Biosecurity management: monitoring and reviewing your biosecurity efforts
December 6th, 2013
So, you’ve developed and implemented your biosecurity management plan… now what?
It’s important to monitor and review your actions to ensure that your controls are working and that you’re making the best use of your resources, time and money.
Monitor your efforts
Monitoring can be as simple or as complex as you like but here are a few basics:
- Conduct regular surveys and inspections to detect new and emerging weed threats
- Undertake random spot checks for compliance with procedures and plans
- Monitor your weed infestations for changes in size, density and spread.
Photo points can help you to assess your weed control efforts over time. Simply:
- Mark the location of each photo monitoring point with a star picket
- Take the photo in the same direction and at the same height each time
- Record the location and date of each photo
- Take photos before and after treatment to monitor changes at the site
- Review the changes to determine the effectiveness of your controls.
Document your results
Ensure you maintain records of all survey, monitoring and control activities. Also be sure to record any site issues or incidents that may assist in your review of prevention and containment measures.
Review your plan
Your monitoring results will enable you to see how successful you have been in implementing your control activities and meeting your goals. Try to determine what’s working and what’s not working.
Look objectively at your programs to determine whether you’re making efficient use of your resources and seek advice on alternatives where required. Then be sure to update your plan to reflect your revised requirements.
Have you reviewed your biosecurity management plan lately? Are you making the most of your time and money to achieve your weed and pest management goals?