State Biosecurity (Animal and Plant) Sub Plan Page i
Biosecurity
(Animal and Plant)
Emergency
Sub Plan
A sub plan of New South Wales State Emergency Management Plan
Version 6
State Biosecurity (Animal and Plant) Sub Plan Page ii
Contents
1 Introduction ................................................................................................................ 1
1.1 Purpose ...................................................................................................................................... 1
1.2 Authority ..................................................................................................................................... 1
1.2.1 Revision history ............................................................................................................... 1
1.3 Activation .................................................................................................................................... 1
1.4 Scope ......................................................................................................................................... 2
1.4.1 Assumptions .................................................................................................................... 2
1.5 Goals .......................................................................................................................................... 3
1.6 Audience .................................................................................................................................... 3
1.7 Linkages ..................................................................................................................................... 3
1.8 Maintaining the plan ................................................................................................................... 4
2 The emergency risk context ........................................................................................ 4
2.1 Biosecurity risks ......................................................................................................................... 4
2.2 Consequences ........................................................................................................................... 5
3 Prevention .................................................................................................................. 5
4 Preparedness ............................................................................................................. 5
4.1 Emergency planning .................................................................................................................. 6
4.2 Operational readiness ................................................................................................................ 6
4.3 Community resilience ................................................................................................................. 6
5 Response ................................................................................................................... 7
5.1 Concept of operations ................................................................................................................ 7
5.2 Control and coordination ............................................................................................................ 7
5.2.1 Biosecurity emergencies in another jurisdiction .............................................................. 8
5.3 Emergency information and warnings ........................................................................................ 8
5.4 Inter-jurisdictional support .......................................................................................................... 8
5.5 Impact assessment .................................................................................................................... 8
5.6 Withdrawal from response ......................................................................................................... 9
6 Recovery .................................................................................................................... 9
7 Logistics and finance .................................................................................................. 9
Appendix A - Roles and responsibilities ............................................................................... 11
Appendix B - Glossary ......................................................................................................... 18
Appendix C - Legislation ...................................................................................................... 21
State Biosecurity (Animal and Plant) Sub Plan Page 1
1 Introduction
1.1 Purpose
This State Biosecurity (Animal and Plant) Sub Plan describes the strategic emergency
management arrangements for any biosecurity emergency affecting New South Wales,
including Lord Howe Island. Biosecurity emergencies are caused by a biosecurity risk or
impact, such as animal and plant pests and diseases (terrestrial and aquatic), and invasive
species, including insects, other invertebrates, vertebrate pests and weeds.
1.2 Authority
This plan is written and issued under the authority of the State Emergency and Rescue
Management Act 1989 (NSW) (‘SERM Act’) and the NSW State Emergency Management
Plan (EMPLAN). In addition to these instruments, the following Acts and Regulations apply to
managing biosecurity emergencies:
• Biosecurity Act 2015
and supporting regulations:
o Biosecurity (National Livestock Identification System) Regulation 2017
o Biosecurity Regulation 2017
o Biosecurity Amendment (Miscellaneous) Regulation 2019 (PDF, 275 KB)
o Biosecurity Amendment (Miscellaneous) Regulation 2019 (Summary)
• Local Land Services Act 2013
• legislation listed in Appendix C.
NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) is the Combat Agency
for biosecurity
emergencies.
This plan is a sub plan to the NSW State Emergency Management Plan (EMPLAN) and
was approved by the Director General NSW Department of Primary Industries, on 03
March 2022 and was endorsed by the NSW State Emergency Management Committee
(SEMC) on 02 June 2022.
1.2.1 Revision history
Version Date endorsed Amendment notes
One 8 March 1996
Two 6 December 2001 Complete review
Three 15 December 2005 Complete review
Four 1 December 2012 Complete review, including name change from NSW
Animal Health Emergency Sub Plan
Five
January 2017
Complete review
Six
02 June 2022
Complete review in new SEMC template
1.3 Activation
The arrangements in this plan are active at all times and do not require formal activation.
The arrangements will normally be implemented by NSW DPI on receipt of:
1. notification of a suspected or confirmed detection of an emergency animal or plant pest
or disease or invasive species in NSW
2. notification of a confirmed detection of an emergency animal or plant pest or disease
or invasive species in another state or territory, dependent on risk
3. notification of an emerging pest or disease or invasive species, causing widespread
impact on animals and/or plants, environment, or communities.
State Biosecurity (Animal and Plant) Sub Plan Page 2
National biosecurity agreements (relevant to the notification) may be simultaneously activated,
as they outline a national pre-agreed approach to management and funding of responses, and
industry participation.
National agreement Impact Notified by
Emergency Animal
Disease Response
Agreement (EADRA)
Emergency animal pests and
diseases
NSW Chief Veterinary Officer
(NSW CVO)
Emergency Plant Pest
Response Deed (EPPRD)
Emergency plant pests NSW Chief Plant Protection
Officer (NSW CPPO)
National Environmental
Biosecurity Response
Agreement (NEBRA)
Environment and/or social
amenity, where the response
is for the public good
NSW CVO
NSW CPPO
Director, Invasive Plants and
Animals
1.4 Scope
This plan describes the state-level emergency management arrangements for biosecurity
emergencies affecting NSW. It includes:
• the potential risks and consequences of the emergency to the social, built, economic,
and natural environments
• the policy and programs in place to mitigate these risks before, during and after an
emergency
• the control and coordination arrangements for managing a biosecurity emergency
• an outline of the approach to managing a biosecurity emergency and the agencies
responsible for managing specific strategies
• the multi-agency management arrangements at the state, regional and local levels
(including national level arrangements where these exist)
• links to sources of information where the reader can obtain further detail.
