Biosecurity
New Biosecurity Laws - 1 July 2016 - Landscape Industry Specific Information
New biosecurity laws for the Queensland landscaping industry
The new Biosecurity Act 2014 (the Act) will come into effect on 1 July 2016. The Act will improve Queensland’s biosecurity preparedness and response capabilities for the protection of your industry. Under the Act, we will be better placed to focus on the biosecurity risks that impact our economy, our agricultural and tourism industries, our environment and our lifestyle.
All individuals and organisations whose activities pose a biosecurity risk will have a legal responsibility for managing them. As an industry worker you will need to take an active role in managing biosecurity risks under your control. You will not be expected to know about all biosecurity risks, but you will be expected to know about those associated with your landscaping activities. Read the full article
What Do You Need to Know About Fire Ants?
Fire ants are dangerous imported pests that could spread to large areas of Australia, severely damaging the environment, our outdoor lifestyle and our Industries. It is for this reason that biosecurity zones and movement controls are in place to restrict the spread of fire ants in areas of South East Queensland.
The landscaping industry in Queensland is a vital partner in the fight to achieve fire ant eradication.
Responsibilities for businesses
Under biosecurity laws, all Queenslanders have a shared responsibility to help eradicate pests such as fire ants. The latest biosecurity regulations allow businesses and individuals to find better ways of managing their risks.
Here are some of the ways you can fulfil your biosecurity obligation.
- Understand what fire ants look like and what materials (i.e. fire ant carriers) they might be moved in
- Be aware if you are living or working in a fire ant biosecurity zone and follow movement controls
- Follow the correct procedures when moving or storing fire ant carriers
- Take all reasonable steps to ensure you do not spread fire ants
- Report suspect nests to Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23 or HERE
Important Links
| Fire ant biosecurity zones - Interactive map |
Quarantine area that dictates where the requirements for moving fire ant carriers must be followed in QLD. |
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| Planned activities |
Programs deliver the Response Plan for fire ant eradication. This map helps to understand the planned activities for treatment and surveillance against that plan. This interactive resource will also give you dot points summarising fire ant biosecurity expectations for Queenslanders based on the typed address. You can also use this map to understand what areas are priorities for the National Fire Ant Eradication Program regarding engagement. |
| Online training |
Training for the Landscaping Industry |
| Fire ant compliance tool | Interactive tool to navigate fire ant requirements based on location and type of material. You can also use this tool to report non-compliance. |
| Processed materials video | Quarry materials, mulch, animal manure, and processed soils can spread fire ants if not managed properly. The Biosecurity Regulation 2016 requires specific storage and disturbance procedures for materials within fire ant biosecurity zones. Materials on-site for over 24 hours must be covered and placed on a fire ant-resistant surface or treated ground, with a chemical perimeter treatment using bifenthrin insecticide. Rigorous disturbance of materials every 21 days or within 24 hours before movement is also necessary. Always ask sellers if materials comply with regulations and keep records of actions for at least two years to avoid penalties. |
| How to treat fire ants | Video summarising program advice on how to treat fire ants using granular baits. |
| Landscaping Industry Tools and Resources |
A range of tools for commercial landscapers, nurseries, gardeners and homeowners doing work in their yards. Soil, turf, potted plants and other gardening materials can carry fire ants. If you are buying or selling these products, make sure they have been stored and transported correctly. |
Downloadable Resources (Click to Download)
