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Tasmanian Biosecurity Advisories

Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania

Latest Advisories

Subscribing to get Biosecurity Tasmania 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.


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Biosecurity Advisory 16/2026 – Ensure livestock is ‘Fit to Load’ for transport

Tasmanian livestock producers and transporters are being reminded to ensure animals are ‘fit to load’ and curfewed for 12 hrs prior to transport.

The reminder is in response to an increase in reports of animal welfare issues, relating to livestock that have been transported with existing injuries. 

Ensuring livestock are curfewed off green feed for the recommended time prior to being loaded is also important to prevent possible biosecurity and road safety issues from truck effluent spillage. 

What is ‘fit to load’?

‘Fit to load’ means making sure animals are suitable for transport. This is crucial to maintain good animal welfare and minimise the risk of injury, pain or stress to livestock while they are being transported.

The Animal Welfare (Transport of Livestock) Regulations 2025 set the standards required for transporting all types of livestock and other animals.

Animals should also be removed from green feed for the recommended 12hrs before travelling. Livestock full of green grass and water will empty out quicker during transport. They do not travel as well as drained stock who have access to good quality dry feed such as hay or pellets.

Ensuring stock are curfewed correctly will also help to prevent possible injuries from slipping and reduce effluent spillage from transport trucks.​​​

When are animals not fit to load?

Some common issues which mean livestock may not be fit to load include: 

  • ​lameness, 

  • poor body condition,

  • eye problems, ingrown horns, 

  • late-stage pregnancy or too young, and

  • ​any animals suffering from severe injuries, stress or dehydration.

​Animals that are not fit to load should not be transported, even if they are only travelling a short distance.

The only exception is when a registered veterinarian has provided documentation allowing the identified animal to be transported from specified origin to destination.

Who is responsible for ensuring animals are fit to load?

Ensuring animals are curfewed and fit to load is the responsibility of the people right through the supply chain. This includes the producer or consignor, livestock transport operators and the person receiving stock after transport.

Producers are responsible for assembling and preparing the livestock, including inspection and selection as ‘fit for the intended journey’. Producers and consignors must also manage feed and water provisions and holding periods before loading.

The transporter is responsible for final inspection of stock as fit to load, the loading density, inspection and spelling periods during throughout journey and unloading.

What can I do to ensure that animals are fit to load?

Producers, consignors and transporters must inspect & monitor livestock prior, during and on arrival for any issues or injuries that mean they are not fit to travel.

Producers should make sure stock are curfewed off green feed for the recommended 12 hours before being loaded, to prevent possible injuries and effluent spillage from trucks.

All vehicles must be appropriate for the type of animals being transported and have suitable surface flooring to prevent animals from slipping and falling during transport.

Producers who are unsure if an animal is fit for transport should seek veterinary advice.

What if I transport an animal that is not fit to load?

All reports alleging animals experienced or may have experienced unreasonable or unjustifiable pain or suffering during transport will be investigated by Biosecurity Tasmania.  

Anyone found to be in breach of the Animal Welfare (Transport of Livestock) Regulations 2025 may be issued with infringement notices and fined.

Biosecurity Tasmania staff regularly inspect livestock at the state’s saleyards and abattoirs.

All Tasmanian abattoirs are equipped with Video Monitoring Systems, which include surveillance of livestock unloading areas.

More information & how to report animal cruelty or neglect

To find out more about fit-to-load requirements go to our Animal Welfare webpage​.

To report animal cruelty or neglect contact RSPCA Tasmania.

Web: Report Animal Cruelty​

Phone: 1300 139 947 

Email: reportit@rspcatas.org.au

Or submit a report to Biosecurity Tasmania at Report It | Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania​

(25/6/2026)
Categories: Animal welfare; Animals (general); Information for Bass Strait Islands; Livestock;

Biosecurity Advisory 15/2026 – Pest detection – Serpentine leafminer (SLM) (correct link to website)

Biosecurity Tasmania (BT) is investigating a detection of serpentine leafminer (Liriomyza huidobrensis; SLM) at a commercial grower site in North West Tasmania. SLM is a high-risk invasive pest of horticulture and vegetable production systems and is exotic to Tasmania.

