Skip to main content Skip to main navigation Skip to search
Home

Top navigation main

  • News & media
  • Jobs
  • Minister
  • Contact us
Main menu

AWE Main

  • Agriculture and land
    Agriculture and land Building stronger and more sustainable agriculture, fisheries, forestry and land care.
    • Animal health
    • Climate change and agriculture
    • Farming, food and drought
    • Fisheries
    • Forestry
    • Plant health
    • Drought and rural support
    • Mouse infestation advice
    Xylella

    Protect against unwanted plant pests

    Our biosecurity system helps protects us. Everyone has a role in supporting our biosecurity system.

    Find out more

  • Biosecurity and trade
    Biosecurity and trade Lowering biosecurity risks to Australia, and assisting industry to accelerate growth towards a $100 billion agricultural sector by 2030.
    • Aircraft, vessels and military
    • Biosecurity policy
    • Cats and dogs
    • Exporting
    • Importing
    • Pests, diseases and weeds
    • Public awareness and education
    • Trade and market access
    • Travelling or sending goods to Australia
    • Report a concern
    Brown marmorated stink bug

    BMSB Seasonal Measures

    Australia has strengthened seasonal measures to manage the risk of BMSB.

    View our seasonal measures

  • Science and research
    Science and research Undertaking research and collecting data to support informed decisions and policies.
    • Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES)
    • Plant Innovation Centre
    Abares

    ABARES Insights

    Get 'snapshots’ of agricultural, forestry and fisheries industries, or analysis of key issues.

    Find out more

  • About us
    About us We enhance our agricultural industries and trade, and manage the threat of biosecurity risks to Australia.
    • Accountability and reporting
    • Assistance, grants and tenders
    • Contact us
    • Fees and charges
    • News and media
    • Our commitment to you
    • Payments
    • People and jobs
    • Publications
    • What we do
    • Who we are
    Budget 2023-24

    Budget 2023-24

    The 2023–24 Portfolio Budget Statements were released on 9 May 2023.

    Find out more

  • Online services
    Online services We do business with you using online platforms. This makes it easier for you to meet your legal requirements.
Department of Agriculture

Breadcrumb

  1. Home
  2. Biosecurity and trade
  3. Biosecurity
  4. Biosecurity Matters
  5. Bushwalking

Sidebar first - Biosecurity

  • Biosecurity Matters
    • Gardening
    • Farming
    • Domestic travel
    • International travel
    • Online shopping
    • Recreational fishing
    • Bushwalking
    • Owning pets
    • Boat owner
    • Long distance driver

Bushwalking

​​​​​​Protecting Australia’s environment from pests and diseases that are likely to cause damage is important so that everyone can enjoy Australia’s pristine natural environment.

Bushwalkers venture to places where few people go and are an asset to help detect any unusual changes in our bushland and forests.

You can help by being aware of what is around you the next time you go bushwalking and reporting anything unusual.

​
 

Know what to look for

Pest animals and weeds have a negative impact on Australia’s ecosystems and our valuable agricultural industries. Pest animals and plants can harbour diseases which may cause environmental and economic damage.

If you see certain animals or plants increasing in abundance, or if you think may not belong in your community, let your local authorities know. For plant pests – like weeds – pay particular attention to the edges of walking trails, lookouts, camping sites and other disturbed areas, as this is where they are most likely to appear.

Your local authorities will have information on how to identify pest animals and weeds, and what to do if you find them. Find out more at your local agriculture, industry, or environment government agency or visit their websites for details.

You can find a wide range of information on the PestSmart​ website about pest animals and weeds.
 

Check for debris

By trekking through relatively undisturbed terrain, you can unknowingly transfer weed seeds and other unwanted material, which can change our unique landscape.

Weed seeds and unwanted biological material (for example spores of fungi) can get into clothing and equipment like bags and backpacks. They can also be trapped in soil, stuck on shoes and under wheel arches of cars or trailers.

The next time you’re out walking, ensure you’re not transferring weed seeds and unwanted biological material. You can do this by checking your clothes and equipment for plant or soil debris before entering or leaving walking tracks.

 

Do not touch monitoring equipment

From time to time, monitoring equipment (e.g. cameras) and traps are placed in natural areas by researchers and local authorities. It is important that you do not disturb or damage this equipment, as it plays an important role in locating and managing pest animals.

If you find damaged equipment or see it being interfered with in any way, jot down the details. If you know the owner of the equipment, let them know.

 

​Report a biosecurity concern

​​​

Related websites

  • Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
  • NSW Office of Environment and Heritage
  • Agriculture Victoria
  • Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries
  • Primary Industries and Regions South Australia
  • Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Western Australia
  • Farmpoint Tasmania
  • Northern Territory Government
  • PestSmart
  • FeralScan

​​

General enquiries

Call 1800 900 090

Contact us online

Report a biosecurity concern

Thanks for your feedback.
Thanks! Your feedback has been submitted.

We aren't able to respond to your individual comments or questions.
To contact us directly phone us or submit an online inquiry

CAPTCHA
This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Please verify that you are not a robot.

Skip

Footer

  • Contact us
  • Accessibility
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy
  • FOI
Last updated: 28 March 2023

© Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.