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 38/2023 - New South Wales entering transition to management for varroa mite

The National Management Group (NMG) confirmed on 19 September 2023 that eradication of Varroa destructor (varroa mite) in New South Wales (NSW) is no longer feasible based on technical grounds. As a result, NSW will begin a transition to management phase for varroa mite.

Tasmania continues to remain free of varroa mite.

Since the start of the NSW response, Biosecurity Tasmania has maintained an extensive surveillance system aimed at reducing the risk of varroa mite entering Tasmania and to provide early detection of exotic pests. This includes restrictions on the import of bees, apiary products and used apiary equipment, significant border inspection and surveillance activity including increased surveillance of vessels from NSW, increased general port surveillance for bee swarms, and increased passenger awareness. These actions have been maintained throughout the response in NSW and will continue to be maintained into the future.

Risk assessments for varroa mite are ongoing due to the evolving situation in NSW to ensure varroa entry risks are effectively managed.

Tasmanian beekeepers are encouraged to remain vigilant by closely monitoring their colonies for symptoms and signs of varroa mite.

It is also vital that every beekeeper across Tasmania is registered, as registration is one of our most powerful tools to protect against pests and diseases that threaten our bee population.

Registration is compulsory and is free of charge. For more information or to register, visit www.nre.tas.gov.au/beekeeper-registration

You can find more information on varroa mite including the online hive surveillance reporting form at www.nre.tas.gov.au/biosecurity-tasmania/animal-biosecurity/bees/varroa-mite or on the NSW webpage at www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/emergencies/biosecurity/current-situation/varroa-mite-emergency-response

(20/9/2023)
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 37/2023 - Small hive beetle restrictions easing while inspections continue

With no more small hive beetles found since the resumption of hive inspections in the current east Devonport Bee Movement Restriction Area (BMRA), Biosecurity Tasmania is implementing a staged process to ease restrictions.

Thanks to the success of the response to date, effective from Tuesday 19 September the BMRA will be reduced from a radius of 10km to 5km from the original detection site.  View the 5km BMRA on the Bee Movement Restriction Area interactive map

Movement restrictions remain in place for beekeepers within the 5km BMRA and Biosecurity Tasmania will continue inspections and trapping activities.

If you are in the 5km BMRA and need to open beehives for animal welfare reasons, or you are a pollinator wanting to move hives into the BMRA for crop pollination, please call Biosecurity Tasmania on 6165 3777. 

If you are in the 5km – 10km area, restrictions no longer apply, meaning beehives can be opened and moved.  Please contact Biosecurity Tasmania on 6165 3777 to arrange for protective tape and traps to be removed from your hives. 

Biosecurity Tasmania acknowledges the exceptional level of cooperation from beekeepers, industry and the community during this emergency response. 

It is vital that every beekeeper across the state is registered as registration is one of our most powerful tools to protect against pests and diseases that threaten our bee population. Registration is free and compulsory. For more information or to register, visit www.nre.tas.gov.au/beekeeper-registration

For more information on small hive beetle, please visit www.nre.tas.gov.au/SHB or call 6165 3777.

(18/9/2023)
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 34/2023 - Biosecurity Tasmania resumes hive inspections as pollination season begins

Biosecurity Tasmania continues to work closely with the Tasmanian Beekeepers Association and Fruit Growers Tasmania and is communicating directly with beekeepers to ensure pollination of orchards in the greater Devonport area can continue with minimal interference and minimal risk.

As part of the ongoing small hive beetle response, the current 10km Bee Movement Restriction Area will remain in place until further notice – an interactive map can be seen here: Bee Movement Restriction Area interactive map.

Biosecurity Tasmania officers have resumed hive inspections in the Devonport area after they were temporarily ceased over winter to ensure bee welfare was maintained. Weather permitting, it is estimated that all existing hives in the Bee Movement Restriction Area and incoming hives for crop pollination, will be checked by the end of October. Provided no further beetles are detected, Biosecurity Tasmania aims to reduce the size of the Area as soon as possible.

Hives cannot enter the Bee Movement Restriction Area without a permit – penalties may apply.

Pollinators can apply for a permit to bring their hives into the 10km Bee Movement Restriction Area specifically for the purpose of pollinating crops at no cost. Only one permit is required per pollinator, regardless of the number of hives. To apply for a permit, please contact Biosecurity Tasmania on 03 6165 3777.