This plan does not apply to:
• commonly occurring biosecurity events which are within capacity of NSW DPI to
manage
• emergencies in which NSW DPI has a supporting role to another combat agency.
This plan does not include detail about the operational activities of individual agencies.
1.4.1 Assumptions
This plan is based on the following assumptions.
1. All the agencies and organisations with a role or responsibility included in this plan
maintain their own capability; including detailed operational plans, adequately trained
personnel, and sufficient resources to fulfil their role.
2. Notifications of disease and pest incursions are received by NSW DPI from the public,
industry, and government personnel.
State Biosecurity (Animal and Plant) Sub Plan Page 3
1.5 Goals
The goals for biosecurity emergency management are to:
1. Protect public health and safety
Identify pests, diseases, and invasive species that harm or have potential to harm
human health; prevent, eliminate, or minimise biosecurity risks to effectively
manage public health and safety risks.
2. Protect primary production and minimise economic loss
Improve biosecurity planning to prevent the incursion and minimise spread; rapid
elimination of pests/diseases/invasive species or management programs to
minimise impacts.
3. Prevent widespread environmental damage
Identify pests, diseases, and invasive species that damage the environment;
prevent or minimise damage by removing, containing, or mitigating the biosecurity
risk.
4. Protect domestic and international primary production market access
Minimise biosecurity risks and eliminate risk to protect domestic and international
market access.
5. Promote industry recovery
Partner with affected industry sectors and peak bodies to return businesses to
production and assist with market access.
1.6 Audience
This plan is for the NSW Government and agencies within the emergency management sector,
including non-government organisations (NGOs), business and community groups with a
significant role in emergency management.
Other agencies and organisations, at inter-state and national level, including:
• Australian Department of Agriculture, Water, and the Environment (DAWE)
• Animal Health Australia (AHA)
• Plant Health Australia (PHA)
• agricultural or primary industries departments for each Australian State and Territory
• national (agricultural/primary production) industry groups and peak bodies.
Although the wider community is not the primary audience, community members may find the
contents of this plan informative.
1.7 Linkages
This plan reflects current legislation, the arrangements in the EMPLAN, the strategic direction
for emergency management in NSW and the accepted State practice for emergency
management. The EMPLAN arrangements have not been repeated unless necessary to
ensure context and readability. Any variations from these arrangements have been identified
and justified.
Other supporting arrangements and plans include:
• Australian Aquatic Veterinary Emergency Plan
(AQUAVETPLAN)
• Australian Emergency Plant Pest Response Plan (PLANTPLAN)
• Australian Veterinary Emergency Plan (AUSVETPLAN)
• Emergency Animal Disease Response Agreement (EADRA)
• Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed (EPPRD)
• National Environmental Biosecurity Response Agreement (NEBRA)
State Biosecurity (Animal and Plant) Sub Plan Page 4
1.8 Maintaining the plan
The NSW DPI will keep this plan current by:
1. conducting exercises to test arrangements
2. reviewing the contents of the plan
a. after significant biosecurity responses
b. when there are changes to the machinery of government
c. when there are changes that alter agreed plan arrangements
d. as determined by the NSW SEMC
e. at least every five years.
2 The emergency risk context
2.1 Biosecurity risks
Australia is threatened by risk of pest and disease outbreaks in animals and plants, and
invasive species. Biosecurity risks include:
• Animal biosecurity – impacts to livestock and other animals from pests and diseases
• Aquatic biosecurity – impacts to aquatic environments, industries, aquatic animals and
marine vegetation from aquatic pests, diseases, and saltwater weeds
• Plant biosecurity – impacts to primary production, the economy, the community, and
the environment, from exotic plant pests and diseases
• Invasive species – impacts to primary production, social amenity and the environment
from exotic vertebrates, and invertebrates, and plants
• Locusts - impacts to primary production, social amenity, and the environment from
notifiable pest locust species.
Biosecurity risk is influenced by:
1. Growing trade and travel
a. Australia, as a trading nation, is vulnerable to biosecurity incursions due to
increasing numbers of vessels, passengers, and goods from higher risk
regions/countries.
b. Increases in online trade may increase introduction of pests and diseases
through illegal plant and animal trade.
2. Social and demographic profile changes and urbanisation, such as increasing small-
lot acreages is expanding peri-urban areas, creating greater biosecurity risks due to
l
ack of pest and disease awareness, changing interactions between people, wildlife,
agriculture and disease vectors, and closer proximity to major ports of entry for pests
and diseases.
3. Climate change which may impact
a. the movement of biological threats into new areas and increase the
susceptibility of native species to invasive species
b. migratory bird patterns and weather events that influence the spread of pests
and diseases.
4. Biodiversity losses can lower the environment’s resilience to pests and diseases.
5. Agricultural intensification, vertical integration, and expansion into new areas to meet
growing food demand, niche food demands, and introduction of new crops due to
climate change.
6. Limited data sharing and system connectivity between jurisdictions, biosecurity sectors
and industries.
