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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.


186 advisories found for Timber+imports.
 
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Biosecurity Advisory 12/2025 - Update on the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Response

Biosecurity Tasmania is continuing the response to the detection of Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB; Halyomorpha halys​) in Bell Bay.

BMSB was initially detected in a border surveillance trap and identified as BM​​SB on 13 February 2025. At that time, Biosecurity Tasmania immediately stood up and Incident Management Team (IMT) to manage and coordinate the response to this BMSB detection​ and commenced response activities in line with national arrangements. 

An additional 14 surveillance traps were deployed, and Biosecurity Officers increased their surveillance regime. This increased surveillance will remain in place for at least 12 weeks from the initial detection. 

During this period of increased trapping and surveillance, a second detection of BMSB was confirmed on 11 March 2025. This detection was in very close proximity to the initial detection site and is not unexpected given the increased surveillance activities underway. A further 4 traps will be implemented in response to the second detection, and treatment options are being considered by the Department where appropriate. 

Trapping and surveillance operations will continue at an increased rate for the remainder of the 12-week period.  

More information is available online at www.nre.tas.gov.au/biosecurity-tasmania/current-biosecurity-alerts

If you think you have seen BMSB in your crop or backyard, phone the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881. ​

(17/3/2025)
Categories: Animals (general); Cropping; Gene technology; Horticulture; Information for Bass Strait Islands; Invasive Species; Natural environment; Pasture; Plant diseases; Plant pests; Policy and Legislation; Seeds; Timber imports;

Biosecurity Advisory 10/2025 – Update on Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Detection in Tasmania

​Biosecurity Tasmania continues its response to the detection of a single brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB; Halyomorpha halys) in a border surveillance trap at Bell Bay.

Following identification of the specimen as BMSB on 13 February 2025, Biosecurity Tasmania immediately stood up an Incident Management Team (IMT) to manage and coordinate the response to the detection. The IMT immediately commenced response activities in line with national arrangements.

An additional 14 traps were deployed around the initial detection site, and over the last fortnight Biosecurity Officers have been conducting increased surveillance of both the additional traps and the surrounding bush and scrub.

No further BMSB specimens have been found.

Surveillance and response activities will continue for a further 10 weeks. Further updates will be provided as necessary.

BMSB is an exotic pest found overseas in parts of Asia, North America and Europe, and is a significant threat to agriculture due to its wide host range and the damage it can do to vegetable crops and fruit and ornamental trees. It is known to feed on more than 300 hosts, including agricultural crops such as nuts, grains, berries, cotton, citrus, soybean, nursery stock and some ornamental and weed plant species, and when feeding causes significant damage to plant tissues.

If you think you have seen BMSB in your crop or backyard, phone the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.

More information is available online at www.nre.tas.gov.au/biosecurity-tasmania/current-biosecurity-alerts

(28/2/2025)
Categories: Animals (general); Cropping; Gene technology; Horticulture; Information for Bass Strait Islands; Invasive Species; Natural environment; Pasture; Plant diseases; Plant pests; Policy and Legislation; Seeds; Timber imports; Wildlife;

Biosecurity Advisory 7/2025 - Brown marmorated stinkbug detected in trap

​Biosecurity Tasmania is responding to the detection of a single female brown marmorated stinkbug (BMSB) in a border surveillance trap at Bell Bay. The sample was sent to Biosecurity Tasmania Plant Diagnostic staff for diagnostic testing and was later confirmed as BMSB via molecular identification.

The collected sample was a single female specimen and does not represent an outbreak of BMSB in Tasmania. Biosecurity Tasmania (BT) maintains BSMB traps at ports of entry across the state under the National Plant Health Surveillance Program, and this detection occurred as part of that routine surveillance.

Following this single detection, additional BMSB traps have been deployed at Bell Bay and BT has commenced an increased surveillance regime. This will remain in place for at least 12 weeks in line with national response arrangements for circumstances where BMSB is detected post-border. An Incident Management Team (IMT) has been stood up within BT to manage this detection in Tasmania.

