Growing media means material used to grow plants by providing physical support to the plant, facilitating root growth, and delivering aeration, nutrients and water to the plant and includes potting mixes and manufactured soil products.
Growing media that has been present in the fire ant infested area must not be moved into NSW unless:
- all parts of the media mass have been heated to a minimum temperature of 65.6° Celsius, or
- in the 24 hours before the growing media is moved into NSW, all parts of the media mass is vigorously disturbed all, or
- is treated by an APVMA approved chemical for the control of fire ants in accordance with all label directions and permit conditions.
Following the treatment, the growing media is:
- placed in preventative conditions and remains in preventative conditions until it arrives in NSW, and
- accompanied by a plant health assurance certificate.
Important
Any person who initiates the movement of a fire ant carrier into NSW from the fire ant infested area must:
provide details of the movement and a copy of the approved biosecurity certificate to the Department by completing and submitting the record of movement declaration form before the fire ant carrier is moved, and retain details of the movement for 4 years.