Released 23/08/2024
Next week is the inaugural National Biosecurity Week and the ACT Government is reminding Canberrans that everyone has a role to play to help protect Australia from harmful pests, diseases and other biosecurity threats.
Deputy Director-General of Environment, Water and Emissions Reduction Geoffrey Rutledge said the inaugural National Biosecurity Week serves as an important reminder of the critical role biosecurity plays in protecting our environment, agricultural industries, food supply, communities and overall economy.
“Biosecurity incidents can have a devastating impact on Australia’s environment, food supply, and economy and as witnessed from the Avian influenza outbreak the ACT is not immune and we must remain vigilant,” Mr. Rutledge said.
“Australia has strong and cohesive biosecurity arrangements and the ACT is proud to work alongside other governments, industry and peak bodies to protect Australia from exotic plants, insects and animal diseases.
“I remind Canberrans that we are continuing to manage an Avian influenza incident in the ACT and quarantine orders remain in place in the Belconnen area to help manage the spread of the virus by restricting the movement of birds and poultry products and equipment.
“I urge ACT bird and poultry owners to continue practicing effective biosecurity through good hygiene, cleaning clothes and equipment after handling animals and monitoring your birds for signs of illness.
“The ACT continues to prepare for the arrival of Varroa mite and is closely monitoring the situation in Western Australia with Polyphagous shot-hole borer, a beetle that is causing harm to established trees and threatening the urban tree canopy.
“Foot-and-mouth disease and Lumpy skin disease are two animal diseases on Australia’s doorstep. These diseases could devastate the livestock industry and we are all responsible for supporting the ACT’s farming community by upholding effective biosecurity practices.
“In March 2024 mandatory restrictions were introduced in the ACT under the Plant Diseases Act 2002 for Red imported fire ants and fire ant carriers from fire ant infested areas in NSW and Queensland to help reduce the risk of this aggressive ant gaining a foothold in the ACT.
“I acknowledge and sincerely thank Canberra’s environmental community and volunteers who work tirelessly in the fight against weed incursions and who deliver a key role in identifying, reporting and helping to manage new weed sightings.
“The ACT’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Biosecurity Veterinarian, dedicated biosecurity response team and associated Biosecurity Emergency Sub-Plan are just some of the ACT’s arrangements to help prevent, prepare, respond, and recover from biosecurity incidents,” said Mr. Rutledge.
The Inaugural National Biosecurity Week runs from 26 to 30 August 2024.
For more information on biosecurity threats and what you can do to help, visit the ACT Government biosecurity awareness webpage.
If you have seen anything you think is a biosecurity issue, please report it by emailing ACTbiosecurity@act.gov.au, or for a suspect emergency animal disease by calling the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline (available 24 hours a day) on 1800 675 888, or for a plant pest or disease calling the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.
If you spot a plant that seems out of the ordinary, report your sighting to NatureMapr.
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