Biosecurity Commons^™

Biosecurity Council Of Western Australia Annual Report 2019/2020, Biosecurity Council Of Western Australia

Biosecurity published reports

In order to develop constructive advice, it is important for the Biosecurity Council to understand the needs and challenges of industry, government and the community, and how changes to the biosecurity system might impact these groups. During 2019/20 the Council continued to monitor biosecurity-related developments at national and State levels and proactively engaged with industry, community and government on biosecurity matters.

The key areas of advice that were progressed during the year were:

• biosecurity research and development
• border biosecurity
• the declaration of non-agricultural pests under the BAM Act; and
• recognised biosecurity groups and declared pest rates

Plant Diseases Impacting Oaten Hay Production In Australia - A Review, Kylie Chambers, Geoff J. Thomas

Bulletins 4000 -

In Australia, there are a range of fungal, bacterial and viral pathogens that infect oats, impacting on yield and quality of grain and hay crops. The overall impact of these diseases on oaten hay production is not well researched or understood, especially compared to that of other cereal crops. Export hay is evaluated on physical qualities such as stem thickness and greenness and nutritional qualities including water-soluble carbohydrates, neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre and dry matter digestibility. The colour/ greenness of oaten hay can be reduced by disease lesions, chlorosis and saphrophytic fungi growing on dead tissue all of …

Biosecurity Council Visit To Augusta - August 2020, Biosecurity Council Of Western Australia

Biosecurity published reports

The Biosecurity Council of Western Australia has committed to holding annual regional meetings. The intent of the regional meetings is to:

• Engage with local/regional stakeholders on biosecurity matters
• Build networks/relationships with key biosecurity stakeholders
• Provide a conduit to government/DPIRD for local/regional biosecurity stakeholders.

For its second regional meeting Council agreed to visit Augusta, located in the South West Region of Western Australia. The region is home to a large and diverse horticultural sector, aquaculture enterprises as well as livestock, for which biosecurity is important. In addition, it is a biodiversity hotspot with large tracts of natural bushland and aquatic environments …

Bedstraw Eradication Program 2019/2020 - Annual Report To Grain Growers, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity published reports

Three-horned bedstraw (Galium tricornutum) is a competitive weed that can cause considerable yield loss in crops, and its seeds are contaminants of fodder and grain. The presence of bedstraw requires infested areas to be quarantined whilst a nine-year program is undertaken – six years of herbicide treatments followed by a three-year ‘release phase’.

In 2019/20 the Program reached a major milestone with quarantine restrictions fully lifted from one property and lifted from the arable areas of a second property. This is a major step toward eradicating bedstraw from Western Australia.

Skeleton Weed Program 2019/2020: Annual Report To Grain Growers, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity published reports

2019/20 saw the Skeleton Weed Program expand its surveillance and control activities, with financial support from the IFS, specifically:

- Landholder incentives for paddock surveillance were increased and made available for surveillance undertaken on reinfested ‘Code 2’ paddocks. These changes were anticipated to enhance the level of surveillance for skeleton weed, enabling plants to be identified and treated and, therefore, reducing the risk of seed-set and spread.

- The IFS covered the cost of chemical for winter spraying undertaken on heavily infested paddocks. It was anticipated that this would help landholders reduce the level of skeleton weed infestation and, in …

The Growing Threat Of Agroterrorism And Strategies For Agricultural Defense, Alyssa Forrest

Senior Honors Theses

Due to the dynamic nature of human conflict, non-traditional terror tactics have evolved to undermine the socioeconomic stability of targeted societies. Considering the landscape in which terrorists operate, emphasis on more subversive methods of biological terror have become prominent in recent decades. Agroterrorism, or the use of plant pathogens to infect a nation’s cultivated crops, is an emerging topic due to its threat to global food security and economic stability. Although emergency preparedness objectives have been enacted at national, state, and even local levels, preemptive measures can no longer remain the sole responsibility of intelligence and law enforcement agencies. The …

Skeleton Weed Program Review - A Review Undertaken For The Grains, Seeds And Hay Industry Funding Scheme Management Committee 2020, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity published reports

This review was undertaken in two stages. Stage 1 reviewed the Skeleton Weed Program and the global situation on skeleton weed. Stage 2 involved targeted stakeholder consultation to build on the information identified through Stage 1 and identify perceptions and attitudes amongst the Western Australian grain/seed/hay industry with regard to the Skeleton Weed Program (the program). The results of these two processes were used to formulate the key findings and recommendations by the Review Panel to assist the Grains, Seeds and Hay Industry Funding Scheme (IFS) Management Committee in its decision-making.