What we know

This is the first confirmed detection of SLM in Tasmania. SLM has been present on mainland Australia since 2020 and is considered established in New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria.

The detection came after a concerned grower reported unusual insect activity on host plants to BT. Initial diagnostics indicated that the sample was likely SLM, with a high degree of confidence. Molecular testing results confirmed SLM on 23 June 2026.

It is not currently known how or when SLM entered Tasmania, or whether there are any other populations here.

SLM is classed as Prohibited Matter in Tasmania under the Biosecurity Act 2019. 

BT undertook a rapid risk analysis when SLM was first detected in NSW. The analysis concluded that treatment options were not practical or cost-effective at the time, so there are no SLM specific import requirements for hosts entering Tasmania.

What we’re doing

BT is working with the impacted grower to manage the detection, with site-specific biosecurity directions in place to control and minimise spread.  

BT is also investigating potential movements, including trace back/forward of stock to better understand the potential distribution of the pest. 

BT will work with affected Tasmanian industries to understand and determine actions to be taken following this detection.

What is serpentine leafminer?

SLM is a leafmining fly in the genus Liriomyza​ that is exotic to Tasmania.

The larvae of this group of flies cause damage to plants by tunnelling through the leaves as they feed – these tunnels cause visible damage known as ‘mines’. High level of infestations can reduce plant growth and yields.

SLM and other exotic Liriomyza flies are a threat to Australian agriculture as they are known pests to over 200 different plant species, including crops such as potato, beans, peas, brassicas, lettuce, celery, tomato and cucurbits. They may also impact ornamental plants such as chrysanthemum, gypsophila, ranunculus and other nursery plants. Numerous weed species can act as reservoir hosts, allowing populations to persist between crop cycles. 

Leafminers similar to SLM are very common in Tasmania and entomologists can only make an accurate diagnosis can only be made by rearing larvae through to the adult stage or using molecular testing.

Common leafminers in Tasmania include L. chenopodii (beet leafminer), L. brassicae (cabbage leafminer), Chromatomyia syngenesiae (cineraria leafminer) and Scaptomyza flava (turnip leafminer).

What you can do  

Growers and members of the public should look out for distinctive squiggly white lines on plant leaf surfaces caused by feeding damage from leafminer larvae.

Due to the presence of other leafminers in Tasmania, reporting should be prioritised to the following cases:

  • Heavy leafminer infestations on commercially grown plants, particularly if the infested plants have not been infested previously.

  • Plants that are not commonly infested by leafminer species already present in Tasmania, including: 

    • Aster sp. (e.g. daisies)

    • artichoke

    • Bellis perennis (lawn daisy)

    • beans

    • Calendula sp. (e.g. pot marigold)

    • carnation

    • celery

    • cucumber

    • coriander

    • Gladiolus sp. 

    • pumpkin

    • Ranunculus sp. (e.g. buttercups)

    • squash

    • sunflower

    • Tagetes sp. (e.g. marigold)

    • Verbena sp.

    • Viola sp.

    • zucchini

If you see leafminer damage on these plants, or suspect possible SLM:

  • Restrict access to the area and don’t move any plants or plant material off-site.

  • Note the location and get a photo of the damage and leafminers if you can.

  • Report it to Biosecurity Tasmania: Phone: 1300 368 550; Email: biosecurity.tasmania@nre.tas.gov.au.

​Good farm biosecurity helps to prevent the spread of pests, weeds and diseases. Remember to look out for new and/or unusual pests, weeds and diseases in crops, production areas and in high-risk inputs (e.g. mulch, fill, new planting material). Report them to Biosecurity Tasmania if you are concerned. 

