WA is free of many of the major animal and plant pests and diseases that occur elsewhere. Effective biosecurity management underpins the State’s reputation as a supplier of clean, safe, high-quality food, and valuable market access and trade arrangements.
Weeds, pests and diseases have the potential to increase costs and disrupt export and domestic trade, as well as affecting our unique environment, biodiversity, human health and our ability to enjoy our surroundings.
The WA Biosecurity Strategy was developed in partnership with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Forest Products Commission and Department of Premier and Cabinet, and informed by industry and the community.
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WA Biosecurity Strategy (full version)pdf (906 KB)
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WA Biosecurity Strategy (abridged)pdf (1.6 MB)
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Biosecurity strategy points of feedback from consultation period (2015)docx (232 KB)
The strategy covers animal and plant pests and diseases, including weeds and animal diseases that can be transmitted between animals and humans (zoonotic diseases).
It doesn't include chemical contamination or residue issues, animal welfare, food safety or human health (except zoonoses), or genetically modified organisms.
The strategy addresses 2016 to 2025.
The strategy lists three principles that will underpin WA’s biosecurity system.
- Biosecurity is a shared responsibility.
- Effective risk management underpins decision making.
- Policies and programs are transparent, consistent and evidence based.
WA has extensive, sparsely populated coastline and border, with many points of entry increasing the risk of animal, plant and aquatic pests and diseases being introduced.
Key challenges identified in the strategy include:
- climate change
- changes in land use
- population spread
- risks to human health from zoonotic diseases
Biosecurity risks are managed through:
1. Pre-border and border activities, including:
- risk assessment
- quality assurance
- establishing conditions of entry
- pre-clearance checks
- inspection and compliance activities.
2. Post-border activities including:
- surveillance
- monitoring
- risk assessment
- emergency preparedness
- response planning.
Controlling pests and diseases requires effective collaboration between international, national and local stakeholders.
Land managers, government agencies, industry and the community are jointly responsible for weed, pest and disease management in WA.
The Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007 (BAM Act) establishes obligations on industry and the community to report and control declared pests.
Contact us
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Biosecurity Reform