State Biosecurity (Animal and Plant) Sub Plan Page 5
7. Emerging technologies and unintentional impacts on the environment (e.g., spread of
genetic control mechanisms outside of target species) and bioterrorism (e.g., the
genet
ic engineering of pathogens).
2.2 Consequences
Pest and disease outbreaks threaten viability of industries, cause serious financial hardship
and social disruption, and can place human health and the environment at risk.
The following may occur as a result of a biosecurity outbreak:
• loss of life or morbidity from zoonotic diseases and pests, resulting in a high burden
on the public health system
• impacts to mental health from loss of financial viability and community cohesiveness
• widespread damage to the environment including negative impacts on biodiversity and
cultural site
s
• wi
despread reduction in access to food, farm movement restrictions, factories, and
other businesses for an extended period
• los
s of domestic and/or export markets resulting in major damage to businesses, NSW,
and national economies
• loss of consumer and industry confidence in government and ability to cope with
significant emergencies
• damage or destruction of infrastructure from pest incursions
• loss or damage to social amenities such as dwellings, parks, and gardens
.
3 Prevention
Prevention includes:
1. restricting the entry of biosecurity threats through
a. working with Australian Government border agencies to strengthen border
controls
b. strengthening biosecurity science and research to rapidly identify new or
emerging biosecurity threats
c. work with interstate jurisdictions to implement appropriate risk mitigati
on
measures at the state borders
d. ensuring shared responsibility of managing border controls and ensuri
ng
c
ompliance to the Biosecurity Act 2015 from industry sectors.
2. government, industry, and community working together to protect the economy,
environment, and community through
a. raising industry and community awareness
b. surveillance programs for multiple industries
c. reporting hotlines for community to report suspect or suspicious pests an
d
diseases.
4 Preparedness
Preparedness includes arrangements or plans to deal with an emergency or the effects of an
emergency. Preparedness activities are undertaken by:
• agencies and organisations that have responsibilities before, during and after
an
emergency
• communities, businesses, industries, and households that are likely to be affected by
biosecurity emergencies.
State Biosecurity (Animal and Plant) Sub Plan Page 6
4.1 Emergency planning
Strategy Actions
NSW Biosecurity Strategy describes
management of biosecurity threats across
NSW including:
• preventing entry
• rapidly identifying, containing, and
er
adicating or controlling new or
emerging threats
• maintaining capacity to manage
biosecurity in NSW.
1. Implement strategy and maintain its
currency.
Contribute to reviews of national biosecurity
plans and agreements.
2. Participate in government working
gr
oups, technical review groups and
committees and provision of out-of-
session contributions.
Maintain links with key industry
stakeholders (peak industry bodies,
Australian and State/Territory government
agencies, local government).
3. Maintain lists for key contacts.
4. Participate in scenario exercises with
government and industry partners
through National Biosecurity
committees and NSW specific
exercises.
5. Develop and maintain deeds wit
h
industry.
6. Participate in industry forums.
Contribute to industry and disease/pest
biosecurity plans.
7. Participate in industry working groups
and committees.
4.2 Operational readiness
To ensure operational readiness, NSW DPI has the following capability:
1. State Coordination Centre (SCC) at Orange NSW, and control centre facilities, mostly
in regional NSW, at NSW DPI and Local Land Services (LLS) offices
2. laboratory diagnostic and research laboratories
3. biosecurity specific training and exercises to develop and maintain skills of a workforc
e
of
NSW DPI, LLS, and other government agency personnel
4. stockpile of, or agreements to access, critical biosecurity response resources
5. documented processes to implement coordinated responses, including legislative
requirements, financial management, operational procedures, and safe field activities
6. systems to manage response data and information and links to national framework.
4.3 Community resilience
Community resilience is enhanced through the provision of education and awareness
programs. These include best management practice, biosecurity planning, technical and
social support.
For example, resilience in aquaculture industries is being improved through projects to
understand behavioural drivers and barriers to support resilience packages for aquatic
industries.
State Biosecurity (Animal and Plant) Sub Plan Page 7
Information is provided through various channels, including website, social media, and news
networks by NSW DPI, LLS and other key stakeholders, such as industry groups.
Where necessary, targeted information will be provided in the form of fact sheets, face-to-face
community sessions, and meetings with affected industry and community groups.
5 Response
NSW DPI have established processes for responding to biosecurity emergencies. Depending
on the biosecurity impact, nationally agreed plans e.g., AUSVETPLAN may be used to guide
operational objectives.
NSW DPI, using the Biosecurity Act 2015, has responsibility to minimise the adverse effects
of a biosecurity emergency in NSW. This will be achieved through:
5.1 Concept of operations
Identification of pests, diseases, and invasive species that harm or have potential to
harm human health, primary production and/or the environment through:
• national agreements and plans, including disease strategies for diseases/pests that
cause a significant impact
• national and NSW targeted and passive surveillance programs and hotline reporting
• laboratory diagnostic services to identify the disease or pest or develop or adopt new
tests.
Eradication of pest, disease, or invasive species through:
• initiating national cost sharing agreements including a national response plan by the
relevant Hazard Owner
• NSW DPI appointing an Incident Controller, who will be responsible for preparing and
i
mplementing an incident action plan
• NSW DPI providing emergency management coordination and resourcing
• legal instruments which may result in movement restrictions.