​​​More information

More information, including images of SLM and SLM damage, is available on our Serpentine Leafminer page.​

(23/6/2026)
Categories: Cropping; Horticulture; Natural environment; Pasture; Plant pests; Policy and Legislation;

Biosecurity Advisory 14/2026 – Have Your Say: Phase 2 consultation open on draft Primary Produce Safety (Horticulture Produce) Regulations 2026.

​​Have Your Say on revised draft Primary Produce Safety (Horticulture Produce) Regulations 2026.

Phase 2 of consultation builds on feedback from Phase 1 in 2025 to support safe production, handling and supply of berries, leafy vegetables and melons in Tasmania.

​A Consultation Summary Report is included in the consultation package, summarising the key themes and concerns raised during Phase 1.

​What is the same from Phase 1?

The following intent for the Regulations remains unchanged:

  • the adoption of Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) Primary Production and Processing (PPP) Standards in Tasmania,

  • the establishment of new food safety schemes for berries, leafy greens, and melons – as already in place in Tasmania for meat, poultry, seed sprouts, eggs and seafood.

​​​​​What is new in Phase 2?

Key changes to the draft Regulations following feedback from Phase 1 include:

  • a proposed tiered accreditation and fee model,

  • the introduction of a 'notification' category,

  • exclusion of nursery stock from regulation.

​​​​​Tiered accreditation model

A tiered system has been developed from feedback. It aims to manage potential primary produce safety while accommodating different scales of horticulture production in Tasmania.

​More information about the proposed tiered system can be found here: At a Glance - Draft Primary Produce Safety (Horticulture Produce) Regulations | Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania

​​How can you help?

Stakeholders are invited to review the revised draft Regulations and provide feedback. Input is particularly encouraged on the type of guidance material that would assist businesses in implementation.

Biosecurity Tasmania encourages all producers, processors, industry bodies and interested stakeholders to contribute to shaping a practical, robust and fit-for-purpose regulatory framework.

​​​Why are these proposed Regulations important?

While new Regulations will mean some changes for growers, they will also help to ensure that the Tasmanian produce we enjoy is safe for consumers in our communities, and that our producers can continue to maintain market access and remain competitive through meeting nationally consistent requirements.

That's why having a strong primary produce food safety system is important. We know that protecting Tasmanian produce, industries and communities is worth it.​

​​​How to provide your feedback

The consultation package is available at www.nre.tas.gov.au/HortRegs. Submissions are open from 18 June 2026 to 5pm on 30 July 2026.

For more information, please contact:

Email: product.integrity@nre.tas.gov.au

Mail: Product Integrity Branch, NRE Tas, PO Box 46, King Meadows TAS 7249


(18/6/2026)
Categories: Horticulture; Information for Bass Strait Islands; Policy and Legislation;

Biosecurity Advisory 13/2026 - Nominations for the 2026 Tasmanian Biosecurity Awards are now open

The Tasmanian Biosecurity Awards recognise individuals, organisations or businesses for significant contributions to biosecurity in Tasmania.

This is an opportunity to recognise those in our communities and industries who have gone above and beyond to help protect our future.

Biosecurity is foundational to Tasmania’s economic, cultural and natural values. We all share the benefits of our strong biosecurity system, as it:  

  • underpins our multi-billion-dollar agri-food production and export industries; and 

  • helps to protect our unique flora, fauna and ecosystems that are of immeasurable value to Tasmanians. This includes to our First Nations peoples, the original and ongoing custodians of Land and Sea Country, as well as visitors to our state. 

The awards recognise two categories, the Tasmanian Community Biosecurity Award and the Tasmanian Industry Biosecurity Award.

In 2025 the Community Award was won by Lalani Hyatt and the Industry Award by Nathan Saunders from Elders Rural Services Tasmania.  

Lalani was recognised for her role in Landcare Tasmania’s Rainbow Lorikeet Management Group. Lalani was recognised for her commitment to the volunteer group and their dedication to the ongoing management of invasive rainbow lorikeets in Tasmania.

