Biosecurity

Biosecurity is about protecting our environment, community and economy from harmful pests, weeds and diseases. It includes the actions we all take, and are required to take, to prevent these threats from entering, establishing, or spreading in our area. 

Biosecurity helps protect native plants and animals, supports agriculture and food production, and safeguards community health and wellbeing. 

Biosecurity in Camden 

Camden Councils Biosecurity Officers are authorised and operating under the Biosecurity Act 2015 and the Biosecurity Regulation 2017 as the local control authorities for biosecurity management within their local government area (LGA).

As a local control authority Camden Council:

  • Inspects private land and high-risk locations for priority weeds to help ensure that property owners are aware of and carrying out their obligations to manage biosecurity risks and control Priority Weeds.

  • Inspects public land and develops and implements programs to control priority weeds and pest animals on Council owned and managed lands.

  • Engages with the community to raise awareness and understanding of biosecurity matters and best practice management.

Council works with landholders, government agencies and the community to reduce these risks and protect the local environment. 

Why is biosecurity important?

Biosecurity plays a vital role in protecting the things we value most in the Camden area. 

Effective biosecurity helps to: 

  • protect native wildlife and natural ecosystems 

  • reduce the spread of invasive weeds and pest animals 

  • support farming, local businesses and food production 

  • protect public health and community wellbeing 

Without strong biosecurity, pests, weeds and diseases can spread quickly and cause lasting impacts on the environment, economy and lifestyle of our community. 

A shared responsibility

Biosecurity is everyone’s responsibility. 

All residents, businesses and landholders have a role to play in preventing and managing biosecurity risks. Small actions can make a big difference, such as: 

  • reporting unusual pests, weeds or diseases 

  • managing weeds and pests on your property 

  • cleaning equipment and vehicles to prevent spread 

  • being aware of biosecurity risks when moving plants, soil or animals 

Working together helps reduce the spread of threats and protects Camden for the future. 

How does Council manage biosecurity?

Council acts as the local control authority and plays an important role in managing biosecurity across public land and supporting the community.

This includes: 

  • monitoring and managing pest animals and invasive plants 

  • responding to emerging biosecurity threats 

  • working with state agencies and regional partners 

  • providing information and guidance to residents 

Council’s approach focuses on prevention, early detection, and coordinated action where risks are identified. 

 

Find out more about biosecurity risks and how you can get involved by exploring the pages below.