Further updates will be provided in the event of subsequent detections of concern.

BMSB is an exotic pest and is found overseas in parts of Asia, North America and Europe. BMSB is a significant threat to agriculture due to its wide host range and the damage it can do to vegetable crops and fruit and ornamental trees. It is known to feed on more than 300 hosts, including agricultural crops such as nuts, grains, berries, cotton, citrus, soybean, nursery stock and some ornamental and weed plant species, and when feeding causes significant damage to plant tissues.

If you think you have seen BMSB in your crop or backyard, phone the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.

More information is available online at www.nre.tas.gov.au/biosecurity-tasmania/current-biosecurity-alerts ​

(17/2/2025)
Categories: Animals (general); Cropping; Gene technology; Horticulture; Information for Bass Strait Islands; Invasive Species; Natural environment; Pasture; Plant diseases; Plant pests; Policy and Legislation; Seeds; Timber imports; Wildlife;

Biosecurity Advisory 5/2025 - Australian Wooden Boat Festival 2025 - Important Biosecurity Information

Hobart’s historic and beautiful waterfront will play host to the Australian Wooden Boat Festival from 7-10 February 2025.

If you are participating in this exciting event and are bringing your boat to the Festival from outside of Tasmania, or are travelling down from interstate by air or on the Spirit of Tasmania to check out all the action, there are some very important biosecurity requirements you will need to meet.

Tasmania has in place some of Australia’s stric​test biosecurity requirements. In fact, we all have a General Biosecurity Duty to help protect Tasmania from the impacts of pests, weeds and diseases.

Simply follow the Biosecurity Basics​ when preparing for your travel, and when arriving in Tasmania. Remember, if you don’t, penalties may apply.

Check your Bags:

If you intend to come ashore, check your vessel, storage, bags and possessions to make sure you’re not carrying any restricted or prohibited items, including fruit and vegetables, plant material, soil, seeds, honey and some seafood and animal products. 

You can find out more detailed information on what you can and can’t bring to Tasmania on the Biosecurity Tasmania website: https://nre.tas.gov.au/travellersguide  

If you are carrying any restricted or prohibited items with you, please be sure to appropriately dispose of those items when you arrive in Tasmania. 

Come in Clean: 

Ensure your vessel is clean and free from organic matter before arriving in Tasmania. 

Check and clean hulls, decks, deck equipment, bilge, holding tanks and wet wells.

Check, Clean and Dry your Equipment: 

  • Diving equipment including wetsuits, fins, masks, weight vests, hookah gear and other abalone harvesting equipment (catch bags, ab irons and knives etc). 
  • Fishing gear including rods, reels, waders, fish bins and catch bags and bait. 
  • Aquatic recreation gear including surf boards, kayaks, canoes, jet skis, biscuits and skis. 
  • Gum boots and wet weather pants etc.

Bringing your Dog or other Animals? Check the Rules: 

Tasmania has strict rules to ensure we remain free of hydatids disease and brown dog ticks, which can make our dogs – and even humans –​ sick.

If you’re bringing your dog to Tasmania, you must fill out a declaration to say that you have treated it for hydatids tape worm (tip: ensure the medication contains the active ingredient Praziquantel) and have checked its body recently for brown dog ticks. 

More information and the declaration form is available on the Biosecurity Tasmania website: https://nre.tas.gov.au/hydatid  

Bringing a different animal? Most other animals also have import requirements to enter Tasmania, so make sure that you check the Biosecurity Tasmania website before you travel.