Nathan was recognised for his work supporting the Tasmanian livestock industry with new mandatory sheep and goat electronic identification (eID) requirements that came into effect on 1 January 2025. 

If you, your team, business, organisation, group, or someone that you know, has contributed to supporting and improving biosecurity in Tasmania, you can submit a nomination today.

Nominations for the 2026 awards will close midnight 31 July 2026.

More information about the awards and the online nomination form can be found at – www.nre.tas.gov.au/tasbiosecurityawards ​

(12/5/2026)
Categories: Animal welfare; Animals (general); Bird flu; Cropping; Freshwater pests; Gene technology; Horticulture; Information for Bass Strait Islands; Invasive Species; Livestock; Marine pests; Natural environment; Pasture; Plant diseases; Plant pests; Policy and Legislation; Seeds; Timber imports; Wildlife;

Biosecurity Advisory 12/2026 – Introduction of Property Identification Code (PIC) fees from 1 July 2026

Biosecurity Tasmania (BT) is introducing Property Identification Code (PIC) application, renewal and amendment fees from 1 July 2026. 

When will the new fees take effect?

The new PIC fees will apply from 1 July 2026, including a new fee for renewals. 

Until this date, applications and amendments to PICs will remain free of charge. 

What is a PIC?

A PIC is an eight-character code used to identify the location of a property. It is attached to a property, rather than a person.

PIC registrations include what species of identifiable livestock are on the property and the contact details for the person responsible for the livestock.

The Biosecurity (Livestock Traceability) Regulations 2024 (the Regulations) define ‘identifiable livestock’ as sheep, goats, cattle and pigs. The Regulations require that any premises holding any number of these animals must have a PIC. 

These premises include livestock farms (commercial and smallholders/hobby farms), saleyards, processors and event locations. 

What are the fees?

The fees values are set by the Tasmanian Fee Units Act 1997. All fees are a fixed fee and subject to legislated annual increases for inflation.

  • Application for assignment of PIC to premises: $78.40

  • Renewal or amendment of PIC assigned to premises: $39.20

PIC fees apply for identifiable livestock – cattle, sheep, goats and pigs.  

PICs for other purposes will remain free of charge.

How often will I have to renew my PIC?

PIC renewals will occur every three years. 

This means the cost of maintaining a PIC will be equivalent to around $13 a year (subject to cpi).

We will stagger renewals for existing PICs over the first three years, starting with older PICs. We will notify PIC holders when a PIC is due for renewal.

If I have more than one PIC, will I have to pay fees for each PIC?

Yes, fees are charged for each PIC.

PICs are attached to a property, not a person. If cattle, sheep, goats or pigs are kept at a property, that property must have a PIC. 

This means that a person, company or organisation may be required to have more than one PIC if they are responsible for cattle, sheep, goats or pigs kept or managed at more than one location.

How do I apply for, renew, amend or cancel a PIC?

You can apply for, amend or cancel PICs using the online PIC Registration and Amendment System (PRAS): https://pras.biosecurity.tas.gov.au/pras/ui​. A new online PRAS is being developed that will streamline PIC management and allow you to pay your fees. 

You can still contact our team about other service and payment methods.

Why should I renew my PIC? 

Renewals help to maintain a current and accurate Tasmanian PIC Register. This helps BT to respond in a quick and effective way if there is an emergency animal disease (EAD) outbreak. It also means we can contact you if there is an EAD outbreak so you can take steps to protect yourself and your animals.

Failure to renew a PIC will result in the cancellation of your ownership of the PIC. This may affect Livestock Production Assurance (LPA) accreditation and your ability to order National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) identification tags.

It’s also a legal requirement for keeping sheep, goats, cattle and pigs. Biosecurity Tasmania has authorised officers who check that the rules are being followed. They can provide education or enforcement, including fines, when people aren’t doing the right thing. This helps to protect our agricultural industries and communities. 

Why are fees being introduced now?