R
educe the impact through on-going management of the pest, disease, or invasive
species by:
• coordinating programs, where eradication is not feasible or cost effective, to support
the impacted industry/industries or environmental custodians to undertake action
necessary for recovery.
5.2 Control and coordination
Biosecurity emergencies are the responsibility of the relevant Hazard Owner dependent on
the biosecurity threat, unless a ‘State of Emergency’ is declared where other emergency
arrangements are activated.
• NSW Chief Veterinary Officer (NSW CVO) ensures effective coordination of all animal
(including aquatic) disease or pest response and recovery operations.
• NSW Chief Plant Protection Officer (NSW CPPO) ensures effective coordination of all
plant disease or pest response and recovery operations.
• Director, Invasive Plants and Animals ensures effective coordination of invasive
species emergencies (including terrestrial and aquatic weeds).
• NSW Plague Locust Commissioner ensures effective coordination of locust
management.
State Biosecurity (Animal and Plant) Sub Plan Page 8
The Hazard Owner assesses the risk and may appoint a State Coordinator (i.e., the Combat
Agency Incident Controller) who is responsible for the state-wide coordination and oversight
of response activities to achieve the outcome set by the Hazard Owner. The State Coordinator
establishes and manages the SCC.
Depending on the hazard type and threat level, the State Coordinator may appoint one or
more Local Incident Controllers to control the hazard in designated areas of the state. The
Local Incident Controller establishes and manages the Local Control Centre (LCC). When
required, a Forward Command Post (FCP) may be established to manage field activities under
the control of the LCC. LCCs are coordinated by the SCC and work towards the same
objectives.
Response plans (additional to IAPs) are a requirement of national agreements to manage
biosecurity emergencies. Hazard Owners will develop response plans sufficient to meet
agreements and establish parameters to resolve the incident. Depending on the response the
parameters may be agreed by the National Management Group (NMG) or the Plague Locust
Management Group (PLMG). Response plans are implemented by the State Coordinator.
The State Coordinator may be responsible for one or more biosecurity hazards and
coordinating Agriculture and Animal Services Functional Area activities simultaneously.
Centres (SCC, LCC, FCP) are staffed by NSW DPI, LLS, other government agency personnel
(NSW and other jurisdictions), contractors, and industry representatives. Functional Area
personnel or liaison officers will be part of NSW DPI centres, dependent on the resource
requirements (see Appendix A – Roles and responsibilities).
5.2.1 Biosecurity emergencies in another jurisdiction
The existence of a biosecurity emergency on or near the NSW border and/or in another part
of Australia may result in movement controls being applied to livestock, animal or plant
products, vehicles and certain other effects entering or leaving NSW. Extensive surveillance
and testing may be required to ensure early detection to minimise the threat to NSW and other
jurisdictions. These controls will be initiated by the relevant Hazard Owner.
5.3 Emergency information and warnings
NSW DPI is responsible for providing accurate information to the media and public in
accordance with the Public Information Functional Area Supporting Plan. NSW Health and/or
NSW Food Authority will provide information where there are human health implications.
Coordinated use of all electronic media is undertaken by NSW DPI. Use of the Public
Information Coordination Centre may be considered.
5.4 Inter-jurisdictional support
Commonwealth agencies will provide technical expertise, staff and resources in provision of
services outlined in AUSVETPLAN, PLANTPLAN, AQUAVETPLAN and NEBRA, in
accordance with the Interstate Deployment Arrangements for Biosecurity Responses
. Each
jurisdiction has a Jurisdictional Deployment Coordinator (JDC) to request and/or support
deployments between states and territories from the National Biosecurity Response Team
(NBRT).
5.5 Impact assessment
Biosecurity has a wide range of animal, plant and aquatic pests and diseases and invasive
species that have varying degrees of impact across the social, built, economic and natural
environments. The Hazard Owner, when initiating a response, will conduct a feasibility
assessment and cost benefit analysis, which will identify potential impacts.
State Biosecurity (Animal and Plant) Sub Plan Page 9
During the response, physical losses are inventoried and valued. Losses occur when items
cannot be satisfactorily disinfected or treated/healed and may include destroyed stock
(animals, plants), products (e.g., milk), infrastructure and materials (e.g., egg cartons, animal
feed). To minimise local social and economic loss to businesses, compensation is sometimes
available.
Damage information will be provided to stakeholders such as peak industry bodies and sector
interest groups responsible for recovery as the emergency develops.
5.6 Withdrawal from response
The response phase is stood down when any of these occur:
• the initial investigation is negative
• response outcomes have been met, including proof of freedom conditions for
biosecurity emergencies
• response outcomes are no longer feasible, cost effective or beneficial, requiring
a
m
ove to program management
• declared over by national or state authority.
Demobilisation plans outline the wind down and end of the response.
Any ongoing tasks, such as compliance with Biosecurity Directions or Orders, are transitioned
to the appropriate agency for action as part of normal business arrangements.
6 Recovery
The arrangements for recovery operations are outlined in the NSW State EMPLAN and further
described in the State Recovery Plan.
Depending on the extent of the response, a hazard recovery plan may be developed, and a
Recovery Coordinator may be appointed. NSW DPI will partner with affected industry sectors
and peak bodies to return businesses to production and assist with market access. This may
involve surveillance programs, compliance activities, communication, and research programs.
