28 February 2022
Who does this notice affect?
All clients and industry stakeholders involved in imports may be affected by the current weather event across Queensland.
What has changed?
Several weather warnings have been issued across Queensland and New South Wales.
Many parts of Queensland and Northern New South Wales have been impacted by the severe weather conditions and flooding of the last few days, and weather reports suggest this will continue into this week.
The weather conditions and flooding are impacting the department's ability to maintain biosecurity documentary assessment, booking and inspection service levels.
Like the broader community, impacts are wide ranging with some departmental officers being cut off by flood waters while others have no power and cannot deliver regulatory functions remotely.
The inability to access department offices and inspection locations due to flooding or otherwise access power means delays can be expected.
What is driving this?
Severe weather and major flooding across Queensland have resulted in services being severely impacted.
How is the department responding?
Resources are being diverted to assist with surge capacity where possible, particularly in the documentary assessment and booking functions.
We will continue to monitor the situation, respond where possible, and provide further advice as things change.
The department will be contacting premises to determine if inspections can go ahead.
Approved arrangement premises are asked to notify the department if they have been impacted by flooding. Where possible, please email notification to email agriccc@awe.gov.au making sure to include “FLOODING NOTIFICATION - [LOCATION]” in the subject field of the email.
Further information
The department extends its thoughts to all staff, industry participants, and broader community who are impacted by the floods and its tragic circumstances.
For further general information about this Import Industry Advice Notice, please contact the department on 1800 900 090.
If you have been impacted and are unable to maintain your scheduled inspection appointment with the department, please contact us on 1800 900 090 or email the relevant import booking queue to advise of cancellation of the appointment.
For urgent information relating to this notice, please email agriccc@awe.gov.au making sure to include “FLOODING NOTIFICATION - [LOCATION]” in the subject field of the email.