The Regulations include fees for PICs, consistent with other states and territories. These fees will help us to protect the things we value through continuing to adapt our world-class biosecurity and traceability systems.

A grace period was in place to support industry since the Regulations commenced in 2024. PICs issued or amended during this time have been free of charge. 

The grace period will end on 30 June 2026.

Why are these fee changes important?

The PIC system is the foundation of effective livestock traceability across Australia. 

Good traceability is critical for protecting Tasmanian livestock, the agricultural industry and communities if there is a disease outbreak, chemical residue or food safety issue. 

Animal disease outbreaks can have massive financial and social impacts for commercial farmers and communities. For example, an outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) in Australia could have an $80 billion impact to the Australian economy over 10 years. 

We all value having vibrant, productive and healthy industries and communities. Protecting the things we value sometimes means changes are needed to keep pace with the challenges.

That's why we'll be investing the revenue from the new fees back into biosecurity programs to benefit our state.

We know that protecting Tasmanian livestock, industries and communities is worth it.

Who can I contact if I have questions?​

If you have any questions about the new fees, please contact the Primary Produce Traceability Program:

Phone: 1300 368 550

Email: product.integrity@nre.tas.gov.au

More information on livestock traceability and PICs is available on the Biosecurity Tasmania Property Identification Code (PIC)​ webpage.

(7/5/2026)
Categories: Animal welfare; Animals (general); Livestock; Pasture; Policy and Legislation; Information for Bass Strait Islands;

Biosecurity Advisory 11/2026 - Release of the Tasmanian Animal Biosecurity Manual 2026 Edition

Biosecurity Tasmania has published a new edition of the Tasmanian Animal Biosecurity Manual.

The updated manual reflects minor regulatory changes across the past year. 
The Manual includes but is not limited to the following revisions: 

  • 3.1.5 Cane toads title revised for accuracy
  • 3.1.14 Invertebrates (live) Aphidius colemani has been replaced by Aphelinus colemani
  • 3.1.18 Pigs – This section has had additional information focused on pig identification requirements

You can find the current Tasmanian Animal Biosecurity Manual and supporting information on our website. 
​

(28/4/2026)
Categories: Animal welfare; Animals (general); Livestock; Policy and Legislation; Wildlife;

Biosecurity Advisory 10/2026 - Release of the Plant Biosecurity Manual Tasmania 2026

Biosecurity Tasmania will publish a new edition of the Plant Biosecurity Manual Tasmania (PBMTas) on 22 April 2026. An updated Group Permit for the Import of Restricted Matter (Plants, Plant Products & Horticultural Material) will also come into effect at the same time.

The updated manual reflects several important plant biosecurity regulatory changes. These changes are based on Import Risk Analyses undertaken by Biosecurity Tasmania over recent years.

This edition also incorporates updated import requirements for the movement of hosts and non-host carriers of tomato potato psyllid (TPP). These requirements came into effect in December 2025 under a group permit. The TPP group permit will be revoked when the PBMTas 2026 edition is published.

Other revisions have been made to improve clarity and, where possible and appropriate, streamline regulatory processes.

Key changes are outlined in the explanatory note on page ‘i’ of the manual and include several of the following highlighted changes:

The Manual includes but is not limited to the following revisions: 