7 Logistics and finance
Cost sharing agreements
Several cost sharing deeds of agreement between Commonwealth Government,
State/Territory Governments and Industry groups recognise that major animal and plant
health, and environmental emergencies are of national importance. These deeds (see Section
1.3) provide mechanisms for participating jurisdictions to share costs associated with
eradication of specified incursions, including compensation.
The amount contributed by each participating jurisdiction to a response will vary according to
categorisation of the disease, pest, or invasive species. Categories consider whether the
emergency animal or plant disease or pest or invasive species concerned affects human
health or causes major national socio-economic or environmental consequences or will only
cause production losses. Governments contribute a greater amount for those diseases and
pests affecting human health and those having a major national socio-economic or
environmental effect. The cost borne by the individual jurisdiction may also be influenced by
the value of affected industry in the jurisdiction.
For plague locusts, a cost sharing agreement exists between the Australian Government and
the eastern States (NSW, Queensland, South Australia and Victoria) to fund Australian Plague
State Biosecurity (Animal and Plant) Sub Plan Page 10
Locust Commission (APLC). NSW responses are generally funded through the Pest
Management Fund (PMF). APLC and NSW DPI collaborate to control locusts.
The types of expenditure which may be reimbursed by participating jurisdictions for controlling
an animal, aquatic or plant health emergency are set out in deeds of agreement.
Financial delegation
Officers in the Incident Management Team and some support roles in biosecurity emergencies
are assigned emergency financial delegations.
Logistics
Logistics and financial arrangements are described in EMPLAN Part 10 and detailed in NSW
DPI supporting operational guidelines.
State Biosecurity (Animal and Plant) Sub Plan Page 11
Appendix A - Roles and responsibilities
The following roles and responsibilities are in addition to the roles and responsibilities
described in the EMPLAN and relate to biosecurity emergencies.
Agency/Functional
Area
Roles and responsibilities
Agriculture and
Animal Services
Functional Area
(AASFA)
NSW DPI is responsible for Biosecurity emergencies and AASFA,
utilising the same resources and processes.
AASFA will be activated in a biosecurity emergency when its
services are required.
Animal Health
Australia
Preparedness
• Coordinates AUSVETPLAN, EADRA and national
surveillance programs.
• Provision of emergency animal disease training and
exercises.
Response
• Provision of Industry Liaison Officers.
Animal Welfare
League NSW (AWL)
• Provide technical expertise and staff for industry and
community liaison, animal treatment and welfare.
• Operate a mobile veterinary consultation and surgery truck.
• Animal welfare enforcement agency.
Aquatic Consultative
Committee on
Emergency Animal
Disease
• Coordinates and makes decisions on the national, technical
response to emergency aquatic animal disease incidents until
it decides the disease or threat no longer exists, or a national
response is no longer required.
Australian Plague
Locust Commission
(APLC)
Prevention
• Develop improved locust management practices through a
targeted research program
• Provide a forecasting system for operations conducted by
APLC and member states
Preparedness
• Undertake monitoring of locust populations in inland eastern
Australia
• Maintain a stockpile of ready to use locust chemical for aerial
application on targeted locust species
Response
• Manage outbreaks (in western NSW) that have the potential
to inflict significant damage to agriculture in more than one
member state
Australian
Veterinary
Association
Preparedness
• Provide training to veterinarians in emergency response,
emergency animal disease (EAD) awareness, and sample
collection
State Biosecurity (Animal and Plant) Sub Plan Page 12
Agency/Functional
Area
Roles and responsibilities
• Promote EAD awareness and communications to
veterinarians
Response
• Communication to members
• Coordination of veterinarians to fill response roles
Recovery
• Work with producers and community to assist in treatment,
advice, and care of animals
Consultative
Committee on
Emergency Animal
Diseases (CCEAD)
• Coordinates and makes decisions on the national, technical
response to emergency animal disease incidents of animal
health, public health, or trade significance.
• Where applicable, CCEAD advises the National Emergency
Animal Disease Management Group (NMG) on funding
mechanisms for responses, particularly as it relates to the
Emergency Animal Disease Response Agreement.
Consultative
Committee on
Emergency Plant
Pests (CCEPP)
• Coordinates and makes decisions on the national, technical
response to emergency plant pests (EPPs)
• Where applicable, CCEPP advises meetings of the National
Management Group (NMG) on EPP issues in accordance with
the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed
.
Council of Local
Government Areas
Preparedness
• Participate in planning, briefings, training, and exercises
as required
• Promote awareness of biosecurity responsibilities and
potential invasive species (through Environmental Health
officers, weeds officers)
Response
Subject to the availability of council resources, assist operations
including:
• traffic management on council managed roads
• provision of resources, such as plant, equipment,
personnel and facilities such as sale yards, as requested
• close and reopen Council roads (and other roads
nominated by agreement with Transport for NSW)
• provision of bulk chemical storage, as requested
• provide resources to assist with response (e.g., authorised
officers under the Biosecurity Act 2015, plant, and
equipment)
Department of
Defence
Arrangements for Defence Assistance to the Civil Community are
detailed within the State EMPLAN (section 448).
Energy and Utilities
The roles and responsibilities for Energy and Utilities Services are
outlined in the Energy and Utility Services Supporting Plan
(EUSPLAN).
State Biosecurity (Animal and Plant) Sub Plan Page 13
Agency/Functional
Area
Roles and responsibilities
Engineering
Services Functional
Area
The roles and responsibilities for Engineering Services are
outlined in the Engineering Services Supporting Plan.
