MACHINERY

Be sure harvest gear is clean when crossing borders

The NSW DPI is urging contract harvesting staff to pay close attention to machinery hygiene.

Staff writer

This article is 4 years old. Images might not display.

NSW DPI State Priority Weeds coordinator, Nicola Dixon, said while harvesters are high risk, all machinery and vehicles which have been in parthenium weed areas of Queensland should be properly cleaned before entering the state.

"The person in charge of a header, including the comb and comb trailer, must submit a completed Record of Movement form to an authorised NSW DPI officer at or near the NSW and Queensland border," Dixon said.

"The form includes a declaration that the header and comb have been cleaned in accordance with Schedule 1 of the Biosecurity Order (Permitted Activities) 2019.

"Operators of all machinery, not just harvesters, have a legal duty to prevent their machines from spreading parthenium weed into NSW, which is covered by the General Biosecurity Duty under the NSW Biosecurity Act 2015."

Other listed machinery which must be cleaned to remove all plant material, dust and soil and accumulated grease or be treated with a seed sterilant, includes harvest field bins, augers and any grain movers, trucks and low loaders carrying a harvester, harvest support and escort vehicles, mineral exploration drill rigs and the vehicle transporting the rigs.

People in charge of harvesting equipment should contact an authorised NSW DPI officer prior to arrival at the NSW border crossing site to minimise delays.

All offices require 48 hours' notice of intention to present machinery for inspection, which must occur in daylight hours.

More information and contact details for crossing sites and offices are available here https://bit.ly/3ERPGSr

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the farming sector, brought to you by the Kondinin team.

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the farming sector, brought to you by the Kondinin team.

editions

Research Report: Auto Drafters (June 2026)

This month's Research Report includes an in-depth look at five popular sheep auto drafters complemented by several Case Studies of producers using the drafters to improve their livestock management.

editions

Research Report: High Horsepower Tracked Tractors (May 2026)

Kondinin Group researchers Mark Saunders, Ben White and Josh Giumelli have inspected some of the latest high-horsepower, articulated, fixed-frame and twin-tracked tractors for this month's Research Report. It's all about getting power to the ground.

editions

Research Report: Mother Bins (April 2026)

Mother bins are an important part of on-farm grain logistics. This Research Report details 10 brands including locally-made and imported models with capacities up to 300 tonnes.

editions

Research Report: Diesels Duke It Out (March 2026)

Kondinin Group's Ben White, Mark Saunders, Josh Giumelli and Jenna Santos spent a few days evaluating four of the latest 4WD diesel utes for this month's Research Report.