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Weed Biosecurity Property Inspections

Weed Biosecurity fact sheet with frequently asked question list.

Fact Sheet

Weed Biosecurity Property Inspections

Bega Valley Shire Council undertakes routine private property inspections throughout the local government area to identify priority weed growth and provide assistance and information to landholders to help them comply with the Biosecurity Act 2015.

Things you need to do on the day of the inspection:

  • Be sure your dogs are securely tied up. This will assist the officer to conduct the inspection safely. The weeds officer will approach a residential building to meet you first.
  • Be sure all gates are unlocked so the officer can gain access
  • Should you need to lock a gate for security reasons you will need to make arrangements prior to the inspection to have the gate unlocked, or the key to be left at an agreed collection point.

For further information please see FAQ below or contact Bega Valley Shire Councils Biosecurity Invasive Species Officer on 02 64992 222 or councils website www.begavalley.nsw.gov.au


A. This depends on how large the property is and how easy it is to access the property.

A. No, there is no fee for the landholder.

A. Yes. Not only do you have the right to be present during the inspection, wherever possible,

Council encourages your attendance or that of your representative.

A. No, the inspection is required by law to be carried out. Council has suitably qualified staff who will conduct the inspection.

A. Council staff are available to confidentially discuss any issues you may have, and are there to be of assistance in dealing with weed related matters.

A. You should notify your agent or the tenants that a property inspection is being programmed, or alternatively, you can call Council with the details so contact can be made with the tenants. Any final inspection report will be sent to the registered landholder/ratepayer unless the occupier is entitled to a copy.

A. After the inspection, a report, together with informative documentation and any action that may be required will be forwarded to the registered landowner/ratepayer/occupier. If required, a reinspection will be scheduled to determine whether adequate control measures have been undertaken, to meet biosecurity requirements.

Weed Biosecurity Officers are legally permitted to cut locks or chains to gain entry to a property for the purpose of functions under the Biosecurity Act. Officers will cut the chain and replace with a lock in series. The keys for the lock will then be sent attached to the property report. Council will not keep any copy of the keys.

A. Under the Biosecurity Act 2015 “persons generally” have a biosecurity duty to ensure that any biosecurity risk is prevented, eliminated or minimised—so far as reasonably practicable and proportionate to the priority of the threat. Heavy fines apply for offences committed under the act.

A. Biosecurity Act 2015 information can be found on the NSW Department of Primary Industries website www.dpi.nsw.au/biosecurityact

A. You should contact a Weeds Biosecurity Officer to discuss any concerns you have.


 

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