Provide support and advice to biosecurity emergencies including:
• decontamination facilities including water and waste
management
• procurement of portable buildings, e.g., for control centres
• disposal options
• plant and equipment supply
• supply of goods and services.
Environmental
Services Functional
Area
The roles and responsibilities for Environmental Services are
outlined in the Environmental Services (ENVIROPLAN)
Supporting Plan.
Provide support and advice to biosecurity emergencies including:
• assess, coordinate planning and response to waste
• provide advice and guidance regarding public messaging for
environmental contamination and risk to public health
• coordinate and facilitate soil and water sampling and analysis
• coordinate and facilitate air monitoring
• provide advice on chemical treatments and hazardous
materials e.g., asbestos
• provide advice on potential environmental and community risk
from the biosecurity threat
• provide trained liaison officers, incident management, field or
other personnel as required
• provide equipment for field activities, such as sampling and
analysis
• participate in biosecurity emergency response training and
exercises.
Fire and Rescue
NSW
• Provide Incident Management personnel, Liaison Officers,
and support to the NSW DPI as required.
• Conduct Hazmat operations including asbestos and
biosecurity hazards, arising from biosecurity emergencies in
coordination with the Incident Controller.
• Provide trained staff to support a joint intelligence unit, if
established by NSW DPI, including Remotely Piloted Aircraft
System (RPAS) pilots to assist with field observations.
• Provide staff, and equipment in biosecurity field activities,
such as decontamination.
Forestry
Corporation of NSW
• Close and reopen Forestry Corporation of NSW roads when
affected by biosecurity hazards and advise the NSW DPI of its
status.
• Manage traffic on Forestry Corporation of NSW roads.
• Facilitate the safe reliable access of emergency resources on
Forestry Corporation managed roads.
• Assist the NSW DPI with the communication of warnings and
information provision to the public through variable message
signs and other appropriate means.
State Biosecurity (Animal and Plant) Sub Plan Page 14
Agency/Functional
Area
Roles and responsibilities
Health Services
Functional Area
The roles and responsibilities for Health Services Functional Area
(including NSW Ambulance) are outlined in the Health Services
(HEALTHPLAN) Supporting Plan.
Responsibilities specific to biosecurity emergencies include:
• ensuring appropriate plans are in place for zoonotic diseases
• conducting human health epidemiological investigation and
risk assessment to determine the likely source and impact of
a disease or hazard
• providing human health advice and support to affected
communities and individuals.
Local Land Services
(LLS)
Prevention
• Work with primary producers to improve biosecurity planning.
• Undertake compliance activities
Preparedness
• Coordinates and/or participates in emergency training and
exercises.
• Manages regional stockpiles of locust chemicals and other
resources for responses.
• Monitor and conduct surveillance for pests and diseases.
• Provide advice to primary producers.
• Represent NSW DPI as the combat agency for biosecurity at
regional and local emergency management committees.
Response
• Provides resources (personnel and physical resources) to
coordinate and control biosecurity responses.
Recovery
• Participate in After Action Reviews as required.
• Works with impacted land managers to deliver on-ground
recovery/resilience projects in animal biosecurity and welfare,
plant biosecurity, invasive species management, agricultural
production, land management and natural resource
management.
Marine Rescue NSW
When requested by NSW DPI, assist in biosecurity operations
when training and equipment are available and suitable including
assistance with:
• warning and/or evacuation of at-risk communities
• providing communications personnel
• water transport.
National
Management Group
(NMG)
Decide on the technical feasibility and cost-benefit for eradicating
an emergency pest, or disease in accordance with a national
response plan and agreed cost shared budget.
NSW Farmers’
Association
Preparedness
• Member of the NSW Plague Locust Management Group.
State Biosecurity (Animal and Plant) Sub Plan Page 15
Agency/Functional
Area
Roles and responsibilities
Response
• Use NSW Farmers’ structure and channels of communication
to liaise and coordinate information between its members and
NSW DPI.
• Provide a Liaison Officer as requested.
NSW Food Authority The roles and responsibilities for NSW Food Authority are
outlined in the Food Safety Emergency Sub Plan.
Responsibilities specific to biosecurity emergencies include:
• providing trained staff for emergency responses including
compliance officers.
NSW National Parks
and Wildlife
Services (NPWS)
• Provide advice on impacts to wildlife.
• Provide trained staff for biosecurity emergency responses.
• Provide facilities and equipment as requested.
• Manage access to National Parks when areas are affected by
biosecurity emergencies.
• Assist the NSW DPI with the communication of warnings and
information provision to the public through variable message
signs and other appropriate means.
• Provide appropriately trained personnel to perform remote
area access functions as required.
NSW Police Force
• Provide Incident Management personnel and Liaison Officers
to the NSW DPI where required.
• When requested by NSW DPI, attend impacted properties.
• Conduct road and traffic control operations in conjunction with
Council and/or Transport for NSW, including implementation
of national standstill for impacted industries.
• Manage Disaster Victim Registration if required.
• Operate the Public Information and Inquiry Centre, if
requested or otherwise needed.
NSW Rural Fire
Service (NSW RFS)
• Provide Incident Management personnel and Liaison Officers
to the NSW DPI where required.
• Provide incident management facilities.
• Provide aviation support, management and advice as
requested through the State Air Desk.
