Join the Great Biosecurity Quest
You can play your part in the Great Biosecurity Quest and become a Watchout Warrior by keeping an eye out for diseases and pests in Victoria.
We all have a part to play in protecting Victoria’s biosecurity so we can continue to spend time in the great outdoors, enjoy clean and safe food and protect the agricultural industries that provide so much for us all.
Brown marmorated stink bug
As a Watchout Warrior, we need you to keep an eye out for unwanted pests and diseases when you’re out in the backyard, at parks and out in nature. This year our focus is the brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB).
Victoria is lucky to be free from many of the world’s most damaging plant pests, including BMSB. Outbreaks of plant pests and diseases are increasing due to climate change, and more people and goods coming into the state.
Don't forget, if you think you see BMSB, or any other biosecurity pest, be sure to report it immediately: Make a report.
Great Biosecurity Quest Trapping Program
The 2026 Great Biosecurity Quest Trapping Program is underway!
This year, we are asking people to keep an eye out for tomato potato psyllid (TPP) and other biosecurity pests. One way you can play your part in protecting Victoria’s biosecurity is by joining our citizen science trapping program, where you can place insect sticky traps in your garden and send them back to us for review.
If you’d like to be involved, simply fill out this form and we will send you a trapping kit.
Download the trapping program frequently asked questionsGolden-rayed blue butterfly
Agriculture Victoria is proud to highlight the First Nations Nursery Knowledge Exchange Program through the story of the golden-rayed blue bButterfly. This is a partnership between Melbourne Zoo and Dalki Garringa Native Nursery, including material related to the golden‑rayed blue butterfly.
Come and visit Aggie at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show!
Aggie will be back at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show from 25 to 29 March 2026.
Come and find us in The Wildplace Children’s Garden, where you can explore, play and learn more about the small yet serious brown marmorated stink bug.
Priority plant pest guide
You can find out more about pests to keep an eye out for in our Priority Plant Pest Guide. This toolkit provides you with lots of information about some of the worst biosecurity plant pests that we want to keep out of Victoria. Some of these pests are exotic, which means they are not present in Australia, and others are introduced, which means they are present in other parts of Australia but not Victoria.
In this toolkit you will find all the information you need when you’re watching out for these pests, including key features to look for, where you might see them, when you might see them and where they are currently found.
Join the Great Biosecurity Quest on iNaturalist
The iNaturalist app is a great place to record what you find when you’re out in nature. Not only does it help you to identify any plants and animals you find, but you are also contributing to a global dataset to assist science and conservation.
This year for the Great Biosecurity Quest we have set up a project on iNaturalist to collect records of glassy-winged sharpshooters in Victoria. By joining the project and recording any sightings, you can contribute to knowledge about native leafhoppers, and also keep an eye out for any invasive pests, like the sharpshooter.
Our Watchout Warriors are making an impact
Aggie is enjoying seeing our Watchout Warriors explore and stay on the lookout for biosecurity pests and diseases. Check out the map below to see where everyone is keeping watch.
Be sure to share your postcode when you report back after your Quest!
Make a biosecurity report
Getting involved helps you to learn about biosecurity threats, so you know what to report and how to report it if you ever come across one.
If you need to make a biosecurity report you can do so through our website or the emergency pest and disease hotlines.
Make a biosecurity reportGet involved in citizen science
Citizen science is a great way to get involved, and you don’t need a science background or technical know-how to take part.
Visit the links below to find out how you can get involved in citizen science projects.