;
  • a representative of aquaculture industries;
  • a representative of tourism industries;
  • a representative from environmental organisations;
  • a community member; and
  • a State Service employee.
Noting a member may satisfy more than one of the statutory membership criteria.

Those interested need to provide information that outlines their suitability for appointment to the role of Chair or member of the BAC.  Further information on the position of Chair and Member and on the selection process can be found at: https://dpipwe.tas.gov.au/bac​​

Female candidates are particularly encouraged to apply, in accordance with the Tasmanian Government’s Women on Boards strategy, which aims to improve gender equity and increase female representation on its boards, statutory bodies and committees.

Expressions of Interest can be lodged at: EOI Biosecurity Advisory Committee, Biosecurity Tasmania – Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, GPO Box 44, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, or emailed to: John.Harkin@dpipwe.tas.gov.au by 5 pm, 7 October 2019.

(2/10/2019)
Categories: Cropping; Freshwater pests; Gene technology; Horticulture; Invasive Species; Livestock; Marine pests; Natural environment; Pasture; Plant diseases; Plant pests; Policy and Legislation; Seeds; Timber imports; Wildlife;

Biosecurity Advisory 19/2019 - Boosting biosecurity with more inspectors

​Protecting Tasmania from unwanted pests and diseases will be further strengthened with the recruitment of new Biosecurity Tasmania staff to work at the borders to do more inspections of high risk produce and imported freight and goods.

Funding for these positions has been made available by the partial cost recovery of inspection fees for imported produce and freight as outlined in the Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) that was recently released for public comment.  

The RIS provided complete information on proposed changes to fees for specific inspection services, an assessment of the known impacts of the changes and the ‘Securing our Borders’ initiatives that will be supported to strengthen Tasmania’s biosecurity systems.  Following the public consultation period these changes will come into effect on 2 October 2019.

As the first phase of the ‘Securing our Borders’ initiative Biosecurity Tasmania is seeking to recruit additional staff as follows:
  • 19 Biosecurity Inspectors in the south, north and north-west, to cover the higher risk import season, with a mix of fixed-term part-time positions and casual positions.
  • The recruitment of a Risk Planner to prioritise the resources of Biosecurity Tasmania to the highest risk areas.
Following the Queensland fruit fly incursion, inspection procedures for high-risk fruit fly produce have been strengthened and these roles will further assist in addressing the potential risks of imported produce, freight and goods.

​​Biosecurity Tasmania will continue to work with Approved Quarantine Place operators, importers, exporters and logistics providers to ensure that any operational disruptions are kept to a minimum once these changes come into effect 

The Government has also acted to improve biosecurity preparedness and emergency response capability as part of the ‘Securing our Borders’ initiative with the appointment of a Coordinator (Biosecurity Emergency Preparedness, Response & Recovery). This position will work with industry to boost our emergency response capacity through biosecurity education, training and support programs.

Details of the new positions and recruitment details can be found on the Tasmanian Government recruitment website: https://www.jobs.tas.gov.au/

(27/9/2019)
Categories: Cropping; Freshwater pests; Gene technology; Horticulture; Invasive Species; Livestock; Marine pests; Natural environment; Pasture; Plant diseases; Plant pests; Policy and Legislation; Seeds; Timber imports; Wildlife;

Biosecurity Advisory 18/2019 – Draft Cat Management Amendment Bill 2019 – public submissions closing soon

​​Public comments on the draft exposure bill of proposed amendments to the Tasmanian Cat Management Act 2009 remain open and will close on 4 October 2019. This is your opportunity to have your say on this important matter.

Cats are an important part of our lives as companion animals and are very much part of families and the Tasmanian community.

The proposed amendments seek to improve levels of responsible cat ownership and welfare, provide for the effective management of cats, and reduce the potential negative impacts of cats on the community, agriculture and the environment in Tasmania. 

At the end of the consultation period, stakeholder feedback will be considered and the Bill will be finalised.

Submissions may be lodged either by: 

or
Mail:   Office of the General Manager
           Biosecurity Tasmania 
           Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment
           GPO Box 44
           Hobart TAS 7001

Submissions will close at 5.00 pm on 4 October 2019.

For further information on how to make a submission, please visit the website at:

(26/9/2019)
Categories: Cropping; Freshwater pests; Gene technology; Horticulture; Invasive Species; Livestock; Marine pests; Natural environment; Pasture; Plant diseases; Plant pests; Policy and Legislation; Seeds; Timber imports; Wildlife;

Biosecurity Advisory 17/2019 - Biosecurity Advisory Committee – Chair and Members - Expressions of Interest now open

Expressions of interest are being sought for the position of Chair and members of the new Biosecurity Advisory Committee (BAC) to be established under s267 of the Biosecurity Act 2019 (the Act).