  • Exclusion of ‘seed for sowing’ from regulations held within Section 2.6.4 – Re-entry of Restricted Matter originating from Tasmania; 
  • Simplification of Section 2.9 – Semi-processed and Processed Plant Products, highlighting the fact that such plant products which are not listed as Permitted Matter must meet all relevant Import Requirements or be subject of an Individual Permit; 
  • Major revisions to Section 2.10 – Tissue Culture regulatory entry conditions; 
  • Major revisions to Import Requirement 9 (relating to potatoes) informed by outcomes of the Import Risk Analysis of Potatoes undertaken by Biosecurity Tasmania; 
  • Strengthened import requirements related to grape phylloxera (IR9) informed by the outcomes of BT’s import risk analysis for Grape Phylloxera.
  • Amendments to pest are freedom recognition requirements under Import Requirement 15 which addresses risks associated with Red Imported Fire Ant (RIFA).
  • Amendments to Import Requirement 36 (Seeds for Sowing), regarding small weight seed imports no longer requiring a Statement of Seed Analysis for imports of 1kg or less per variety of seed if certain pre-existing conditions defined in Clause I(b) are met, along with clarification on what an Approved Seed Supplier or Approved Seed Importer are, and how to apply; 
  • Refinement to Import Requirement 45 (Fruit Fly and Grape Phylloxera Host Produce – Repacking, Processing and Composite Lots), about condition of entry for fruit of a plant that is a fruit fly host product which may be processed prior to repacking under an approved method prior to entry into Tasmania; 
  • Amendments to Import Requirement 46 (Tomato Potato Psyllid) made in December 2025 under a Group Permit following the expansion of the pest into Victoria have been incorporated into the manual.
  • Introduction of a new import requirement (IR47) related to Myrtle rust, informed by the recommendations BT’s IRA into Myrtle Rust.
  • Removal of Appendix 1.1 – Restricted Plants of Particular Concern from the Manual. 

You can find the current Plant Biosecurity Manual Tasmania 2024 edition and supporting information on our website. The 2026 edition will be available and come into effect from 12:01am Wednesday 22 April 2026.
​

(20/4/2026)
Categories: Cropping; Horticulture; Pasture; Plant diseases; Plant pests; Policy and Legislation; Seeds; Timber imports;

Biosecurity Advisory 09/2026 – Have your say on micro or mobile livestock processing in Tasmania – consultation extended

Tasmanian livestock producers and the community are invited to have their say on the Guidance Document - Establishing and Operating a Micro or Mobile Livestock Processing Facility and Roadmap.

The draft Guidance Document and Roadmap provide an overview for business planning, regulatory requirements and practical advice to producers who may want to establish micro or mobile processing facilities for red meat or pigs. 

Micro processing generally refers to mobile or fixed location facilities that produce less than 100 tonnes of meat products per year.​

The Roadmap contains extracts of information from the Guidance Document and provides a general visual overview of the regulatory processes required to establish a micro or mobile livestock processing facility.

Producers or businesses looking to establish a processing facility should refer to the Guidance Document ​for information about the full regulatory requirements.​

A summary of Biosecurity Tasmania’s Product Integrity Branch’s assessment process for livestock processing facilities accompanies the Guidance Document and Roadmap to outline the food safety accreditation requirements.

​​​How to have your say

Public consultation is now underway. Individual producers, businesses, industry organisations and community members are encouraged to provide feedback on the Guidance Document and Roadmap.

The consultation period has been extended for an additional week. Submissions now close at 5:00pm on Monday 6 April 2026.

Feedback from the consultation process will be used to ensure the Guidance Document and Roadmap are fit for purpose and suitable for industry.

To read the Guidance Document and Roadmap and have your say, go to nre.tas.gov.au/microprocessing

For further information, please contact: Lou Brooke, Biosecurity Tasmania 0499 619 302 or email louise.brooke@nre.tas.gov.au

(26/3/2026)
Categories: Animal welfare; Animals (general); Information for Bass Strait Islands; Livestock; Pasture; Policy and Legislation;

Biosecurity Advisory 8/2026 - General Biosecurity Direction for Potato Mop Top Virus

To support the ongoing management of Potato Mop Top Virus (PMTV) in Tasmania, Biosecurity Tasmania will be issuing a General Biosecurity Direction (GBD) detailing measures to slow the spread of the virus in Tasmania.

PMTV can be introduced into new areas in infected seed tubers, waste from infected potato material and through the movement of soil carried on machinery, equipment and boots. PMTV is carried and transmitted by Spongospora subterranea, the soil-borne pathogen that causes powdery scab in potatoes.