• Provide back-up radio communications.
• Provide teams during biosecurity operations when requested
by NSW DPI. This may include assistance with:
o destruction and decontamination activities through the
provision of personnel, bulk water, and equipment
o warnings for at-risk communities
o access to impacted communities, properties and/or
areas
o providing appropriately trained personnel to perform
remote area access functions.
State Biosecurity (Animal and Plant) Sub Plan Page 16
Agency/Functional
Area
Roles and responsibilities
NSW State
Emergency Service
(SES)
• Provide Incident Management personnel and Liaison Officers
to the NSW DPI where required.
• Provide back-up radio communications and communications
on wheels (CoW).
• Provide Teams during biosecurity operations when requested
by NSW DPI. This may include assistance with:
o destruction and decontamination activities through the
provision of personnel and equipment
o warnings for at-risk communities
o access to impacted communities, properties and/or
areas.
Plant Health
Australia
Preparedness
• Coordinates PLANTPLAN, EPPRD and national surveillance
programs.
• Provision of emergency plant disease training and exercises.
Response
• Provision of Industry Liaison Officers.
Public Information
Services Functional
Area
The roles and responsibilities for Public Information Services are
outlined in the Public Information Services Supporting Plan.
Regional NSW Preparedness
• Participate in biosecurity emergency response training and
exercises.
Response
• Provide trained staff for biosecurity emergency responses.
• Manage responses support services, such as payroll, finance,
systems.
• Provide facilities and equipment as requested.
Resilience NSW Preparedness
• Facilitates capability development for biosecurity through
state level exercises.
Response
• Support the State Emergency Operations Centre.
Recovery
• When required undertake recovery operations under direction
of the SERCON.
• When requested establish recovery centres.
• Participate in After Action Reviews as required.
State Biosecurity (Animal and Plant) Sub Plan Page 17
Agency/Functional
Area
Roles and responsibilities
RSPCA
(Royal Society for
the Prevention of
Cruelty to Animals)
Provide technical expertise and staff for industry and community
liaison, animal treatment and welfare, and feral animal control.
Animal welfare enforcement agency.
Telecommunication
Services Functional
Area
The roles and responsibilities for Telecommunications Services
are outlined in the Telecommunications Services (TELCOPLAN)
Supporting Plan.
Transport Services
Functional Area
The roles and responsibilities for Transport Services are outlined
in the Transport Services Supporting Plan. May include sourcing
specialist transport for waste or coordinating transport for large
numbers of people.
Welfare Services
Functional Area
The roles and responsibilities for Welfare Services are outlined in
the Welfare Services Functional Area Supporting Plan.
The most likely responsibilities of the Welfare Functional Area
would be the provision of emergency accommodation.
WIRES
(Wildlife Information,
Rescue and
Education Service)
Provide technical expertise on wildlife.
Provide staff, volunteers, and equipment to capture, transport and
house wildlife in a biosecurity response.
State Biosecurity (Animal and Plant) Sub Plan Page 18
Appendix B - Glossary
Refer to EMPLAN Annexure 9 – Definitions. Additional terms not in the EMPLAN are below.
Agriculture and aquaculture - the production and primary processing of foods, fibres and
by-products from plants and animals. Agriculture and aquaculture involve cultivation of crops
including horticultural products, raising of livestock or aquatic species and planting of trees for
wood products. For the purposes of emergency management may also include aquatic/marine
systems, like fisheries.
Animal – all animals including livestock (sheep, cattle, goats, pigs, horses etc.), companion
animals (dogs, cats, aviary birds etc) and wildlife (terrestrial, aquatic and marine).
Aquatic animal - includes fish, molluscs, invertebrates, crustaceans, and ornamental fish that
may be found in the NSW aquatic environment or aquaculture facilities, aquarium facilities,
whole and retail and seafood outlets.
Australian Plague Locust Commission (APLC) – a Commonwealth department, jointly
funded by the Australian Government and the member states of New South Wales, Victoria,
South Australia, and Queensland. Assists with research, forecasting and control in large
plague locust outbreaks that may impact on multiple states.
AUSVETPLAN - the Australian Veterinary Emergency Plan, the nationally agreed approach
for the response to emergency animal disease (EAD) incidents in Australia.
Biosecurity - protection of economy, environment and public health from negative impacts
associated with pests, animal, and plant diseases (not human) and weeds.
Biosecurity emergency means an emergency arising because of a biosecurity risk or
biosecurity impact (from Biosecurity Act, 2015).
Chief Plant Protection Officer (CPPO) - Director Plant Biosecurity and Product Integrity of
NSW DPI with prime responsibility for plant pest and disease control in NSW.
Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) - Senior Veterinary Officer or designated officer of NSW DPI
with prime responsibility for animal pest and disease control in NSW.
Cost sharing agreement - refers to Emergency Animal Disease Response Agreement
(EADRA), Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed (EPPRD) or National Environmental
Biosecurity Response Agreement (NEBRA).
Emergency animal disease (EAD) - a disease that has met one or more of the following
criteria as defined in EADRA:
(a) It is a known disease that does not occur in endemic form in Australia, including without
limitation the diseases listed in Parts 1.2 to 1.5 inclusive of Schedule 3, and for which it is
considered to be in the national interest to be free of the disease.
(b) It is a variant form of an endemic disease which is itself not endemic, caused by a strain
or type of the agent, which can be distinguished by appropriate diagnostic methods, and which
if established in Australia, would have a national impact.
