The Department of Primary Industries and Reginal Development (DPIRD) is taking action to stop the spread of the destructive polyphagous shot hole borer (PSHB) in Kings Park.
DPIRD is working closely with the Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority (BGPA) to protect the park’s healthy trees and valuable botanic garden by removing and pruning some trees infested with PSHB.
Work has commenced today to remove 23 heavily infested trees at Mounts Bay Gardens (Goonininup) including Moreton Bay figs and Port Jackson figs.
The work is being undertaken by a specialist arborist and is expected to take up to three weeks. The site has been fenced for public safety.
DPIRD Chief Plant Biosecurity Officer Vincent Lanoiselet said the department had launched an unprecedented biosecurity response across the Perth metropolitan area to stop PSHB. The nationally-funded and coordinated response has been ongoing for more than 18 months.
“Our priority is to stop the spread of the invasive pest before it impacts more of Perth’s urban canopy,” Dr Lanoiselet said.
“So far, more than 1.6 million trees have been inspected on about 50,000 properties, making it the biggest surveillance and eradication program ever undertaken in WA.
“We know how important trees are to the community and without an effective treatment, tree pruning and removal is the only way to protect other trees from being infested with PSHB and dying within two years.
“Surveillance is ongoing within Kings Park and any additional infested trees will be managed.”
BGPA Executive Director Alan Barrett said there were about 40,000 trees in Kings Park and a vast majority were Australian natives.
“Work by BGPA towards the future restoration of the Kings Park site has already begun with a focus on local species,” he said.
“Native flora species are more resilient to biosecurity threats, climate change and disease, as well as providing important habitat and food for our birds and insect populations.
“BGPA will continue working closely with Traditional Owners to plan how best to restore the area, with a focus on healing country.”
PSHB was first detected in Western Australia in August 2021, and a Quarantine Area covering 25 local government areas across the Perth metropolitan area is in place to stop the borer from spreading.
Plants or wood larger than 2cm in diameter must not be moved outside of the Quarantine Area. Signs of PSHB can be reported to the department via the MyPestGuide® reporter app or the Pest and Disease Information Service on (08) 9368 3080, email padis@dpird.wa.gov.au
For more information visit wa.gov.au/borer