Cattle Industry Funding Scheme Annual Report 2018/2019, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity published reports

In June 2010 the Cattle Industry Funding Scheme (IFS) was introduced to address biosecurity threats relevant to the Western Australian (WA) cattle industry. The Scheme was established under the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007 to enable cattle producers to identify the pest and disease priorities at a whole-of-industry level and to raise funds for activities to address these priorities.

There are currently three Industry Funding Schemes in operation. In addition to the Cattle IFS, there is a Sheep and Goat IFS and a Grains, Seeds and Hay IFS. The three IFSs operate in a similar manner.

The purpose of …

Biosecurity Research And Development In Western Australia - Report By The Biosecurity Council Of Western Australia, Biosecurity Council Of Western Australia

Biosecurity published reports

Research and development (R&D) is crucial to managing Western Australia’s biosecurity risks and threats. There is a perception, however, that these risks and threats could be better recognised nationally, which may result in greater levels of funding for biosecurity R&D activities relevant to Western Australia (WA).

The purpose of this work was to provide advice to the Minister for Agriculture and Food on the status of biosecurity R&D in WA and opportunities to enhance biosecurity R&D funding in the State.

Sheep And Goat Industry Funding Scheme 2018/2019, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity published reports

The Sheep and Goat Industry Funding Scheme (IFS) has been operating since 2010 to address biosecurity threats relevant to the Western Australian (WA) sheep and goat industry. The Scheme was established by regulation under the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007 to enable sheep and goat producers to identify pest and disease priorities at a whole-of-industry level and raise funds for activities to address these priorities.

There are currently three Industry Funding Schemes in operation. In addition to the Sheep and Goat IFS, there is a Cattle IFS and a Grains, Seeds and Hay IFS. The three IFSs operate in …

Grains, Seeds And Hay Industry Funding Scheme Annual Report 2018/2019, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity published reports

The Grains, Seeds and Hay Industry Funding Scheme (IFS) has been operating since 2010 to address biosecurity threats relevant to Western Australia’s (WA) grains, seeds and hay industry. The Scheme was established under the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007 to enable growers to identify the pest and disease priorities at a whole-of-industry level and raise funds for activities to address these priorities.

There are currently three Industry Funding Schemes in operation. In addition to the Grains, Seeds and Hay IFS, there is a Cattle IFS and a Sheep and Goat IFS. The three IFSs operate in a similar manner. …

Biosecurity Council Of Western Australia Annual Report 2018/2019, Biosecurity Council Of Western Australia

Biosecurity published reports

There were four key areas in which the Council focused during the year:

• the attributes required by a biosecurity 'combat' agency to effectively sustain a biosecurity response
• funding for biosecurity research and development in WA
• border biosecurity; and
• WA's preparedness for myrtle rust

Developing constructive advice to Government requires a comprehensive understanding of the needs and challenges of industry, Government and the community. It also requires an understanding of how changes to the biosecurity system might impact these groups and affect WA's biosecurity status. During 2018/19 the Council continued to monitor biosecurity-related developments at national and State levels; provided feedback …

Biosecurity Council Visit To Kununurra August 2019, Biosecurity Council Of Western Australia

Biosecurity published reports

In late 2018, the Biosecurity Council committed to holding regional meetings, possibly annually. The intent of regional meetings are to:

• Engage with local/regional stakeholders on biosecurity matters
• Build networks/relationships with key biosecurity stakeholders
• Provide a conduit to government/agencies for local/regional biosecurity stakeholders.

Council agreed to hold its first regional visit in Kununurra, located in the East Kimberley. The East Kimberley, has a unique set of biosecurity challenges — Kununurra is an important horticulture growing region, there is a large pastoral presence, it adjoins the Northern Territory (NT) border and is in close proximity to Indonesia, it is a hub for …

Bedstraw Eradication Program: Annual Report To Grain Growers 2018/2019, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity published reports

The Grains, Seeds and Hay Industry Management Committee (GSHIMC) believes the current program is delivering the best value for the funding provided and is achieving the project outcomes of containment and eradication.