All hives will be inspected (when the ambient temperature allows) for small hive beetle while inside the Bee Movement Restriction Area and checked again before they leave. Permits allow hives to be brought into the Bee Movement Restriction Area and placed at orchards prior to inspection.

Small hive beetle has the potential to significantly damage beehives, destroy honey and endanger bees. Biosecurity Tasmania’s emergency management protocols have been enacted to contain, manage and recover as quickly and efficiently as possible. Biosecurity Tasmania encourages all beekeepers to visit the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania’s website for more information https://nre.tas.gov.au/SHB

(1/9/2023)
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 32/2023 - Release of the Plant Biosecurity Manual Tasmania 2023 Edition

Biosecurity Tasmania advises that the 2023 edition version 2 of the Plant Biosecurity Manual Tasmania (PBMTas; the Manual) is now available.

(1) The Plant Biosecurity Manual Tasmania (PBMTas) is a plant biosecurity component of the Tasmanian Biosecurity Compendium (Section 9 of the Biosecurity Act 2019).

Changes in this version are generally minor, with the following points of note:

Requirements for table grapes have been updated in Import Requirement 10 – Grape Phylloxera and Vectors.
The prohibited seed list has been reviewed and a number of seeds have been removed or re-classified (see Appendix 1.1 to 1.4 for listings).
Import Requirement 38A – Treatment of Nursery Stock has been updated to show the required rates of Bifenthrin 2g/kg granules according to potting mix type/specific gravity and also specifies treatment requirements for plants in potting media with no above ground parts.
Dried grain for human consumption is now listed as permitted matter;
Requirements for imported tissue culture have been clarified (see Section 2.10);

The latest version of the manual can be downloaded here: https://nre.tas.gov.au/documents/Plant Biosecurity Manual Tasmania.pdf

(21/8/2023)
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 31/2023 - Inaugural Tasmanian Biosecurity Awards – nominations now open

Nominations are now being sought for the inaugural Tasmanian Biosecurity Awards.

The awards provide an opportunity to recognise outstanding biosecurity projects and those in our communities and industries who have gone above and beyond to help protect our future.

Examples include applying innovative techniques to farm biosecurity principles and practices, as well as projects that seek to limit the introduction or spread of harmful pests, weeds and diseases in our agricultural and natural landscapes. The Tasmanian Biosecurity Awards will recognise and celebrate projects that help protect and preserve Tasmania’s strong biosecurity system.

Biosecurity is critical in protecting Tasmania’s economic, social, and environmental assets. It underpins our multi-billion-dollar agri-food production and export industries; and our unique environment and pristine natural wilderness of immeasurable value.

Do you know someone who deserves recognition?

Nominations are now open for both categories: community and industry. You may nominate other individuals, groups or organisations or self-nominate.

For more information or to submit a nomination, visit: nre.tas.gov.au/TasBiosecurityAwards

(18/8/2023)
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 30/2023 - Biosecurity Tasmania's proactive measures to ensure uninterrupted pollination in Devonport despite small hive beetle

Biosecurity Tasmania is taking proactive measures to ensure the seamless continuation of pollination activities in the greater Devonport area while reducing potential risks associated with the spread of small hive beetle.

As part of our ongoing commitment to protect the health of Tasmania’s bee population and our honey and pollination sectors, we are implementing a range of actions to facilitate pollination while minimising interference and potential threats.

Pollinators can apply for a permit to bring their hives into the 10km Bee Movement Restriction Area specifically for the purpose of pollinating crops. Permits allow hives to be brought into the Bee Movement Restriction Area and placed at orchards prior to inspection. Only one permit is required per pollinator, regardless of the number of hives. Applications are open now.

To apply for a permit, please contact Biosecurity Tasmania on 03 6165 3777.

Hives cannot enter the Bee Movement Restriction Area without a permit – penalties may apply if hives are moved into the Area without a permit.

Biosecurity officers will inspect all existing hives within the 10km Bee Movement Restriction Area. Provided no further beetles are detected, Biosecurity Tasmania aims to reduce the size of the Area down to 5km, then 1.5km as soon as possible.

Due to bee welfare, hives cannot be opened until the ambient temperature reaches 15 degrees Celsius. Weather permitting, it is estimated that all existing hives and incoming hives for crop pollination, will be checked by the end of October.

