General Biosecurity Duty
Biosecurity is everyone’s responsibility.
The
Biosecurity Act 2019 introduces in Tasmania a new legal obligation known as the General Biosecurity Duty – or GBD. The Act emphasises the importance of shared responsibilities and the need for Government, industry and the community to work together to maintain a strong biosecurity system.
In simple terms, the GBD reinforces that everyone has a role to play in protecting our unique environment and primary industries against biosecurity risks.
Landholders, industry and the community play a vital role in the prevention of biosecurity emergencies in Tasmania.
Find out more about how you can meet your GBD.
Farm biosecurity
Good biosecurity practices can help prevent pest and disease incursions on your property. Almost anything moved onto your property can be a potential source of pests and diseases for livestock and plants. Monitor animals or plant materials that enter the property, as well as sources of water, feed and fertiliser.
Good hygiene practices are the key to effective property biosecurity and the maintenance of your pest, weed and disease-free status. Good hygiene practices should be applied to all vehicles, machinery, footwear, clothing, equipment and tools coming onto your property.
Undertake regular inspection of livestock and monitor crops, and pastures for new weed, disease and insect pests. For those with bush blocks, keep alert for new plants that might be weeds among native vegetation, as weeds can be a significant threat to flora and fauna. Early detection and immediate reporting of a pest, weed or disease increases the chance of effective and efficient eradication.
See it. Secure it. Report it.
Report any unusual pests, weeds or diseases you find to Biosecurity Tasmania.
The
Farm Biosecurity website offers a range of free prevention and preparedness resources for small landholders, through to those on large-scale farming enterprises.
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