News and media

All Australians are being reminded to be biosecurity aware, following cases of unsolicited seed packets being received through the mail.

Head of Biosecurity Operations, Emily Canning, said imported seeds must adhere to strict biosecurity conditions that help manage pest and disease risks.

“The department is aware of the cases overseas and we have had a small number of reports in Australia that are under investigation,” Ms Canning said.

“It is an important reminder that we all need to do our part to safeguard Australia from biosecurity pests and diseases.

Did you know that an opportunity to dispose of land earmarked for an ill-fated distillery, by a hapless colonial venturer, led instead to the establishment of the infamous Cascades Female Factory in Hobart?

The factory is one of 11 sites comprising the Register of Australian Convict Sites, which today celebrates its 10th anniversary of inscription on the prestigious World Heritage List.

The Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment – and partners in Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia and the Northern Territory – welcomed today’s release of the latest Great Artesian Basin Strategic Management Plan.

This Plan brings in new technical knowledge, better sustainable water resource management practices, and changing social and political contexts to build on the success of the first Strategic Management Plan of 2000.

Australia is lending its biosecurity expertise to support the global and ASEAN Fall Armyworm (FAW) response, as part of a collaborative effort to manage this significant pest.

Head of Biosecurity, Lyn O’Connell, said the department was providing expert technical and operational advice, and contributing to the ASEAN FAW action plan.

“Australia is a leader in biosecurity and our involvement in this response demonstrates that our contributions are highly valued,” Ms O’Connell said.

The Australian Government is proposing new rules to continue to provide a basis for the regulation of organic exports, and as a first step in strengthening and simplifying the current framework.

Head of Exports Division, Fran Freeman said Australia’s organic products are meeting the growing demand for high-quality organic agricultural produce around the world. A fit-for-purpose regulatory system would enable organic operators to harness these opportunities.

The Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment has issued infringement notices to the Mount Buller and Mount Stirling Alpine Resort Management Board for failing to meet environmental approval conditions.

The Mount Buller Sustainable Water Security project in Victoria’s alpine region was approved on 25 June 2018 under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) with 19 environmental conditions imposed to protect unique ecosystems such as the alpine bogs.

With Rakhi coming up on 3 August, the department is asking those expecting gifts and delicacies from overseas to ensure that friends and family are aware of Australia’s strict biosecurity laws.

Head of Biosecurity at the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, Lyn O’Connell, said some gifts and delicacies may not be permitted as they could pose a pest or disease threat.

“In the lead up to cultural events, such as Rakhi, there are particular items that might be sent to Australia which will be intercepted at mail centres,” Ms O’Connell said.

2020 has been a year of contrasts which has seen an increase in biosecurity risks arriving at Australia’s international mail centres.

Between January and April, Biosecurity officers intercepted around 30,000 mail items posing a potential pest and disease threat.

Head of Biosecurity, Lyn O’Connell, said the impact of COVID-19 seems to have led to more people purchasing certain goods online from overseas.

While Australia’s biosecurity system helps to manage risks associated with the movement of vessels, yacht and boat owners and vessel operators also have a key role to play.

The Head of Biosecurity at the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, Lyn O’Connell, said Australia has had a number of recent instances where yachts and vessels have arrived carrying materials that presented a biosecurity risk.

The MV Al Kuwait has berthed at Kuwait port and commenced discharge.

The voyage mortality rate remains well-below reportable levels.

The final mortality rate will not be determined until discharge has been completed and final reports received from the Australian Accredited Veterinarian and Master of the vessel.

An independent observer accompanied the vessel to monitor, observe and report on activities in approved export programs for the purpose of ensuring the health and welfare of live animals in the course of export activities.