If more small hive beetles are detected, pollination hives may have to remain within the Bee Movement Restriction Area until the area is cleared. In this case, hives may be moved to a designated location post pollination to avoid crop spraying harming the bees. Biosecurity Tasmania will work with pollinators and producers to achieve this with minimal disruption.

(11/8/2023)
Categories: Cropping; Gene technology; Horticulture; Invasive Species; Livestock; Natural environment; Pasture; Plant pests; Plant diseases; Policy and Legislation; Wildlife;

Biosecurity Advisory 28/2023 - Crop pollination will proceed in Devonport despite the ongoing small hive beetle response

Biosecurity Tasmania is putting in place a range of actions to ensure pollination in the greater Devonport area will continue in the upcoming season with minimal interference and minimal risk of the potential spread of small hive beetle.

Pollinators can apply for a permit to bring their hives into the 10km Bee Movement Restriction Area specifically for the purpose of pollinating crops - to apply for a permit please contact Biosecurity Tasmania on 03 6165 3777. While only one permit is required per pollinator, regardless of the number of hives, hives cannot enter the Bee Movement Restriction Area without the pollinator having a permit – penalties may apply if hives are moved into the area without a permit. Permits allow hives to be brought into the Bee Movement Restriction Area and placed at orchards prior to inspection.

Response officers will inspect all existing hives within the 10km Bee Movement Restriction Area and will work to reduce the Area down to 5km, then 1.5km as fast as possible. If no more small hive beetles are found, the vast majority of pollination hives would then be outside the Area and no longer be subject to any movement restrictions. Due to bee welfare, hives cannot be opened until the ambient temperature reaches 15 degrees Celsius. Weather permitting, it is estimated all existing hives and incoming hives for crop pollination, will be checked by the end of October.

If more small hive beetles are detected, pollination hives may have to remain within the Bee Movement Restriction Area until the area is cleared. If this is the case, hives may be moved to a designated location post pollination to avoid crop spraying harming the bees. Biosecurity Tasmania will work with pollinators and producers to achieve this with minimal disruption.

Biosecurity Tasmania continues to work closely with the Tasmanian Beekeepers Association, Fruit Growers Tasmania and communicating directly with beekeepers and providing information sessions and a pollination workshop later this week.

Biosecurity Tasmania’s emergency management protocols have been enacted to contain, manage and recover as quickly and efficiently as possible. Biosecurity Tasmania encourages all beekeepers to visit the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania’s website for more information including actions to help protect their hive from small hive beetle and how to report if they suspect small hive beetle in their hives https://nre.tas.gov.au/biosecurity-tasmania/animal-biosecurity/animal-health/bees/small-hive-beetle

(20/7/2023)
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 25/2023 - Small hive beetle investigations continue

There have been no new detections of small hive beetle since two were found in the East Devonport area earlier this year, as Biosecurity Tasmania’s extensive surveillance and investigations continue.

Since the initial detection in early March, Biosecurity Tasmania has taken swift and decisive action, working alongside beekeepers, industry, and the community to undertake thousands of beehive and trap inspections.

Investigations will continue over winter and the current 10km Bee Movement Restriction Area will remain in place until further notice. The map can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/beerestriction

While Biosecurity Tasmania will continue investigations, checking beehives and setting traps, the response will now focus on wild and unregistered beehives.

It is now more vital than ever for all Tasmanian beekeepers to register their hives as it is one of the most powerful tools to protect the state against pests and diseases that threaten the bee population.

Unregistered and wild beehives may be harbouring small hive beetles if they remain unchecked.

If you know of wild or unregistered hives in the East Devonport area, please contact Biosecurity Tasmania on 6165 3777.

It is illegal to own beehives and be unregistered in Tasmania and fines do apply. However, those who register their hives will not be fined.

Registration is free. For more information or to register visit the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (NRE Tas) website: www.nre.tas.gov.au/beekeeper-registration.

For more information on small hive beetle, visit the NRE Tas website: www.nre.tas.gov.au/SHB

Biosecurity Tasmania would like to acknowledge the exceptional level of cooperation from beekeepers, industry, and the community during the response.

