Passengers, Biosecurity to Benefit from Spirit of Tasmania Quarantine Trial

Spirit of Tasmania passengers arriving in Devonport are likely to spend less time in queues and more time enjoying our State thanks to changes to quarantine arrangements.

Under a Memorandum of Understanding between Biosecurity Tasmania and TT-Line, a new quarantine clearance process will be trialled at the Port of Melbourne.

Mr Rockliff said the trial would be aimed at both reducing offloading times for passengers at Devonport and strengthening Tasmania’s biosecurity frontline.

“This new approach offers a win-win, speeding up the clearance process for passengers and vehicles, while managing our biosecurity risks better and more efficiently,” he said.

“The trial will introduce a three-stage process that begins in the Port of Melbourne rather than when people are already in the State.

“Food, plant and other materials that may be harmful to our primary industries and environment can be identified and removed before arrival in Tasmania, with the quarantine message beginning at the start, and continuing during, the journey.

“Targeted inspections can then be undertaken by Biosecurity Tasmania staff as required on arrival.”

Mr Hidding said the new approach would be welcomed by Spirit of Tasmania passengers.

“While the overwhelming majority of passengers would no doubt appreciate the importance of our quarantine clearance procedures, we understand delays in disembarking can be frustrating for locals and visitors alike,” he said.

“Under the agreement, TT-Line staff will be trained by Biosecurity Tasmania to help deliver the quarantine message and protect the State.

“They will raise awareness about materials and goods not permitted into the State, conduct biosecurity assessments as part of the security checkpoint inspections at Port Melbourne, and provide restricted material disposal options aboard the Spirits.”

Mr Hidding said regular surveys, audits and other activities would be undertaken to monitor the success of the new procedures throughout the trial.

“We are committed to ensuring this new approach delivers a more comprehensive and streamlined quarantine system that provides an appropriate level of protection from the threat of introduced pests and diseases,” he said.
Jeremy Rockliff, Minister for Primary Industries and Water Rene Hidding, Minister for Infrastructure