Invasive plants alone have cost Queensland more than 600 million dollars annually. Weeds are easily spread and can take over natural landscapes faster than you can lace up your boots, making them one of the greatest threats to biodiversity. An effective biosecurity measure across Queensland is washdown facilities. With so many vehicles and machineries moving across Australia to keep everyone fed, weed spread is inevitable. However, there are steps you can take to reduce the risks to your farm and others. Cleaning machinery and vehicles before they enter production areas will substantially reduce the risk of introducing new pests.
When used effectively, washdown facilities help stop the threat of weeds and pests from travelling between properties, regions or states. Vehicles, machinery and boots can carry all sorts of pests and weeds, seeds, soil-borne diseases, plant pathogens and fungal spores. Washing down before entering and leaving an agricultural property helps producers maintain a clean, safe and market-ready operation and fights off anything that could reduce crop yield or affect pasture. They also help in aiding compliance regulation by showing reasonable steps were taken to minimise risk.
Washdown facilities are a worthwhile, whole-of-community investment and AgForce continues to work with multiple State and Departments and Stakeholders towards a sustainable funding model for the repair, upgrade and operation of these facilities.