Emergency Response to Agricultural and Veterinary Chemical Incidents

Vine leaves damaged from agricultural chemical spray drift.

Under the Victorian Emergency Management Act 1986, DPI is the lead department responsibile for incidences relating to agricultural and veterinary chemical use. DPI is responsible for responding appropriately to agricultural and veterinary chemical use incidents, and for implementing risk minimisation strategies to affected agricultural enterprises.

This role includes:

• Investigating significant spray drift incidences involving damage or contamination to crops, pasture, animals or other lands (public or private) as a result of aerial or ground spraying of agricultural chemicals
• Implementing strategies to manage contaminated agricultural produce
• Liaising with peak industry bodies or government agencies (State and Commonwealth) to manage real or potential residue risks.

DPI also has a ‘support role’ to other divisions within DPI and/or government agencies on emergency response strategies where agricultural and veterinary chemicals may be used.

This role involves:

• Providing information on appropriately registered chemical products for control operations or assisting in obtaining emergency use permits from the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA).
• Assisting in the assessment, adoption and implementation of mitigation strategies once the national guidelines for assessing Chemicals of Security Concern are adopted by Victoria.