Farm workers & visitors

People can carry pests, diseases, weeds and contaminants onto your property without even realising.

Having a Biosecurity Management Plan for visitors and farm workers can help protect your property. A biosecurity management plan can detail actions visitors and farm workers can take to limit the risk of carrying new pests and diseases onto your property via their vehicles, equipment or on their person.

From 1 August 2019, people entering areas where a Biosecurity Management Plan applies must comply with the measures outlined in the plan. Failure to comply with these arrangements when dealing with biosecurity matter may be an offence under the Biosecurity Act 2015. Penalties can include an on the spot fine of $1000 or a court ordered fine of $220,000 for individuals and $440,000 for corporations.

As a visitor or worker on a farm, or in a processing, packing or other facility, you need to take steps to limit the risk that you may carry new pests and diseases into that environment.

A producer or facility may ask you to:

• Register when you arrive on the property or at the facility.
• You may also see signs directing you to contact the property owner or manager before entering.
• Limit your contact with livestock, crops and plant material.
• Clean and/or check your vehicles, equipment, clothing and boots in a designated area when you arrive and leave the property.
• Complete training to help you identify and report biosecurity risks, including how to spot unusual weeds, pests and all potential diseases.

A property owner has the right to refuse entry to their property if you do not follow their instructions after it has been explained.

If you run or are visiting a farm-stay property or a business with a tourism component, you should be especially vigilant in checking for new pests, diseases, weeds and contaminants before you enter the property. The property owner may also send you instructions before you arrive, detailing the steps you will need to take when visiting their property.

It is important to realise that if you introduce a pest or disease to one property, you are creating a biosecurity risk to surrounding properties.

Canola crop photos anger farmers as visitors trespass on properties for the perfect snap ABC News.

For information about feed and fodder visit our webpage.

For information about moving stock visit the Local Land Services website.

Utilities and service providers

NSW DPI is working with key utilities and service providers in NSW to reach an agreement on how biosecurity practices will be managed when their employees and workers visit properties.

View the Primefact: Landholder Biosecurity and Utility Service Providers ( PDF, 439.4 KB) for more information

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