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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.


42 advisories found for Timber imports.
 
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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 4/2019: Tasmania’s final draft of the Biosecurity Bill 2019 is now available for public comment.

​The final draft of Tasmania’s Biosecurity Bill 2019 is now available for public comment. 

The draft Biosecurity Bill provides a simpler and more effective legal framework for the management of disease, weeds and vermin, imports of plant and animal products, and biosecurity emergencies. 

The new draft Bill will facilitate the sharing of responsibility between Government, industry and the community for biosecurity management. It will retain many of the elements of Tasmania’s existing biosecurity system, but in a modernised and consolidated form.

A draft of the Bill has been provided to key stakeholders and has been published on DPIPWE’s website. For more information, go to: https://dpipwe.tas.gov.au/biosecurity-tasmania/about-biosecurity-tasmania/biosecurity-legislation-review/draft-biosecurity-bill​​

Feedback on the final exposure draft of the Bill can be emailed by 22 February 2019 to biosecuritybill@dpipwe.tas.gov.au​

(31/1/2019)
Categories: Wildlife; Timber imports; Seeds; Policy and Legislation; Plant pests; Plant diseases; Pasture; Natural environment; Marine pests; Livestock; Invasive Species; Horticulture; Gene technology; Freshwater pests; Cropping;

Biosecurity Advisory 30/2018 - Plant Biosecurity Manual Tasmania (PBMTas): 2019 edition published 19 December 2018

​The 2019 edition of the Plant Biosecurity Manual Tasmania (PBMTas) was published on the Biosecurity Tasmania website (www.dpipwe.tas.gov.au/biosecurity​) on 19 December 2018. The manual will only be published online, and will not be available in hard copy format.

The new edition of the PBMTas includes several changes to important Import Requirements (IR’s). Please note that these changes take legal effect from the date of public release, which is 19 December 2018.
 
The revised conditions and restrictions in this year’s Manual, include but are not limited to:
  • The introduction of new Import Requirements for Tomato Potato Psyllid (IR46), and Citrus Canker (IR31);
  • Revocation of IR25 - Green Snail- Vector Import Controls;
  • Significant amendments to IR1 – Fruit Fly Host Produce – Area Freedom; IR2 – Fruit Fly Host Produce – Disinfestation with Methyl Bromide; IR4 – Fruit Fly Host Produce – Disinfestation of Mango and Papaya with Heat; IR8A – Fruit Fly Host Produce – Post-harvest Treatment with Dimethoate; and IR38 – Nursery Stock;
  • Extensive update to entries in Table 2 Import Requirement Summary Table;
  • Changes in acceptance status of several Interstate Certification Assurances (ICAs) as recognised by Biosecurity Tasmania (see Section 2.18 of the Manual); and
  • Update of Tasmania’s Regulated Quarantine Pest List A & B Pests and Diseases (Appendix 1.1), and Unwanted Quarantine Pests (& Diseases) (Appendix 1.2), including the declaration of.
​In term​s of more recent plant biosecurity ‘quarantine pest’ declaration changes, besides a couple of pest name taxonomic updates, key changes have included new declarations of Citrus Canker as a Regulated Quarantine Pest (RQP), removal of Green Snail as a RQP to an Unwanted Quarantine Pest (UQP), and declaration of Cowpea Mild Mottle Virus and Giant Pine Scale as UQP’s.

The annual update of Tasmania’s Regulated Quarantine Pests (RQPs - Section 12 List A and B plant pests) was also published in the Government Gazette on Wednesday 21 November 2018. A copy of this Gazette can be accessed on the Tasmanian Government Gazette website​.
 
As in previous years the updated RQP List is included in the 2018 edition of the Plant Biosecurity Manual Tasmania (PBMTas) in Appendix 1. As a reminder, a Regulated Quarantine Pest (RQP) is a pest which:
  • poses a significant threat to our primary industries and/or natural environment; and is either not present in Tasmania; or present in the State but is under some form of official control program.

(19/12/2018)
Categories: Cropping; Gene technology; Horticulture; Invasive Species; Natural environment; Pasture; Plant diseases; Plant pests; Policy and Legislation; Seeds; Timber imports; Wildlife; Freshwater pests; Marine pests; Livestock;

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