The BAC will provide advice to the Minister and Secretary on any matter related to biosecurity, in particular:
  • the requirements of a comprehensive and effective biosecurity system for Tasmania, and necessary linkages to other biosecurity systems (national and international); 
  • opportunities to improve industry and community awareness of biosecurity;
  • opportunities to improve collaboration in achieving improved biosecurity outcomes including preparedness for biosecurity emergencies; and
  • any other biosecurity related matter referred to the Committee by the Minister or the Secretary.
The Committee will comprise a Chair and a membership comprising the following:
  • a representative of wild fisheries industries;
  • a person with relevant knowledge and experience in science, industry and community liaison and education;
  • a person with relevant accounting, economic or strategic planning expertise;
  • a person with public administration expertise at both the State and local government level;
  • a representative of animal-based agricultural industries;
  • a representative of plant-based agricultural industries;
  • a representative of aquaculture industries;
  • a representative of tourism industries;
  • a representative from environmental organisations;
  • a community member; and
  • a State Service employee.
Noting a member may satisfy more than one of the statutory membership criteria.

Those interested need to provide information that outlines their suitability for appointment to the role of Chair or member of the BAC.  Further information on the position of Chair and Member and on the selection process can be found at:
https://dpipwe.tas.gov.au/BAC​
Female candidates are particularly encouraged to apply, in accordance with the Tasmanian Government’s Women on Boards strategy, which aims to improve gender equity and increase female representation on its boards, statutory bodies and committees.​
Expressions of Interest can be lodged at: EOI Biosecurity Advisory Committee, Biosecurity Tasmania – Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, GPO Box 44, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, or emailed to: John.Harkin@dpipwe.tas.gov.au by 5 pm, 7 October 2019.

(13/9/2019)
Categories: Cropping; Freshwater pests; Gene technology; Horticulture; Invasive Species; Livestock; Marine pests; Natural environment; Pasture; Plant diseases; Plant pests; Policy and Legislation; Seeds; Timber imports; Wildlife;

Biosecurity Advisory 16/2019 – Draft Cat Management Amendment Bill 2019 open for public comment

​The draft exposure bill of proposed amendments to the Tasmanian Cat Management Act 2009 has been released for public comment. 

Cats are an important part of our lives as companion animals and are very much part of families and the Tasmanian community.

The proposed amendments seek to improve levels of responsible cat ownership and welfare, provide for the effective management of cats, and reduce the potential negative impacts of cats on the community, agriculture and the environment in Tasmania. 

The amendments deliver on recommendations for legislative change identified in the ‘Tasmanian Cat Management Plan 2017-2022’. The Plan was developed in consultation with the Tasmanian Cat Management Reference Group, consisting of stakeholders with a direct interest in cat management.

Public consultation is open and closes at 5pm on 4 October 2019. At the end of the consultation period, stakeholder feedback will be considered and the Bill will be finalised.

Submissions may be lodged either by: 
or
Mail:   Office of the General Manager
           Biosecurity Tasmania 
           Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment
           GPO Box 44
           Hobart TAS 7001

Submissions will close at 5.00 pm on 4 October 2019.

For further information on how to make a submission, please visit the website at:
https://dpipwe.tas.gov.au/invasive-species/cat-management-in-tasmania/cat-management-amendment-bill 

(30/8/2019)
Categories: Cropping; Freshwater pests; Gene technology; Horticulture; Invasive Species; Livestock; Marine pests; Natural environment; Pasture; Plant diseases; Plant pests; Policy and Legislation; Seeds; Timber imports; Wildlife;

Biosecurity Advisory 15/2019 - Public comment invited on proposal to import Caracal into Tasmania

​The Wildlife Management Branch of the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment have received a submission for the Caracal (Caracal caracal) species profile for consideration to import into Tasmania. 

Public comments are invited by 14  August 2019.

Details of the species profile and risk assessment are available for viewing on the DPIPWE website at:  

https://dpipwe.tas.gov.au/wildlife-management/management-of-wildlife/wildlife-imports/species-risk-assessments-for-comment

For further enquiries on the import proposal please contact:

Wildlife Management Branch
DPIPWE
200 Collins Street 
GPO Box 44
HOBART TAS 7001
Phone: 03 6165 4305
Fax: 03 6173 0253

​

(2/8/2019)
Categories: Cropping; Freshwater pests; Gene technology; Horticulture; Invasive Species; Livestock; Marine pests; Natural environment; Pasture; Plant diseases; Plant pests; Policy and Legislation; Seeds; Timber imports; Wildlife;

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