Checking into farms to safeguard against biosecurity risks

A new on-farm biosecurity check-in means everyone can play their part in protecting Queensland agriculture from the spread of plant and animal pests and diseases.

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner said ‘Farm Check-In’ was developed to assist visitors manage and understand biosecurity risks before they enter agricultural properties.

“We face more biosecurity threats than any other state and with the community’s help we are meeting this challenge,” Mr Furner said.

“’Farm Check-In’ helps share the responsibility for biosecurity on farms across Queensland.”

Mr Furner said the ‘Farm Check-In’ application formed part of an on-farm biosecurity portal which includes information for farm biosecurity planning, and advice for industry and landholders about accessing shared agricultural land.

“’Farm Check-In’ is designed to build awareness and encourage good biosecurity practices for all visitors moving on, between and off farms,” Mr Furner said.

“By scanning a QR code at the farm gate, visitors access an online checklist to help them understand their general biosecurity obligation and identify biosecurity risks.

“‘Farm Check-in’ includes links to educational videos and information on good biosecurity practices such as clean-down methods for clothing, vehicles and machinery.

“Property owners can install signs at their gate to encourage visitors to check-in, before entering an agricultural property.

“For properties with biosecurity management plans, the ‘Farm Check-In’ can also be incorporated as a condition of entry, making it a legal requirement prior to entry.”

Biosecurity Queensland developed the check-in system and on-farm biosecurity portal with Federal Government funding of $397,000 for the project, which also includes a new online portal for reporting of biosecurity pest and disease issues.

“The ‘Report a biosecurity pest or disease’ portal means people can report a biosecurity concern online in one place instead of the multiple entry points to make a report,” Mr Furner said.

“This will make the process of reporting a pest or disease more efficient for industry, the community and for our Biosecurity Queensland staff.”

To install ‘Farm Check-In’ on your device, visit www.daf.qld.gov.au/farmcheckin.

For information about on-farm biosecurity, visitwww.daf.qld.gov.au/onfarmbiosecurity.

ENDS

Media contact:          Ron Goodman            0427 781 920