Biosecurity

Australia has one of the strongest biosecurity systems globally, however international trade, people movement and natural mechanisms (such as wind) means there is an ongoing risk of exotic plant pests entering the country. Biosecurity is everyone's responsibility - growers, consultants, industry members and the broader community. Cotton growers play a key role in protecting Australia's plant industries from exotic and endemic pests, weeds and diseases by implementing sound biosecurity measures and the immediate reporting of suspected exotic pests on-farm.

Legislation under the NSW Biosecurity Act 2015, QLD Biosecurity Act 2014 and other relevant Australian state and territory legislation supports biosecurity management as a shared responsibility.  This means that everyone working or visiting farms are responsible for managing biosecurity risks that are under their control, that they know about or should reasonably be expected to know about.

The myBMP Biosecurity module highlights simple practices you can implement in your day-to-day operations to reduce the biosecurity risks to your farm and business. Implementing strong biosecurity measures on your farm will help protect your business, region and the broader industry from the introduction and spread of pests, weeds and diseases and the consequences these incursions could have on your business through potential impacts on yield, quality, increased management costs and market access.  

Did you know?  Greater levels of trade and travel are creating opportunities for pests, weeds and diseases to enter and spread across Australia. Between 2012-2017, the annual interceptions of biosecurity risk materials at Australian borders rose by 50% to 37,014 interceptions. Weeds cost Australia around $5 billion annually in control measures and lost production.


Key Area: People

People are made aware of biosecurity

Check List:

Level 1

As part of shared responsibility, everyone working on farm is doing what is reasonable and practical to manage biosecurity risks under their control that they know about or should reasonably be expected to know about
Level 1

All farm personnel and consultants are aware that in the event of identifying suspect exotic pest/disease/weed or unexpected crop failures, call the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline 1800 084 881 or report to a State Agricultural Department Officer
Level 2

Farm biosecurity signs are displayed at property entrances to communicate biosecurity procedures and contact details for appropriate farm personnel
Level 2

A documented farm biosecurity management plan has been prepared for the farm that assesses the risk of insects, weeds and diseases entering, establishing and spreading, and how these risks are minimised/managed
Level 2

On-farm biosecurity is included in staff inductions and discussions had with visitors accessing production areas, (consultants, contractors, researchers, utility workers, hunters, etc) to ensure they are aware of your farm biosecurity expectations and practices
Level 3 Maintain a visitor register (for those accessing production areas) to enable people movements to be traced if required

Key Area: Crops

All crops and farm inputs are monitored

Check List:

Level 2

All crops are regularly monitored
Level 3

Ensure all farm inputs (seed, fertiliser etc.) that are brought onto farm are pest free. Records are kept of farm inputs and where they came from
Level 3

Property zoning is used to implement biosecurity measures on-farm
Level 3 If applicable, closely monitor areas that have been inundated by floodwater for the presence of new pests, weeds and diseases

Key Area: Vehicle, machinery and equipment

Manage movement and cleanliness of vehicles, machinery and equipment

Check List:

Level 1 If moving or receiving used cotton machinery from interstate or relevant biosecurity zones, ensure all Australian state and territory biosecurity legislation is met and machinery is mud and trash free
Level 2 A wash down facility is available
Level 2

All machinery, vehicles, equipment and shipping containers entering and exiting the farm are mud and trash-free. Those with soil and plant debris, if found, cleaned in the wash down facility before moved on and off your property ('Come Clean. Go Clean' principles)
Level 3

A designated parking area provided for visiting vehicles that is away from production areas
Level 3 Farm vehicles are used to transport visiting people around the farm
Level 3 Staff are alert to hitchhiker pest species, such as the exotic brown marmorated stink bug and khapra beetle, that can be transported on non-agricultural and even household type goods