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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Information for Bass Strait Islands

Biosecurity Advisory 39/2024 - Current Calicivirus Situation in Tasmania

Until recently there had been an Australia-wide shortage of calicivirus, however the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania has now been able to secure a supply of calicivirus.

Calicivirus is a biological control agent strategically used by Biosecurity Tasmania to assist landholders manage wild rabbit populations. Calicivirus releases usually occur during autumn when environmental conditions are favourable, to ensure effective use of the virus.

Calicivirus should only be released in drier months, when grass has dried off and rabbits have stopped breeding, to avoid levels of immunity developing in young rabbits.

Biosecurity Tasmania will continue to monitor conditions for a suitable time to release calicivirus. However, it is unlikely that calicivirus releases can occur until autumn 2025.

Landholders are responsible for the control of rabbits on their land and there are a variety of management options available. There are resources available online to assist in planning a rabbit control program.

To support landholders to control the increased rabbit populations, Biosecurity Tasmania staff are available to work directly with landholders to develop rabbit management programs for their property.

Information regarding rabbit control and how to develop a rabbit control program is available on our website at www.nre.tas.gov.au/rabbits

(26/11/2024)
Categories: Cropping; Horticulture; Information for Bass Strait Islands; Invasive Species; Natural environment; Pasture; Policy and Legislation; Wildlife;

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 34/2024 - Public Consultation Now Open: APVMA Paraquat Review – Proposed Decisions

The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) has completed a review of paraquat product approvals, product registrations and label approvals that will vary the current conditions for these products. Information on the proposed changes and rationale underpinning them is available from the APVMA.

Paraquat is the active ingredient in a number of widely used and strictly regulated herbicide products (e.g. Gramoxone) used across the agricultural sector to control grasses and other weeds.

Public consultation on these proposed decisions is open now, and closes on 29 October 2024. For further information and to make a submission visit www.apvma.gov.au/news-and-publications/public-consultations/paraquat-and-diquat-proposed-regulatory-decisions

Submissions will be published on the APVMA website, unless requested for the submission to remain confidential. However, all submissions will be considered by the APVMA prior to finalisation of this reconsideration. Submissions or requests for further information can be sent to:

Chemical Review
Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority
GPO Box 3262
Sydney NSW 2001
Phone: +61 2 6770 2400
Email: chemicalreview@apvma.gov.au

Additional resources:
Paraquat and diquat uses – summary of assessment outcomes in proposed regulatory decision
Paraquat Review Technical Report

(26/9/2024)
Categories: Cropping; Horticulture; Natural environment; Pasture; Seeds; Policy and Legislation; Wildlife; Plant diseases; Plant pests;

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 23/2024 - Emergency General Biosecurity Direction for European Honey Bees and Associated Products- Renewal July 2024

Due to the presence of varroa mite (Varroa destructor) in New South Wales (NSW), the Tasmanian Chief Plant Protection Officer has put in place an extension to the general biosecurity direction (emergency), to prevent the introduction of this honey bee parasite into Tasmania.

This direction takes effect as of 12am on Sunday 7 July 2024 and remains in effect for six (6) months, unless it is revoked earlier. The direction prohibits the import into Tasmania of any:

European honey bee (Apis mellifera); or
Any animal product produced by, or from, a European honey bee other than commercially produced bee products such as honey filtered to a maximum 2 mm pore size and melted refined beeswax, or another process approved by the Chief Plant Protection Officer; or
Any used beekeeping equipment; or
Any other thing that may reasonably be suspected of being a carrier of bees, or any pest or disease that may affect bees.

This extension has been put in place to further protect Tasmania as the response in NSW transitions towards management of the honey bee pest. Once completed, ongoing risk analysis work being conducted at both the national and state levels will inform future imports of bees, bee products and beekeeping equipment into Tasmania. While this general biosecurity direction (emergency) remains in place, producers will need to continue sourcing queen bees from within Tasmania.

A copy of the general biosecurity direction (emergency) is available at https://nre.tas.gov.au/biosecurity-tasmania/animal-biosecurity/bees/rules-for-moving-bees-apiary-products-and-used-apiary-equipment

More information about varroa mite can be found on the NRE Tas website at https://nre.tas.gov.au/varroa

(5/7/2024)
Categories: Cropping; Horticulture; Invasive Species; Natural environment; Plant pests; Policy and Legislation; Wildlife;

Biosecurity Advisory 20/2024 - Release of the Tasmanian Cat Management Plan Achievements 2017-2022 report

The Tasmanian Cat Management Plan Achievements 2017-2022 report has been released. The report outlines the key achievements by cat management stakeholders across Tasmania against the strategic objectives of the Tasmanian Cat Management Plan 2017-2022 (the Plan).

The Plan, which has been supported by a State Government investment of $360,000 per annum, announced in the 2017-18 Budget, recognises that cat management in Tasmania is a shared responsibility and outlines a strategic framework for encouraging responsible cat ownership and reducing the impacts of cats on the environment and agriculture now and into the future.

Legislative amendments were introduced in March 2022, backed by an additional investment of $350,000 by the State Government for implementation, to strengthen Tasmania’s cat management regulatory framework to better support responsible cat ownership and protection of private property from cats.

Three regional cat management coordinators have been funded by the State Government to foster collaboration between the State, councils, cat management facilities, and other relevant stakeholders to spread awareness and increase participation in cat management across the state.

To enhance public education and engagement, the highly successful TassieCat campaign has been implemented, utilising various media platforms to promote responsible cat ownership and management resulting in increased public interest, support, and participation in cat management initiatives.

In addition, a number of successful local cat control programs have been initiated by Tasmanian municipal councils and cat management facilities in response to community concerns around stray, domestic and feral cats.

A new Tasmanian Cat Management Plan 2024-2029 is currently in development by NRE Tas in consultation with key stakeholders. The new Plan, to be released later this year, will provide a revised framework for cat management in Tasmania for the next five years that incorporates the experiences and knowledge gained during the implementation of the current Plan. NRE Tas will seek feedback from the public on a draft of the new Plan prior to its release.

For more information and for a copy of the Tasmanian Cat Management Plan Achievements 2017-2022 report visit the NRE Tas website: https://nre.tas.gov.au/invasive-species/responsible-cat-ownership/tasmanian-cat-management-plan

(25/6/2024)
Categories: Cropping; Information for Bass Strait Islands; Invasive Species; Livestock; Natural environment; Pasture; Plant pests; Policy and Legislation; Wildlife;

Biosecurity Advisory 19/2024 – Renewing the Australian Animal Welfare Strategy - There’s still time to have your say!

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry is still inviting written submissions on the renewal of the Australian Animal Welfare Strategy (AAWS). Submissions close on Sunday 30 June at 4pm, AEST.

A renewed AAWS will establish Australia’s commitment to modern, sustainable, evidence and science-based welfare practices.

Your views are important. Share your views and insights on the challenges and opportunities for animal welfare in Australia through www.agriculture.gov.au/haveyoursay/aaws.

There will be further consultation opportunities over the next 3 years as the strategy is developed. If you would like to receive updates on the progress of consultation, you can subscribe for AAWS notifications through the Have Your Say page, linked above.

Find out more about the strategy on DAFF’s website www.agriculture.gov.au/agriculture-land/animal/welfare/aaws.

(13/6/2024)
Categories: Freshwater pests; Gene technology; Information for Bass Strait Islands; Invasive Species; Livestock; Marine pests; Natural environment; Pasture; Plant pests; Policy and Legislation; Wildlife;

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