Approved programs are developed annually for each infested property in consultation with GSHIMC, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) and the landholders detailing management actions, estimated costs and timeframes of the agreed actions.

The two infested properties have now entered the final Release Phase of a nine-year eradication program. The program is implemented by DPIRD and includes six consecutive years of winter spray treatments, followed …

Sustaining A Biosecurity Response: What Makes An Effective And Contemporary Biosecurity ‘Combat’ Agency? Summary Report By The Biosecurity Council Of Western Australia, Biosecurity Council Of Western Australia

Biosecurity published reports

The overall purpose of this work was to provide advice and guidance to the Minister for Agriculture and Food and Director General of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) on how the combined skills and resources of DPIRD can better sustain a high-level biosecurity response whilst retaining the integrity of its other functions.

To develop this advice, two key activities were undertaken:

1. Information gathering and review (via literature review and key informant interviews) to identify the essential characteristics of a biosecurity combat agency; the skillsets required to respond to high-level biosecurity incidents; and ways biosecurity combat agencies …

Leucaena Esculenta - Environmental Weed Risk Assessment 2019, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Environmental Weed Risk Assessments

Introducing new plants to an area may have both positive and negative effects on the environment, economy and community. To minimise the negative environmental impact of introducing new agricultural species, DPIRD conducts a risk assessment procedure based on widely accepted scientific standards. This report assesses Leucaena esculenta

Leucaena Cuspidata - Environmental Weed Risk Assessment 2019, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Environmental Weed Risk Assessments

Introducing new plants to an area may have both positive and negative effects on the environment, economy and community. To minimise the negative environmental impact of introducing new agricultural species, DPIRD conducts a risk assessment procedure based on widely accepted scientific standards. This report assesses Leucaena cuspidata

European Starlings Fly Before They Fledge, Jeremiah L. Psiropoulos, Lisa A. Selner

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Aircraft bird strikes are increasing globally. Bird strikes constitute a major human health and safety risk and result in millions of dollars in economic impacts. Invasive avian species, such as the European starling (Sturnus vulgaris; starlings), have been implicated in bird strikes in North America. Because this species is highly adaptive and has been successful at establishing in new areas, such as airports, it is essential that managers better understand the potential risks and how to mitigate them. Herein we present a case study regarding a novel observation of unique starling nesting behavior that may pose a risk …

Western Australian Feral Pig Strategy 2020-2025, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity published reports

Management of invasive species is an important component of biosecurity. For species already established in Western Australia (WA), including feral pigs, effective management aims to reduce the impacts of those populations and detect occurrences of new populations, thereby preventing further harm to the State’s agriculture and biodiversity. Effective management also includes monitoring the density and distribution of established populations to define their boundaries and determine the effectiveness of control programs.

The foundations for a national biosecurity framework were established in 2007, with the development of the inaugural Australian Pest Animal Strategy (APAS). The Feral Pig Strategy (this Strategy) outlines the …

Biosecurity Council Of Western Australia Annual Report 2017/2018, Biosecurity Council Of Western Australia

Biosecurity published reports

There were two key areas in which the Council focused during the year:

• environmental biosecurity; and
• the attributes required by a biosecurity ‘combat’ agency to effectively sustain a biosecurity response.

In addition, planning began for two new areas of advice to Government – biosecurity research and development; and border biosecurity.

Developing constructive advice to Government requires a comprehensive understanding of the needs and challenges of industry, Government and the community. It also requires an understanding of how changes to the biosecurity system might impact these groups and affect the State’s biosecurity status. During 2017/18 the Council continued to monitor biosecurity …

Sheep And Goat Industry Funding Scheme Annual Report 2017/2018, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity published reports

The Sheep and Goat Industry Funding Scheme (IFS) has been operating since 2010 to address biosecurity threats relevant to the Western Australian (WA) sheep and goat industry. The Scheme was established by regulation under the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007 to enable sheep and goat producers to identify pest and disease priorities at a whole-of-industry level and raise funds for activities to address these priorities.

There are currently three Industry Funding Schemes in operation. In addition to the Sheep and Goat IFS, there is a Cattle IFS and a Grains, Seeds and Hay IFS. The three IFSs operate in …

Cattle Industry Funding Scheme Annual Report 2017/2018, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity published reports

In June 2010 the Cattle Industry Funding Scheme (IFS) was introduced to address biosecurity threats relevant to the Western Australian (WA) cattle industry. The Scheme was established under the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007 to enable cattle producers to identify the pest and disease priorities at a whole-of-industry level and to raise funds for activities to address these priorities.

