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Old 01-05-2013, 18:53   #1
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Peat moss across state borders in Oz?

I'm just curious, but seeing how one is not supposed to carry certain fresh food stuff from one state to another (depending on state and type of food/fruit/veg etc), I wonder if there are any legal limitations on carrying peat moss (for a composting toilet, I'm considering) from one state to another?
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Old 02-05-2013, 02:07   #2
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Re: Peat moss across state borders in Oz?

An interesting question.
Given that the Australian Constitution clearly states that there shall be free trade between states then unless there are restrictions based on quarantine of pests then there should be no restriction on the transport of peat across borders.
There are very strict restrictions on where peat can be legally mined. Peatlands are now declared threatened habitats in most, if not all states. There are very few places left where it can still be legally mined. Various environmental agencies are discouraging the use of peat in horticulture and encourage the use of alternatives like coconut fibre.
If you bought your peat as a commercially available and legally mined product then there should be no restrictions. Peat is usually sold in garden nurseries, dried and compressed.
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Old 02-05-2013, 02:12   #3
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Re: Peat moss across state borders in Oz?

As long as you are not going to add it to your curry, I cannot see a problem.

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Old 02-05-2013, 02:31   #4
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Re: Peat moss across state borders in Oz?

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As long as you are not going to add it to your curry, I cannot see a problem.

Coops.
Having dealt with A.Q.U.I.S a number of times both sea port and Airport I can see a major problem. Peat moss is a plant product it needs to be declared, and will be scrutinized you can bet on it. If they let you keep it which I doubt it will first have to be treated, at your cost. Plant products such as matting and carvings are not a real problem at airports as it is luggage and fumigated if needed nearby. On a boat if any insect larvae or eggs are located in your moss you could be up for a major boat fumigation. I suggest you contact AQUIS for a ruling, and be prepared for a different ruling on entry.

Edit. Sorry Misread the first post, within Australia no probs but it does raise an issue with overseas cruisers using natures head and similar toilets. I guess you njust hand Aquis the contents of the head in a yellow plastic bag,
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Old 02-05-2013, 02:42   #5
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Re: Peat moss across state borders in Oz?

I think the OP is referring to carrying peat moss from one Aussie state to the next.
Pretty unlikely to meet up with AQIS going from state to state unles you go looking for them
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Old 02-05-2013, 02:51   #6
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Re: Peat moss across state borders in Oz?

I hope its unused

There should not be a problem if its the mainland states. If you are driving there is no inspection at the state borders.
The only restrictions are related to fruit fly

Tasmania has slightly stricter controls.

If flying the xrays will pick it up as organic matter. If its not commercially packaged you may have problems.
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Old 02-05-2013, 03:01   #7
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Re: Peat moss across state borders in Oz?

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I hope its unused

There should not be a problem if its the mainland states. If you are driving there is no inspection at the state borders.
The only restrictions are related to fruit fly

Tasmania has slightly stricter controls.

If flying the xrays will pick it up as organic matter. If its not commercially packaged you may have problems.
But less checking
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Old 02-05-2013, 03:03   #8
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Re: Peat moss across state borders in Oz?

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Originally Posted by Wotname View Post
I think the OP is referring to carrying peat moss from one Aussie state to the next.
Pretty unlikely to meet up with AQIS going from state to state unles you go looking for them
Thanks for that Yes I misread the OP...How embarrassment
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Old 02-05-2013, 04:14   #9
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Re: Peat moss across state borders in Oz?

No need to be embarrassed: It was exactly because there are very strict restrictions to bringing food or plant matter into the country (I even had to bin a sleeping bag at one time, because they figured there was a splotch of dirt on it, I kid you not), and I knew there were rules about bringing certain fruits north (or was it south? I forget), and it was that which got me thinking if peat moss for a toilet could land me in trouble.

Thanks a lot for all your answers. I'm thinking this is not an open and shut case after all.
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