The Western Australian community can now access a simple online tool to report illegal activities which pose a biosecurity risk to the State's agriculture industry and the environment.
The new AgWatch reporting service is now available from the CrimeStoppers website.
Users can report a range of activities including the importation or sale of illegal plants or animals, suspicious movement of livestock or bees, or non-compliance with a Quarantine Area Notice.
The reports will be reviewed by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, which oversees the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007.
AgWatch adds to other tip-off reporting systems already used by the Department of Fisheries (FishWatch) and animal welfare (RSPCA WA Cruelty Hotline).
It will also complement the department's long-established frontline Pest and Disease Information Service which provides advisory and identification services on animal and plant pests, weeds and diseases.
Reports to AgWatch can be made via the department link on the CrimeStoppers reporting page www.crimestopperswa.com.au/organisation-report/
As stated by Agriculture and Food Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
"AgWatch provides an effective mechanism where the community can report tip-offs about illegal activity to the department.
"Moving livestock without following national identification and traceability requirements can put the industry's biosecurity at risk, particularly if stock need to be quickly traced in the event of a disease outbreak.
"Some plants pose a risk of becoming agricultural or environmental weeds, so they cannot be grown or brought into the State.
"The reports will provide valuable information to help investigators respond to illegal activity and build intelligence to target threats and trends - ultimately helping protect our valuable farming industries and environment from biosecurity threats."