(29/5/2023)
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 24/2023 - Biosecurity Act 2019 and release of the Plant Biosecurity Manual Tasmania 2023 edition

In a significant milestone, Biosecurity Tasmania is now working wholly under the Biosecurity Act 2019. This legislation is one of the most significant reforms of Tasmania’s primary industry and environmental laws in decades and will replace seven out-dated Acts with one modern fit-for-purpose piece of legislation.

The existing legislation will be repealed in coming weeks following an Executive Council meeting.

The Biosecurity Act (The Act) retains many of the elements of our existing biosecurity system, but in a modernised and consolidated form. The Act is the outcome of more than four years of consultation involving a broad array of stakeholders, who have engaged with the Government to assist in its formulation.

The Act provides a simpler and more effective legal framework for the management of pests, diseases and invasive species, imports of plant and animal products, biosecurity emergencies. Other key features include:

Improved ability for Biosecurity Tasmania to manage biosecurity issues "pre-border" to help keep the risk "offshore" This is a critical development which will allow us to better manage biosecurity risks of concern – such as Queensland fruit fly;
A General Biosecurity Duty (or GBD), which imposes a statutory duty of care on all persons to properly manage biosecurity risks when dealing with any animals, plants or related products. This important provision emphasises the importance of shared responsibilities in maintaining a robust biosecurity system;
Criminal penalties that are more appropriate for the nature and gravity of biosecurity offences, and better aligned with penalties for biosecurity offences in other States. These changes provide a significant disincentive to those who attempt to work around our biosecurity regulations; and,
The ability for detailed biosecurity measures to be tailor-made for managing specific issues, activities or impacts, and implemented via subordinate regulations and statutory programs. This improved flexibility provides the platform to effectively manage biosecurity risks now and into the future.

Biosecurity Tasmania also advises that the 2023 edition of the Plant Biosecurity Manual Tasmania (the Manual) is now available. This edition is particularly important as it is the first edition of the Manual under the Biosecurity Act 2019. It is important for the reader take note of the new conditions governing the Manual as summarised in Part 1 of the Manual, in terms of plant biosecurity regulatory control, reach and application.

A new 3 tier pest categorisation system applies for plant pests (and diseases) of Prohibited, Declared or Restricted Pests (see Section 1.8 of the Manual), with current lists held in Appendix 1.1 & 1.2 of the Manual.

It is anticipated that the Plant Biosecurity Manual Tasmania will be updated at least quarterly.

For more information on the Biosecurity Act 2019 please visit the website: www.nre.tas.gov.au/biosecurity-tasmania/biosecurity-act-2019

(10/5/2023)
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 23/2023 - Second small hive beetle detected in Devonport

A second small hive beetle has been detected in East Devonport, within 1.4km of the initial detection in early March. This detection does not indicate that small hive beetle is established in Tasmania.

Both specimens were found as part of Biosecurity Tasmania’s extensive monitoring program – this is an example of our world class biosecurity system working. Since the initial detection in early March, Biosecurity Tasmania has taken swift and decisive action, working alongside beekeepers, industry and the community to undertake thousands of beehive and trap inspections.

As a result of this detection, the current 10km Bee Movement Restriction Area will remain in place until further notice – map can be seen here Bee Movement Restriction Area interactive map.

While Biosecurity Tasmania will continue investigations, checking beehives and setting traps, with this detection, the response will now focus more on wild and unregistered beehives. It is now more vital than ever for all Tasmanian beekeepers to register because registration is one of our most powerful tools to protect against pests and diseases that threaten our bee population.

It is illegal to own beehives and be unregistered in Tasmania – fines do apply. However, a permanent amnesty applies for anyone registering beehives – you will not be fined for registering your hives. Registration is free, for more information or to register visit www.nre.tas.gov.au/beekeeper-registration.

If you are in the 10km Bee Movement Restriction Area and would like to open your beehives for feeding, honey harvest, removal of supers or winter pack down, please contact Biosecurity Tasmania on 6165 3777 to arrange a permit. Honey produced in Tasmania can be brought into the Bee Movement Restriction Area to be filtered and processed.

If you are outside the 10km area, restrictions no longer apply, meaning beehives can be opened and moved.

For more information on small hive beetle, please visit www.nre.tas.gov.au/SHB

Biosecurity Tasmania would like to acknowledge the exceptional level of cooperation from beekeepers, industry and the community during this emergency response.

(3/5/2023)
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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