Vital biosecurity response to stop invasive beetle pest

• Community vigilance and support is vital to stop the spread
• Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development leading unprecedented biosecurity response
• Necessary tree removal to be undertaken at Hyde Park, Lake Claremont, Kings Park, and Perth Zoo

The Cook Government is urging the Western Australian community to help stop the spread of polyphagous shot-hole borer - an exotic pest native to South East Asia.

The tiny beetle, which was first detected in Fremantle in mid-2021, is having a big impact on Perth's urban tree canopy.

The borer tunnels into a tree and plants a fungus - which blocks the transportation of water and nutrients within the tree, slowly killing it.

With no known treatments currently available, tree removal is the only way to prevent this invasive pest from rapidly reproducing and destroying WA's iconic parks.

This means a-number-of infested trees across Perth will require pruning or removal by arborists - including at Hyde Park, Lake Claremont, Kings Park, and Perth Zoo.

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is doing everything it can to stop the spread of the borer, as part of a national biosecurity response, and has launched the biggest surveillance program in the Department's history.

DPIRD response staff have already inspected more than 1.5 million trees on more than 50,000 properties, as well deployed 3,000 traps to help track the borer.

There is also a quarantine area in place, covering most of the Perth metropolitan area.

It is vital that residents are aware of the restrictions on the movement of wood and plant material from their properties, as it could spread the borer. 

To date there's been excellent support from the public and local governments, however ongoing community vigilance is vital to assist the State's efforts to stop this invasive pest.

The public can help by keeping an eye out for signs of the borer, and reporting it to the My Pest Guide Reporter app or website mypestguide.agric.wa.gov.au

Symptoms can include tiny holes in a tree trunk, discolouration, staining or sawdust.

Comments attributed to Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis:

"It's not clear how this destructive borer made its way into WA, but it is clear that we need everyone to follow the strict biosecurity rules at our airports and borders, to keep unwanted pests out.

"An unprecedented biosecurity response has been underway for more than two years to stem the spread of this pest.

"DPIRD is working around the clock to eradicate it and is consulting with scientists from California and South Africa to learn from their experience in managing the borer.

"However, it is imperative that we work together as a community to deal with this invasive pest."

Comments attributed to Perth MLA John Carey:

"As the Member for Perth, I know firsthand how loved Hyde Park is by our community, and I understand how this will have an impact on the local community.

"Along with the Member for Mount Lawley Simon Millman, I will be holding a community engagement forum in my electorate on Monday, 19 February 2024 to ensure the community is and remains informed and engaged.

"This is an ongoing response, and we must do everything we can to help stop the spread."

Comments attributed to Mount Lawley MLA Simon Millman:

"I encourage local residents to look out for signs of the borer.

"Download the My Pest Guide Reporter app or go to the website, snap a photo of anything that looks out of the ordinary, and report your discovery.

"Your reports could help identify a possible infestation and save our beautiful trees."