​​​​​More Information:

​More information can be found on the Biosecurity Tasmania website​ or by visiting the Australian Wooden Boat Festival website: https://awbf2025.org.au/tasmanian-biosecurity/​

(3/2/2025)
Categories: Animals (general); Marine pests; Natural environment; Timber imports;

Biosecurity Advisory 38/2024 - Tasmanian Biosecurity Awards 2024 - Winners Announced

​Champions of Tasmania's biosecurity have been recognised at the second annual Tasmanian Biosecurity Awards, held last week on National Agriculture day.

The awards comprise two categories, the Tasmanian Community Biosecurity Award and the Tasmanian Industry Biosecurity Award, and recognise those who have made a significant contribution to maintaining and improving biosecurity systems in Tasmania.

The recipient of the 2024 Community Biosecurity Award is Bettina Elischer, an employee at the Office of the Governor at Government House Tasmania, for her outstanding contribution to the Tasmanian beekeeping community and the Biosecurity Tasmania statewide bee pest surveillance program. 

Bees were reintroduced at the Government House Tasmania Estate in 2015 and have been managed since then to improve horticultural pollination onsite. One hive is also used as a 'sentinel' hive for Biosecurity Tasmania surveillance activities. Bettina has also promoted the importance of biosecurity in beekeeping through educational workshops and bee pest training days. 

Just Cats Inc. were also recognised for their community education about stray and feral cats, and the success of multiple initiatives aimed at reducing the impact of stray cats and promoting responsible cat ownership.

TasPorts were the winners of the Industry Biosecurity Award for the work by their Environment and Sustainability Team to increase awareness and knowledge of biosecurity threats at their ports. TasPorts has developed educational and reference material tailored to each port, workshopped biosecurity threats and reporting pathways with operational staff, and conducted follow-up inspections and verifications to ensure compliance. 

More information about the annual Tasmanian Biosecurity Awards is available at www.nre.tas.gov.au/tasbiosecurityawards

(22/11/2024)
Categories: 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 33/2024 - Tasmanian Biosecurity Awards Nominations Extended

​Biosecurity Tasmania has extended the nomination window for the 2024 Tasmanian Biosecurity Awards. Nominations will now close on Monday 30 September 2024. This extended nomination period ensures that everyone has the chance to nominate an individual or business that has significantly contributed to the biosecurity system in Tasmania.

The awards spotlight outstanding biosecurity projects and initiatives, and represent a platform to reinforce, recognise and promote positive biosecurity behavioural change in our industries and the Tasmanian community. They are an opportunity to recognise those in our communities and industries who have gone above and beyond to help protect our environment, primary industries and economy.

To make a nomination, visit www.nre.tas.gov.au/tasbiosecurityawards before Monday 30 September.​

(3/9/2024)
Categories: 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 32/2024 - Celebrating the Inaugural National Biosecurity Week

​Australia’s first National Biosecurity Week is on from 26–30 August 2024.

National Biosecurity Week aims to highlight the collaborative efforts of government, industry and the community to safeguard Australia. It’s an opportunity to raise biosecurity awareness and encourage the adoption of good biosecurity practices.

National Biosecurity Week, which will be held in the last week of August each year, will also provide a valuable educational platform with the aim of fostering a culture of shared responsibility and proactive biosecurity management.

For more information and to find out what events are happening during National Biosecurity Week, or to register your own event no matter how big or small, visit https://www.farmbiosecurity.com.au/national-biosecurity-week/

Biosecurity Tasmania works to protect Tasmania’s public health and wellbeing, primary industries and environment, from the negative impacts of pests, weeds and diseases. Biosecurity is a shared responsibility though, and we all have a role to play in protecting the state from biosecurity threats. It’s our general biosecurity duty.

If you know a biosecurity champion that deserves recognition, don’t forget to nominate them for a Tasmanian Biosecurity Award! The Awards acknowledge individuals, groups and organisations for their significant contribution to biosecurity in Tasmania. Nominations close 31 August 2024. To find out more, or to submit a nomination visit https://nre.tas.gov.au/biosecurity-tasmania/tasmanian-biosecurity-awards

Our way of life is worth protecting. Biosecurity starts with you.

