Agriculture Victoria is asking school holiday makers to help keep the state’s $17.5 billion agriculture industry safe from biosecurity threats including pests and diseases.
Biosecurity Victoria executive director Katherine Clift said there were many ways the community could be biosecurity aware, including complying with state regulations while travelling.
“Victorians travelling interstate should be aware of border quarantine restrictions around plants, fruit and vegetables or risk hefty fines,” Dr Clift said.
“Biosecurity measures such as not bringing fruit and vegetables into the state will help protect Victoria’s valuable horticulture industry from exotic pests including Mediterranean fruit fly.
“If you are planning to visit our excellent wineries, don’t wander into the vineyards in case you get phylloxera on your footwear and spread it elsewhere.”
Coastal and beach visitors should follow the steps of “check, clean and dry”.
Holiday makers need to check all boats and kayaks, and fishing, diving and surfing equipment and remove everything that may come from the local area. This includes water, sand and seaweed.
Fishermen are reminded to check their catch for signs of disease.
“Clean your boats at home or at a commercial carwash, and wash wetsuits, fishing and diving equipment with fresh, soapy water,” Dr Clift said.
Holiday makers visiting farms need to comply with Biosecurity Management Plans and follow biosecurity signage requirements to help prevent spreading pests and disease.
“When you’re planning to visit a farming property, call ahead to see if there are any specific biosecurity requirements or potential issues,” Dr Clift said.
“When it’s time to go home, visitors should wash their footwear again to avoid carrying pests and diseases to other properties or regions.”
Agriculture Victoria is offering a 15-minute tutorial called “Come clean, stay clean, go clean” which has tips to help build your biosecurity awareness.
The tutorial can be accessed at: agriculture.vic.gov.au