Everyone connected to agriculture plays a critical role in protecting Australia’s cropping systems.
Grain growers, agronomists, transport operators, and rural communities are the first line of defence against exotic pests, weeds, and diseases and are being urged to remain vigilant and report anything unusual.
Agricultural authorities are encouraging locals to look closely for anything out of the ordinary during regular “drive-by” and in-paddock crop assessments. Check around equipment and structures, and even while opening packages delivered by mail — especially spare parts sourced from overseas.
If you see something unusual in a crop, in or around storage facilities, on machinery, or within imported packaging, report it immediately so it can be identified. Early detection is critical, and immediate reporting gives the grain industry the best chance to eradicate an exotic pest before it establishes.
Delays can lead to long-term costs through lost markets, increased control measures, reduced crop options, and ongoing management impacts. Exotic plant pests, weeds, and diseases can damage the natural environment, destroy food production systems, disrupt agricultural industries, and impact the way locals farm and live.
They often have no natural competitors or established control options, allowing them to spread rapidly. Any exotic pest could disrupt Australia’s export-reliant grain industry, costing millions of dollars through lost markets, eradication efforts, controls, and production losses.
Despite strict border controls and import regulations, it is possible for pests to slip through even after quarantine treatments and via other pathways, including people, mail, containers, cargo, and natural pathways such as wind and insects.
Victoria’s Plant Biosecurity Act 2010 requires individuals to report anything they suspect could be an exotic plant pest or disease.
Under the Act, it is a statutory requirement to notify authorities if a person knows or has reason to suspect that an exotic pest or disease is present, with significant penalties applying for failing to do so.
There is no downside to reporting, but there can be serious consequences for failing to act.
For a list of high-priority exotic plant pests, visit the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry plant, pests, and diseases page via the federal agriculture website.
To report something suspicious, call the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline.
