Agriculture biosecurity in Western Australia
Biosecurity safeguards Western Australia's agriculture, economy, environment and human health from the risks of introduced pests, diseases and weeds. As well as preventing new animal and plant pests, diseases and weeds from arriving, biosecurity involves controlling those already present.
Why is Biosecurity Necessary?
While the need for borders and checkpoints is appreciated, it is not always understood how and why the rules and regulations are applied.
New diseases and pests can not only impact on human health, but also damage agricultural or horticultural production, forestry and tourism and affect trade in international markets. The consequences of failing to protect Western Australia can affect jobs, health and lifestyles.
Biosecurity concerns all of us. Gardeners, producers, researchers, importers, travellers and the community are encouraged to take responsibility for their actions and help prevent the introduction and spread of animal and plant pests, diseases and weeds.
Our Role
The Department of Agriculture and Food, in consultation and participation with federal, state and local governments, industry and the community, manages a substantial investment in agriculture biosecurity services which contribute to market competitiveness, profitability and sustainability in Western Australia. Biosecurity services are delivered through a network of dedicated and skilled staff throughout the State. This work is supported by a strong policy and legislative base, and high quality technical services.
Benefits to Industry and the Community
- The risk of exotic diseases is minimised (e.g. foot and mouth disease)
- The risk of agricultural pests is minimised (e.g. fruit fly, codling moth, wild dogs, starlings)
- Eradication of diseases (e.g. footrot, apple scab)
- Costs to producers by keeping pests, diseases and weeds out of the State are minimised (e.g., liver fluke)
- Increased access to markets by ensuring our produce is as free as possible from pests and chemicals (e.g. the hormonal growth promotant declaration system allows access to European markets)
- Customer confidence in Western Australian 'clean, safe' products is assured.
Animal and plant biosecurity is achieved through projects and activities under the following areas:
Animal Biosecurity
A major responsibility of the program is to provide sound, scientifically based information about the health status of Western Australia's livestock.
Program Manager: Dr Brad McCormick
Tel: 9368 3309
Fax: 9474 2479
email: bmccormick@agric.wa.gov.au
Plant Biosecurity
The mission of Western Australia's Plant Biosecurity program is to safeguard plant resources from exotic and endemic plant pests and diseases through pre-border, border and, industry and community post-border strategies.
Program Manager: Dr Shashi Sharma
Tel: 9368 3717
Fax: 9368 2958
email ssharma@agric.wa.gov.au
Invasive Species
Primarily responsible for the management of biosecurity risks associated with high-impact animals and weeds that are established in Western Australia, especially the Declared exotic species. Activities and projects are aimed at reducing the impact of these introduced animal pests and weeds on agriculture and the environment.
A/Program Manager: Dr Chris HawkinsTel: 9651 0538
Fax: 9651 0576
Email: chris.hawkins@agric.wa.gov.au
Border Biosecurity and Emergency Response
This program focuses on the prevention of exotic species entering the state and ensuring that that any incursion is responded to rapidly. It is responsible for the State's border checkpoints for road, rail, sea and air, and also clearance of imports. This protects our agricultural industries and the environment from pests, diseases and weeds that occur elsewhere in Australia, while enabling the safe movement of people and produce.
Border Biosecurity and Emergency Services
Program Manager: Greg Pickles
Email: greg.pickles@agric.wa.gov.au
For further information contact:
Marie Bracks-Burns
Biosecurity Communications Manager
Tel: 08 9368 3411
Fax: 08 9474 2018
email mbracks-burns@agric.wa.gov.au
Additional information related to this topic is available from:
- Animal Biosecurity in Western Australia
- Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act
- Farm Biosecurity
- Invasive species: Plant pests, animal pests
- Pest and Disease Information Service
- Plant Biosecurity in Western Australia
- Quarantine WA
- Small Landholder Information Service
Page updated: January 2009
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