A strong biosecurity system protects NSW from the impacts of exotic and established diseases, pests and weeds.
It underpins a resilient economy by supporting market access and trade, and safeguarding the production, quality and supply of food and other products from agriculture, fishing and forestry. It also strengthens supply chains, regional businesses and local economies.
Biosecurity helps maintain healthy, diverse ecosystems and protects biodiversity, including threatened species, as well as soil and water quality. It supports safe, vibrant communities, safeguarding Aboriginal culture and heritage, while enabling people to enjoy the environment with reduced risks to health and reliable access to fresh, locally produced food, products and services.
Strong biosecurity depends on the collective efforts of government, industry, land managers, research and natural resource organisations, and regional, local and Aboriginal communities. It is a shared responsibility.
NSW Biosecurity Strategy
The NSW Government is developing a new NSW Biosecurity Strategy, outlining a whole of government approach to uplifting and improving the NSW biosecurity system.
The consultation period for the Draft NSW Biosecurity Strategy has now closed.
We appreciate the insights, perspectives and suggestions shared through the submissions. We are reviewing the feedback to help finalise the NSW Biosecurity Strategy, which will be released in 2026.
What's outlined in the strategy?
The Strategy outlines:
- a coordinated, whole‑of‑government approach to managing biosecurity risks
- the key priorities and actions to strengthen the biosecurity system
- how we will prevent, prepare for and respond to biosecurity threats now and into the future
Why is a new strategy important?
The biosecurity risks facing NSW are increasing, in frequency, severity and complexity. A new focus and approach to managing diseases, pests and weeds is needed to make sure we can protect our environment, communities, Aboriginal cultural values and heritage, and industries long into the future.
The draft NSW Biosecurity Strategy presents a new whole of government framework for cooperative and collaborative action to uplift and improve the system.
Its focus is ensuring that government’s investment is targeted towards protecting those key assets critical to our economy, environment and community, and that we – businesses, industries, land and natural resource managers, communities as well as government - all work together and take responsibility for our role in preventing, managing and responding to pests, weeds and diseases.
The current DPIRD NSW Biosecurity and Food Safety Strategy can be viewed here.
Download the NSW Biosecurity and Food Safety Strategy 2022 - 2030
A shared responsibility
Under the Biosecurity Act 2015, everyone has a general biosecurity duty to help protect NSW from pests, diseases, weeds and contaminants.
Fulfilling your General Biosecurity Duty means that you:
- Check the latest alerts
- Take steps to prevent pests, diseases and weeds from entering NSW and spreading to new areas
Keep an eye out for pests, weeds and signs of disease - Report anything unusual
- Participate where possible when we respond to incursions and biosecurity emergencies.