(28/8/2024)
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; Information for Bass Strait Islands;

Biosecurity Advisory 30/2024 - Nominations for the 2024 Tasmanian Biosecurity Awards close on 31 August

​There are only two weeks left to submit your nominations for the 2024 Tasmanian Biosecurity Awards. The awards recognise outstanding biosecurity projects and represent a platform to reinforce, recognise and promote positive biosecurity behavioural change in the industry and community.

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 the economic, social, and environmental assets of Tasmania and we all share the benefits of our strong biosecurity system. It underpins our multi-billion-dollar agri-food production and export industries, and protects our unique natural wilderness areas that have immeasurable value to all Tasmanians and also visitors to our state.

The awards comprise of two categories, one being the Tasmanian Community Biosecurity Award and the other the Tasmanian Industry Biosecurity Award.

Last year the Tasmanian Community Biosecurity Award was won by Robyn Lewis and the Tasmanian Industry Biosecurity Award by Nic Hansen.

Robyn won for her outstanding management of biosecurity threats to the Milford Forest property, an important ecological site for a number of endemic and endangered species.

Nic was recognised for his contribution and assistance during the 2018 fruit fly incursion in Tasmania and the successful emergency response and eradication that followed.

If you or someone you know has personally contributed towards improving biosecurity in Tasmania, or if they are part of an organisation or group, you can place a nomination today.

More information about the awards and nominations can be found at www.nre.tas.gov.au/tasbiosecurityaward​

(20/8/2024)
Categories: 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 24/2024 - Nominations for the 2024 Tasmanian Biosecurity Awards are now open

​​The awards recognise outstanding biosecurity projects and represent a platform to reinforce, recognise and promote positive biosecurity behavioural change in the industry and community.

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 the economic, social, and environmental assets of Tasmania and we all share the benefits of our strong biosecurity system.

It underpins our multi-billion-dollar agri-food production and export industries, and protects our unique natural wilderness areas that have immeasurable value to all Tasmanians and also visitors to our state.

The awards comprise of two categories, one being the Tasmanian Community Biosecurity Award and the other the Tasmanian Industry Biosecurity Award.

Last year the Tasmanian Community Biosecurity Award was won by Robyn Lewis and the Tasmanian Industry Biosecurity Award by Nic Hansen.

Robyn won for her outstanding management of biosecurity threats to the Milford Forest property, an important ecological site for a number of endemic and endangered species.

Nic was recognised for his contribution and assistance during the 2018 fruit fly incursion in Tasmania and the successful emergency response and eradication that followed.

If you or someone you know has personally contributed towards improving biosecurity in Tasmania, or if they are part of an organisation or group, you can place a nomination today.

More information about the awards and nominations can be found at www.nre.tas.gov.au/tasbiosecurityaward

(5/7/2024)
Categories: Horticulture; Cropping; Freshwater pests; Gene technology; 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 17/2024 - Biosecurity Advisory Category Added For Bass Strait Islands

Biosecurity Tasmania has added a new category to the Tasmanian biosecurity advisories service​, titled “Information for the Bass Strait islands”. This category is intended to provide biosecurity information for communities on King Island, Flinders Island, and other offshore Islands in the Bass Strait. It may also be used to share information and updates on biosecurity projects and other work undertaken by Biosecurity Tasmania in these areas.

Members of the public already subscribed to the service who want to receive information and updates relating to the Bass Strait islands will need to update their preferences. This can be done by following the steps below:
  • click on ‘update subscription’ at the bottom of this email
  • tick the box for ‘Information for Bass Strat Islands’
  • click ‘save’
Your preferences will be updated, and you will receive all future relevant biosecurity advisories.

To view all Tasmanian biosecurity advisories, visit https://biosecurityadvisory.nre.tas.gov.au/Pages/default.aspx



(31/5/2024)
Categories: 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;

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