Biosecurity

 

North-faciing view of Geraldton Port with one cruise ship and one cargo ship in port.

Mid West Ports is committed to managing biosecurity risks to prevent the introduction of pests and diseases to Australia as a result of shipping activity.  All port staff have an obligation under the Biosecurity Act 2015 to report any suspected pests or diseases found on vessels or cargo. 

In accordance with Section 229 of the Biosecurity Act 2015, the Geraldton Port operates under the Biosecurity (First Point of Entry – Port of Geraldton) Determination 2019, which allows for the following vessels and goods to enter the port: 

  • International commercial cargo vessels; 
  • International commercial vessels carrying passengers and baggage (note: baggage cannot disembark the vessel); 
  • Inorganic bulk goods; and  
  • Waste. 

The Port of Geraldton is “non-first point of entry” for the following: 

  • Freight containers; 
  • General goods; 
  • Passenger baggage; 
  • International non-commercial vessel;  
  • Non-commercial vessel waste; and 
  • Non-commercial vessel baggage. 

For any “non-first point of entry” vessels or goods, approval must be obtained via the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (DAWE) using the Australian Maritime Arrival System (MARS) prior to arrival. 

Monitoring is conducted by Mid West Ports in coordination with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) to detect and prevent the introduction of exotic pests and diseases through the Port of Geraldton.  This includes: 

  • The Marine Pest Statewide Array Surveillance Program (SWASP) involves deployment of monitoring “arrays” at various locations to detect marine pests in the commercial harbour and fishing boat harbour.; and
  • The National Bee Pest Surveillance Program (NBPSP) which is an early warning system to detect new incursions of exotic bees. 

Biosecurity management practices help to protect the agriculture, fishing, and tourism industries of the Mid West region. Mid West Ports requires vessels within both the Commercial and Fishing Boat Harbours to comply with biosecurity standards for ballast water management and apply for approval to conduct any in water cleaning of vessels. 

Biosecurity management practices help to protect the agriculture, fishing, and tourism industries of the Mid West region. Therefore, Mid West Ports requires that vessels both within the commercial and fishing boat harbour comply with biosecurity standards and guidelines for ballast water management and to seek approval for any in-water cleaning of vessel hulls. 

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