In this fictional scenario you:
are a keen bushwalker and fly-fishing enthusiast
often travel around Australia in search of remote locations to hike and fish for trout in near-pristine rivers and lakes
recently took a trip to New Zealand to pursue this passion
decided to return home to South Australia via another outdoor tourism destination - Tasmania
You decide that your next holiday destination will be Tasmania - you had heard about the rugged wilderness, world-class fly fishing, and the abundance of endemic flora and fauna to admire. However, you also know that Tasmania has some strict import requirements and biosecurity measures in place to protect its unique environment.
General Biosecurity Duty (GBD) Actions and Outcomes
Meeting your GBD
Below are SOME examples that show how taking action to meet your GBD can have positive outcomes.
You checked the Biosecurity Tasmania website before leaving New Zealand, and saw that you needed to Check, Clean, and Dry your recreational equipment (hiking boots, clothing, and fishing gear).
Upon arrival in Tasmania you presented your recreational equipment to a Biosecurity Tasmania officer for inspection.
You had some fresh fruit left over in your bag that you picked up in transit at Sydney airport. You disposed of this in the biosecurity amnesty bins when you arrived in Tasmania.
| Having clean and dry fishing equipment greatly reduces the risk of introducing didymo (Didymosphenia geminata) (or rock snot) and other exotic pests into Tasmanian waterways.
Inspection by Biosecurity Tasmania officers reduces the risk of other pests and diseases, or weed seeds, being introduced to remote wilderness areas.
Fresh produce presents a high risk of exotic or unwanted pests. Declaration or appropriate disposal of fresh produce can eliminate this risk.
You have met your GBD obligation and have helped protect the Tasmanian environment from the impacts of pests, weeds and diseases.
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NOT meeting your GBD
Below are SOME examples that show how NOT taking action to meet your GBD can have negative outcomes.
You were in a rush when you left New Zealand and packed your fishing gear away while it was still wet.
You didn’t clean your hiking boots, nor did you check the rest of your gear and equipment for soil or dirt trapped in pockets or backpacks.
You ignored information and signage in Tasmania regarding biosecurity.
While travelling around the state you did not clean your equipment between locations.
| Wet and unclean fishing or outdoor recreational equipment can harbour exotic pests and diseases, including didymo and phytophthora (root rot) or weed seeds.
Soil or mud can also harbour pests and diseases, which can have widespread impacts of the Tasmanian economy, primary industries, and environment.
You may receive a fine or face legal proceedings for failing to declare biosecurity risk material when entering Tasmania.
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What you can do to meet your GBD
If you are travelling to Tasmania to experience our unique wilderness ensure that you:
Check, Clean, and Dry all recreational equipment before you arrive (Walking boots and gear, fishing equipment, kayaks and surfboards, wetsuits and waders, mountain bikes, golf clubs, and any other clothing or equipment)
Present your equipment for inspection when you arrive
Maintain good hygiene by checking, cleaning, and drying your gear and equipment after every trip in Tasmanian waters
Spread the word, not pests and diseases!
Know your GBD - Related GBD Profiles
Please note that this information contains minimum recommendations only. The GBD requires a person dealing with biosecurity matter or a carrier to take all reasonable and practicable measures to prevent, eliminate or minimise any biosecurity risk associated with the dealing. Such measures may not be specified in any regulations, guidelines or other official publications.