Protecting Our State. Securing Our Future.
We all share the responsibility to protect NSW from pests, weeds, and diseases.
Biosecurity threats are on the rise - pests, weeds, and diseases are spreading faster through warmer weather, online trade, and global travel.
The NSW Biosecurity Action Plan 2025 sets out how we will meet these challenges head-on, working together to keep our economy strong, our environment healthy, and our communities safe.
NSW Biosecurity Action Plan
What this plan means for NSW
The Biosecurity Action Plan builds on the NSW Government’s strong investment in biosecurity and sets a clear direction for NSW, focusing on six areas where stronger biosecurity will make the biggest difference:
- Rapid response capability
Improving how we detect, diagnose, and respond quickly to new threats. - Stronger compliance framework
Building a consistent, statewide approach to biosecurity regulation through stronger agency coordination. - Clarifying shared responsibility
Helping people understand and act on their biosecurity duties. - Better access to knowledge and data
Ensuring decisions about biosecurity are informed by scientific research and Aboriginal knowledge. - Future-focused planning
Prioritising long-term, strategic planning across the landscape to manage risks. - Coordinated leadership across sectors
Partnering with landholders, industry, government, councils, and Aboriginal communities to strengthen biosecurity.
Together, these actions will build a stronger biosecurity framework that protects our environment, economy, and communities now and into the future.
Why biosecurity matters to you
Biosecurity protects the things we all rely on for a healthy lifestyle.
Pests and diseases can affect every part of life, like making groceries more expensive, shortages of resh food, weeds taking over our local parks and bushland, the loss of native animals to invasive pests, and even risks to our health.
Strong biosecurity helps keep food safe and affordable, our natural places healthy and enjoyable, and our communities protected from these threats.
That’s why biosecurity is a shared responsibility. Every one of us has a role to play at home, at work, and in our local communities. Together, we can make a difference.
Economic impact
Invasive species cost NSW at least $1.9 billion annually.
Environmental damage
Over 340 weed species and 40 pest animal species threaten biodiversity and natural resources.
Human health risks
Around 75% of emerging infectious diseases in humans originate from animals.
Agricultural threats
A single disease outbreak could cost billions in lost production and emergency response.
What you can do: Look, Learn, Act
- Look for unusual pests, weeds, or disease on your property, animals, or plants. Early detection makes all the difference.
- Learn your responsibilities under the General Biosecurity Duty and the simple steps you can take to reduce risks.
- Act quickly and report anything unusual by calling 1800 680 244 or lodging an online report. Fast action helps protect our economy, environment and communities.
This Action Plan draws on the insights and recommendations from the Statutory Review of the Biosecurity Act 2015, the Natural Resources Commission’s review of invasive species management in NSW and advice from the Independent Biosecurity Commissioner to provide a clear path forward to improve NSW biosecurity.
- View the Natural Resource Commission's report on Invasive Species Management and the NSW Government Response.
- View the Independent Biosecurity Commissioner report on governance and the NSW Government response.
- To view the Independent Biosecurity Commissioner report on compliance and enforcement and the NSW Government response.