Biosecurity incident

Pests, diseases and weeds can harm people, animals, plants, the environment and our way of life. If their impacts become too great for us to manage, they can lead to a disaster.

What are the effects

Incidents like these can harm our economy, the environment and our community in different ways. The effects depend on the types and size of the impacts.

Food production

When biosecurity incidents impact the farming industry it can cause:

• crop and animal losses
• less food production
• the price of food to go up
• loss of businesses and jobs
• decline in Australian exports.

The environment

Damage can also occur to our environment. Impacts such as:

• harm to native plants and animals
• loss of native plant and animal diversity.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

The damage these incidents cause to the environment can harm Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

First Nations people have deep connections with the land, water and air. This is central to their culture. When native plants and animals get harmed, it can lead to feelings of deep sorrow.

When people can’t go on Country, or practice cultural traditions, it can be further damaging to their wellbeing.

Learn more about the impact of disasters on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Communities

Biosecurity incidents can also harm the community in general. This can happen when there are:

• closures of public leisure spaces like nature parks
• limits on the movement of animals and goods
• extra pressure on health services
• reduced social connection in the community.

Take steps to reduce the risk

Everyone has a role to play in keeping the ACT safe. Here’s how you can help.

Animal owners

If you own animals, know the steps you can take to reduce your risk.

• Keep your animals healthy and protect them against diseases.
• Report pests, diseases or unusual symptoms.
• Keep things clean by washing your hands and clothes after contact with animals.
• Clean sheds, yards, cages and equipment regularly.

Gardeners

As a gardener, have the right information and keep watch.

• Choose garden plants carefully.
• Report pests, diseases, weeds of concern or invasive plants.

You can:

• learn about and report invasive plants
• check how to dispose of garden waste appropriately
• be aware when buying, selling or moving plants and soil.

Bushwalkers

When you walk in the bush, help keep native plants and animals safe. Protect our unique environment.

• Remove dirt and plants from your shoes, clothes and gear before moving locations.
• Report pests, weeds of concern, invasive plants and diseases.

What the government is doing

We are:

• working to protect our region from harmful weeds, pests and diseases
• working with the NSW Government on arrangements that cross borders
• managing high risk threats using permits, registration lists and controls
• working with private landowners to manage these threats.

The ACT Biosecurity Strategy explains this and outlines why protecting the ACT is important. It also sets out the steps needed to respond when incidents occur.

There is also a plan to control invasive plants on public land. This plan helps manage existing threats in the ACT.

Read more