There are currently three Industry Funding Schemes in operation. In addition to the Cattle IFS, there is a Sheep and Goat IFS and a Grains, Seeds and Hay IFS. The three IFSs operate in a similar manner.

The purpose of …

Grains, Seeds And Hay Industry Funding Scheme Annual Report 2017/2018, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity published reports

The Grains, Seeds and Hay Industry Funding Scheme (IFS) has been operating since 2010 to address biosecurity threats relevant to Western Australia’s (WA) grains, seeds and hay industry. The Scheme was established under the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007 to enable growers to identify the pest and disease priorities at a whole-of-industry level and raise funds for activities to address these priorities.

There are currently three Industry Funding Schemes in operation. In addition to the Grains, Seeds and Hay IFS, there is a Cattle IFS and a Sheep and Goat IFS. The three IFSs operate in a similar manner. …

Skeleton Weed Program: Annual Report To Grain Growers 2017/2018, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity published reports

The Grains, Seeds and Hay Industry Management Committee (GSHIMC) believes the current program is delivering the best value for the funding provided and is achieving the Project Outcomes of eradication (where possible), management (on infested sites), and limiting the spread of Skeleton weed across the cereal growing districts.

There has been a significant increase in the infested area of Skeleton weed in 2017/18. Most of this increase was in the eastern zone where wet conditions favoured Skeleton weed in late 2017.

Many landholders in these areas also had difficulty achieving “long term” control over summer and infested areas needed monitoring …

Bedstraw Eradication Program: Annual Report To Grain Growers 2017/2018, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity published reports

The Grains, Seeds and Hay Industry Management Committee (GSHIMC) believes the current program is delivering the best value for the funding provided and is achieving the project outcomes of containment and eradication.

Approved programs are developed annually for each infested property in consultation with GSHIMC, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) and the landholders detailing management actions, estimated costs and timeframes of the agreed actions.

The two infested properties have now entered the final Release Phase of a nine year eradication program. The program is implemented by DPIRD and includes six consecutive years of winter spray treatments, …

Environmental Biosecurity In Western Australia - Report By The Biosecurity Council Of Western Australia, Biosecurity Council Of Western Australia

Biosecurity published reports

In 2013, during investigations of cross-agency collaboration, the Biosecurity Council of Western Australia (the Council) identified a fundamental breakdown in situations where biosecurity actions span multiple State Government agencies — such as for environmental biosecurity. The reasons for this breakdown are complex, and have been highlighted in further work undertaken by the Council since that time. In broad terms, the issues can be categorised into:

i) definitions;
ii) roles and responsibilities; and
iii) resourcing;

with unclear government policy an important contributing factor.

In late 2016, the Council resolved to further this work, with a focus on how environmental biosecurity is …

Leucaena Pallida - Environmental Weed Risk Assessment 2018, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Environmental Weed Risk Assessments

Introducing new plants to an area may have both positive and negative effects on the environment, economy and community. To minimise the negative environmental impact of introducing new agricultural species, DPIRD conducts a risk assessment procedure based on widely accepted scientific standards. This report assesses Leucaena pallida

Neonotonia Wightii - Environmental Weed Risk Assessment 2018, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Environmental Weed Risk Assessments

Introducing new plants to an area may have both positive and negative effects on the environment, economy and community. To minimise the negative environmental impact of introducing new agricultural species, DPIRD conducts a risk assessment procedure based on widely accepted scientific standards. This report assesses Neonotonia wightii, or glycine.

Leucaena Diversifolia - Environmental Weed Risk Assessment 2018, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Environmental Weed Risk Assessments

Introducing new plants to an area may have both positive and negative effects on the environment, economy and community. To minimise the negative environmental impact of introducing new agricultural species, DPIRD conducts a risk assessment procedure based on widely accepted scientific standards. This report assesses Leucaena diversifolia

Leucaena Lanceolata - Environmental Weed Risk Assessment 2018, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Environmental Weed Risk Assessments

Introducing new plants to an area may have both positive and negative effects on the environment, economy and community. To minimise the negative environmental impact of introducing new agricultural species, DPIRD conducts a risk assessment procedure based on widely accepted scientific standards. This report assesses Leucaena lanceolata