The GBD provides guidance to growers, contractors and processors on measures to help slow the spread of PMTV, such as clean down of vehicles and machinery to reduce the movement of soil, and the management of powdery scab.

The GBD will be available on the Biosecurity Tasmania website and come into effect from 12:01 am Friday 20 March 2026 on the  General Biosecurity Direction web page.

The GBD will remain in force until 30 June 2027 unless sooner revoked.

About PMTV

PMTV is a plant virus that can affect developing potato plants and may reduce the quality of tuber flesh and crop yields.

There are no food safety or human health risks associated with PMTV or powdery scab and potatoes are safe to consume.

Affected potatoes can display both foliar (leaf) and tuber symptoms of varying severity depending on the sensitivity of the variety and the source of infection. These may include:

  • distortions to the skin,
  • deep cracking, and rust-coloured arcs, streaks or flecks in the tuber flesh, or
  • yellow colouration on the leaves.

PMTV may remain viable in powdery scab spores in soil for at least 12 years.

Support and research funding

To help with the long-term management of potato mop-top virus, the Tasmanian Government has provided $200,000 for a PMTV research program which will be delivered across 2025/2026.
This funding will support time-critical research to help farmers manage the PMTV virus and its vector powdery scab. The research will be led collaboratively by the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture and the Tasmanian potato industry.

More information

For more information about PMTV, visit the Biosecurity Tasmania website: nre.tas.gov.au/PMTV

For more information or assistance following this GBD please contact biosecurity.tasmania@nre.tas.gov.au​

(19/3/2026)
Categories: Cropping; Horticulture; Plant diseases; Pasture; Plant pests; Policy and Legislation;

Biosecurity Advisory 07/2025 – Have your say on micro or mobile livestock processing in Tasmania

​Tasmanian livestock producers and the community are invited to have their say on the Guidance Document - Establishing and Operating a Micro or Mobile Livestock Processing Facility and Roadmap, aimed at supporting the development of mobile or micro livestock processing businesses.

The Guidance Document and Roadmap have been developed in response to a petition received by the Premier in March 2025.

As part of its 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania Future, the Government set a 100-day commitment to develop a ‘roadmap for small-scale meat processors outlining the approval and permits they need to get started and maintain business.’

A working group was convened in March 2025 to inform the development of the Guidance Document and Roadmap. 

The working group consisted of representatives from the principal petitioner, the Southern Tasmanian Association of Meat Processors (STAMP), SPROUT Tasmania, TasFarmers, Government departments, local councils and other industry representatives.

The Guidance Document and Roadmap provide an overview for business planning, regulatory requirements and practical advice to producers who may want to establish micro or mobile processing facilities for red meat or pigs. 

Micro processing generally refers to mobile or fixed location facilities that produce less than 100 tonnes of meat products per year.

The Roadmap contains extracts of information from the Guidance Document and provides a general visual overview of the regulatory processes required to establish a micro or mobile livestock processing facility.

Producers or businesses looking to establish a processing facility should refer to the Guidance Document - Establishing and Operating a Micro or Mobile Livestock Processing Facility for information about the full regulatory requirements.

A summary of Biosecurity Tasmania’s Product Integrity Branch’s assessment process for livestock processing facilities accompanies the Guidance Document and Roadmap to outline the food safety accreditation requirements.

A two-week public consultation period is now underway. Individual producers, businesses, industry organisations and community members are encouraged to provide feedback on the Guidance Document and Roadmap.

Submissions close at 5:00pm on Monday 30 March 2026.

Feedback from the consultation process will be used to ensure the Guidance Document and Roadmap are fit for purpose and suitable for industry.

To read the Guidance Document and Roadmap and have your say, go to nre.tas.gov.au/microprocessing​

For further information, please contact: Lou Brooke, Biosecurity Tasmania 0499 619 302 or email louise.brooke@nre.tas.gov.au

(16/3/2026)
Categories: Animal welfare; Animals (general); Information for Bass Strait Islands; Livestock; Pasture; Policy and Legislation;

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