Reporting and biosecurity management
We have measures in place for the reporting of biosecurity incidents and management plans for each of our ports of Hay Point, Mackay, Abbott Point and Weipa.
Reporting biosecurity incidents
Our field-based operational staff (including lines handling and stevedoring crews) continually observe potential biosecurity threats. Anything suspicious is reported to our Port Operations and Environmental Team.
We will then notify the lead agency Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) - Biosecurity Queensland at the State level and the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (DAWE) at the Federal level.
All persons undertaking activities within port areas have a general biosecurity obligation to immediately report any potential biosecurity risks. If you see anything suspicious please get in touch with us.
Our reporting measures ensure any biosecurity risk associated with an incident can be managed to reduce associated risks with any pest or disease.
We use reporting measures to manage and lower the risk of pests or diseases during an incident related to biosecurity.
Port Biosecurity Management Plans
NQBP has Biosecurity Management Plans (BMPs) for our ports at Hay Point, Mackay, Abbot Point and Weipa.
These plans address all activities NQBP directly controls or influences within Strategic Port Land (SPL). BMPs do not include activities which we have no operational control. This includes lessee or third-party activities or areas.
Lessees or third parties (such as terminal operators or tenants) may have their own BMPs. For further information on third-party BMPs contact the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment.
Please read about our biosecurity measures and monitoring at our ports.
First point of entry
Under the Australian Biosecurity Act 2015, all international vessels and goods are subject to biosecurity controls upon entering Australia. These vessels are required by law to always first enter Australian ports determined as First Point of Entry (FPOE) (as determined through vessel type and cargo type) unless an exception has been made by the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment.
Our Ports at Hay Point, Mackay, Abbot Point and Weipa have all been determined as FPOE for certain cargo and vessels.
Where vessel type of cargo type does not comply, entry is not possible without specific acception submission to the Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment (link Nicki sent).
We are responsible for environmental management of these ports, including following the department's biosecurity standard for those areas within our operational control. Terminal operators may have separate arrangements with the department.