New online AgWatch tip-off service targets WA biosecurity risks

West Australians can now access a simple online tool to report activities which could pose a biosecurity risk to the State’s agriculture industry and the environment. The AgWatch service allows users to report activities including the importation or sale of illegal plants or animals, suspicious movement of livestock or bees, or non-compliance with a quarantine notice. Agriculture and Food Minister Alannah MacTiernan said the service provided an effective way for the community to report illegal activity. “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,” she 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. “Some plants pose a risk of becoming agricultural or environmental weeds, so they cannot be grown or brought into the State.’’ AgWatch complements two other tip-off reporting services available in WA, including FishWatch by the Department of Fisheries and the RSPCA WA Cruelty hotline. Reports made to AgWatch will be reviewed by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. Reports to AgWatch can be made via the Crime Stoppers website.