(c) It is a serious infectious disease of unknown or uncertain cause, which may on the evidence
available at the time, be an entirely new disease or one not listed in the categorised disease
list set out in Parts 1.2 to 1.5 inclusive of Schedule 3.
(d) It is a known endemic disease, but is occurring in such a fulminant outbreak form (far
beyond the severity expected), that an emergency response is required to ensure that there
is not either a large-scale epidemic of national significance or serious loss of market access.
State Biosecurity (Animal and Plant) Sub Plan Page 19
Emergency Animal Disease Response Agreement (EADRA) - Australian Government,
States and Territories, and Industry cost sharing agreement for eradication of certain
emergency animal diseases.
Emergency plant pest (EPP) - a plant pest which meets definition as outlined in the
Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed. Examples include varroa mite, Pierce’s disease,
karnal bunt and brown marmorated stink bug.
Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed (EPPRD) - Australian Government/State/Territories
and Industry cost sharing agreement for dealing with emergency plant pests.
Eradication - refers to elimination of pest or disease and its causative agent from Australia.
Forward Command Post (FCP) – centre where field activities are managed, and links
provided to the local community for a designated area.
Hazard Owner - A Hazard Owner (as listed in 1.3 Activation) is the NSW DPI role
accountable for the response and initial recovery operations in their area of responsibility,
unless a ‘state of emergency’ is declared.
Invertebrate - an animal lacking a backbone, such as an arthropod, mollusc, annelid,
coelenterate, etc.
Local Control Centre (LCC) – centre from which all activities are managed to resolve the
emergency and achieve planned objectives in the designated area.
Movement control - restrictions placed on movement of animals, animal products, plants,
plant products, fodder, fittings, vehicles, machinery, or people to prevent spread of pest or
disease.
National Biosecurity Response Team (NBRT) - a group of trained and experienced people,
made up of personnel from the Australian Government, and state and territory agencies
responsible for agriculture/biosecurity, who can be deployed to assist other states and
territories during a major biosecurity incident.
National Environmental Biosecurity Response Agreement (NEBRA) - Commonwealth
Government/States/Territories cost sharing agreement for a nationally significant biosecurity
incident where there are predominantly benefits to public, environment and social amenity.
National Management Group (NMG) - responsible for overall management and coordination
of animal and plant health emergency at national level.
Pest Management Fund (PMF) - a fund established for use in plague locust responses raised
by a levy imposed on NSW primary producer ratepayers and collected by LLS.
Plague Locust Commissioner (PLC) - represent NSW on Australian Plague Locust
Commission.
Plague Locust Consultative Committee (PLCC) - senior operational group that oversees all
aspects of plague locust responses.
Plague Locust Management Group (PLMG) - strategic senior management group that
oversees all aspects of plague locust responses.
Plague locusts - managed under the Biosecurity Act 2015, refers to those locust species
listed as notifiable pests under Schedule 1 of the Biosecurity Regulation 2017 being the
Migratory locust, Australian plague locust and Spur throated locust.
Plant - a species in the taxonomic kingdom Plantae. In this plan means species that are native
or introduced, commercially cultivated or weed species.
PLANTPLAN - the Australian Emergency Plant Pest Response Plan, the agreed technical
response plan used to respond to an emergency plant pest (EPP) incident.
State Biosecurity (Animal and Plant) Sub Plan Page 20
State Coordination Centre (SCC) – centre to coordinate resources, information, and
communications state-wide, inter-state, and nationally.
Surveillance - program of investigation, designed to establish presence, extent of, or absence
of a specified pest or disease, or presence, abundance, and distribution of specified species
of interest.
Zoonotic – diseases and pests that spread between animals and people.
State Biosecurity (Animal and Plant) Sub Plan Page 21
Appendix C - Legislation
Legislation Specific powers
Agricultural and Veterinary
Chemicals (NSW) Act 1994
Emergency permits for off-label chemical use.
Biosecurity Act 2015 Part 3 General biosecurity duty
Part 4 Prohibited matter and related biosecurity duties
Part 5 Emergency orders
Part 6 Control orders
Part 7 Biosecurity zones
Part 8 Powers of authorised officers
Part 9 Biosecurity directions
Part 12 Biosecurity registration
Part 19 Compensation
Part 21 Permits
Part 22 Administration (appointment of authorised
officers)
Biosecurity Regulation 2017 Provisions for biosecurity management plans,
declared biosecurity events, and biosecurity zones for
animal pests, aquatic pests and diseases, plant pests
and diseases, and weeds.
Biosecurity (National Livestock
Identification System) Regulation
2017
The National Livestock Identification System (NLIS)
provides traceability of cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs
from property of birth to slaughter.
Local Land Services Act 2013 Contains provisions for preparedness, response and
recovery for animal pest and disease and plant pest
and disease emergencies and other emergencies
impacting on primary production or animal health and
safety.
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
(Land Transport of Livestock)
Standards 2013 No 2
Provisions for maintenance of animal welfare during
transport of livestock in a biosecurity emergency
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Act 1979
Powers of Officers (Part 2A) - Inspectors and
Veterinary practitioners
Provisions for maintenance of animal welfare
considerations during a biosecurity emergency
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Regulation 2012
Provisions for maintenance of animal welfare
considerations during a biosecurity emergency