Biosecurity regulations beefed-up

PEOPLE going onto a farming operation where animals are kept must now comply with the property’s biosecurity management plan when they enter or leave and while they are on the property.

The amended legislation allows police and biosecurity officers to immediately fine people who put on-farm biosecurity at risk.

Unauthorised entry to places where animals are kept can pose biosecurity risk including potential spread of diseases between humans and animals causing production losses which not only impact the business but affect supply and ultimately the consumer.

To support this new regulation, producers who keep animals are encouraged to take the following steps to protect their property:

Ensure they are a registered biosecurity entity with Biosecurity Queensland
Have an up-to-date biosecurity management plan in place – for a checklist to update your biosecurity management plan or information on how to develop a plan is available at daf.qld.gov.au/biosecurityplan.

Have clear signage at the entry points to their property – a recommended downloadable sign is available from daf.qld.gov.au/biosecurityplan.

For further details on the regulation, how to protect your property and steps you can take in the event of an unauthorised entry, please visit the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries website or phone 13 25 23.

Detailed information is also available through industry representative organisations.