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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.


210 advisories found.
 
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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;

Biosecurity Advisory 14/2019 – ​ Call for public comment on Regulatory Impact Statement – draft Plant Quarantine Amendment Regulations 2019

The Tasmanian Government is committed to providing opportunities for industry and community involvement in the development of Government policy. We are seeking your input on the draft Plant Quarantine Amendment Regulations 2019.

A Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) has been prepared in accordance with Schedule 2 of the Subordinate Legislation Act 1992.  The RIS provides complete information on the objects of the proposed regulatory changes (which include an increase to fees for specific biosecurity inspection services to further boost frontline biosecurity and other initiatives) and an assessment of the known impacts of the changes.

Submissions are invited on any aspect of this RIS and accompanying draft Plant Quarantine Amendment Regulations 2019.  Comment is especially invited on the potential costs and benefits of the draft Amendment Regulations for business and other sectors of the community.

All written submissions must be received by 5.00 pm on Tuesday 30 July 2019.

Submissions can be forwarded to:
Or mail:
Office of the General Manager
Biosecurity Tasmania 
Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment
GPO Box 44
Hobart, TAS 7001

More information regarding the public submission process, the draft Plant Quarantine Amendment Regulations 2019 and accompanying RIS can be viewed at dpipwe.tas.gov.au/biosecurity-tasmania/about-biosecurity-tasmania/draft-plant-quarantine-amendment-regulations​
​

(8/7/2019)
Categories: Cropping; Freshwater pests; Gene technology; Horticulture; Invasive Species; Natural environment; Pasture; Plant diseases; Plant pests; Policy and Legislation; Seeds; Timber imports; Wildlife; Livestock; Marine pests;

Biosecurity Advisory 13/2019 – ​ Applications for Small Grants under the Weeds Action Fund are now open

The Tasmanian Government Weeds Action Fund (WAF) is a ground-breaking fund with a total budget of $5 million over five years to tackle weeds that are impacting on valuable agricultural and environmental assets.

This will ensure we can step up the fight against significant agricultural and environmental weeds, helping farmers, land managers and the community in general to reduce the cost and impact weeds cause.

It has been recently estimated that weeds cost Australian agriculture almost $5 billion annually, including control costs and loss of production.

The funds are to be invested with farmers, Landcare and other community organisations to tackle high priority weeds impacting valuable agricultural and environmental assets.  Weed management is a shared responsibility and the fund aims to support co-investment to deliver practical on-ground works.

Funding of $140,000 for small grants under Stage 1 of the WAF (‘Small Grants’ program) are now open now until 31 July 2019. 
 
Grant eligibility guidelines, assessment criteria and instructions on how to apply can be found on the DPIPWE website at www.dpipwe.tas.gov.au/invasive-species/weeds/weeds-action-fund-small-grants   

A further round of grants with updated guidelines will be released in late 2019.

(14/6/2019)
Categories: Cropping; Freshwater pests; Gene technology; Horticulture; Invasive Species; Livestock; Marine pests; Natural environment; Plant diseases; Pasture; Plant pests; Policy and Legislation; Seeds; Timber imports; Wildlife;

Biosecurity Advisory 12/2019 – Amendments to Import Requirement (IR)10: Grape Phylloxera – Hosts and Vectors, & IR46: Tomato Potato Psyllid – Hosts and Vectors

​On 28 May 2019, Biosecurity Tasmania declared by public notice changes to Import Requirements 10 and 46 of the Plant Biosecurity Manual Tasmania however; those regulatory changes do not come into effect until 27 July 2019. The changes have been brought into regulation to align with similar changes in regulation for these pests by all other States and Territories.


Import Requirement 10 – Grape Phylloxera – Hosts and Vectors
Import conditions relating to the entry of grapevine cuttings and rootlings originating from a Phylloxera Exclusion Zone (PEZ) or Phylloxera Risk Zone (PRZ) will change on 27 July 2019. Cutting material and rootlings will no longer be permitted entry from PRZ’s. For plant material originating from PEZ’s, they now must be hot water treated, unless the cuttings or rootlings originate from a State or Territory holding a current Whole-of-State Pest Area Freedom Certificate, for freedom from grape phylloxera, in which case they are exempt from the specified treatment conditions.


Import Requirement 46 – Tomato Potato Psyllid – Hosts and Vectors
From 27 July 2019, import conditions will no longer be imposed on seed and ware potatoes for tomato potato psyllid. Clean seed and ware potatoes without green material are not a host of tomato potato psyllid. Even though tomato potato psyllid vectors zebra chip (Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum), extensive field surveys in Western Australia indicate this serious disease of potatoes is not present despite presence of tomato potato psyllid.

Other States and Territories have similarly relaxed entry conditions for seed and ware potatoes with respect to the risks posed by tomato potato psyllid as a result of the Western Australian field survey results.

The amended versions of IR10 & IR46 are available here https://dpipwe.tas.gov.au/biosecurity-tasmania/biosecurity/importing-plants/plant-import-requirement-changes

(13/6/2019)
Categories: Cropping; Horticulture; Invasive Species; Plant diseases; Plant pests; Policy and Legislation; Seeds;

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