The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development says the public can now access an online tool to report illegal activities which pose a biosecurity risk to the agriculture industry and the environment.
It said the new AgWatch reporting service was now available from the CrimeStoppers website.
“Users can report a range of activities including the importation or sale of illegal plants or animals, suspicious movement of livestock or bees, or non-compliance with a Quarantine Area Notice,” the Department said.
“We will review to reports as part of our role in overseeing the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007.”
Minister for Agriculture and Food, Alannah MacTiernan said AgWatch added to other tip-off reporting systems such as FishWatch and the RSPCA WA Cruelty Hotline.
“It will also complement the Department’s long-established front-line Pest and Disease Information Service which provides advisory and identification services on animal and plant pests, weeds and diseases,” Ms MacTiernan said.
“Moving livestock without following national identification and traceability requirements can put the industry’s biosecurity at risk, particularly if stock need to be quickly traced in the event of a disease outbreak.”
She said some plants posed a risk of becoming agricultural or environmental weeds, so they could not be grown or brought into the State.
“The reports will provide valuable information to help investigators respond to illegal activity and build intelligence to target threats and trends — ultimately helping protect our valuable farming industries and environment from biosecurity threats,” the Minister said.
Reports to AgWatch can be made via the Department link on the CrimeStoppers reporting page at this PS News link.
