BMSB UPDATE 6 - FTA advocacy and key developments

Andrew Crawford, Head of Border and Biosecurity - Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA), and I met with executives from the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources today (9 August 2018) in Canberra, followed by participation in a broader industry engagement teleconference focussing on the upcoming Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) season.
 
Key developments:
 

• Certificates of storage certification (as accepted in the 2017 / 2018 season) are being reviewed by the department with the expectation that they will be accepted again in this coming season.

• Approved offshore treatment providers can be assessed and approved within 24 hours provided all the appropriate documentation is in the application – the department is regularly updating their web site and we strongly recommend that members review this on daily basis (currently 25 providers approved)

• A scenarios page is currently under development which will complement the Frequently Asked Questions available at Preparing to import during the BMSB Season – PLEASE NOTE this page has been significantly updated earlier this evening.

• Onshore FAK treatments was again tabled again for consideration by FTA. The department has agreed to consider this matter and requested further written submissions. In line with this request, FTA will be preparing a submission that essentially recommends treatment options, both offshore and onshore, at the container level. Post the final decision, webinars and / or face to face sessions will be scheduled (possibly mid to late August).

 
Paul Zalai – FTA / APSA