Biosecurity alert – Polyphagous shot-hole borer Quarantine Area Notice

Published on Friday, 6 September 2024 at 4:12:20 PM

The Polyphagous shot-hole borer Quarantine Area Notice has been expanded to cover the whole Perth metropolitan area. Shire of Mundaring is currently in Zone B of the Quarantine Area. This covers an area with fewer or no infested trees and where heightened surveillance is underway to identify and control new infestations. This zone will help create a buffer between areas of high infestations and the rest of WA, further protecting WA’s growing areas. 
 
To contain the spread of this exotic pest, people living and working in the quarantine area must adhere to the following requirements:
Untreated or unseasoned wood and plant material must not be moved outside of the quarantine area.
This includes:

  • Bark
  • Green/fresh firewood
  • Plan prunings/cuttings
  • Logs
  • Wood/wood chips
  • Potted plants

Wood chips smaller than 2.5cm in diameter and living plants with stems smaller than 2cm in diameter CAN be moved outside the Quarantine Area. These restrictions do not apply to lawn clippings.

What action is the Shire taking?

A notice of motion will be presented at the Shire of Mundaring Council Meeting on 10 September 2024, proposing action to address the threat of the Polyphagous shot-hole borer.
 
The motion seeks to:
 
  • Advocate for escalated research and a stronger response to prevent and treat this pest.
  • Begin a community awareness campaign to inform residents about the environmental threat posed by the borer.

This pest has already destroyed thousands of trees in Perth, and recent discoveries outside quarantine areas show it is spreading. This could affect our local environment and tree population.

For further information, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has provided the following factsheet:
Visit DPIRD's website for additional information and resources.
Source: Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) 

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