Alarm as destructive tree pest threatens to go national
Biosecurity officials are admitting defeat, saying it is no longer possible to wipe out a destructive species of tree-boring pest from a city's parks.
The polyphagous shot-hole borer has proven too tough to handle as the Western Australian government announces it will transition to managing the pest rather than eradication strategies.
"The chief plant biosecurity officers from around Australia (initially) determined that eradication was possible," WA Agriculture Minister Jackie Jarvis said on Thursday.
The southeast Asian native pest was first identified in Perth in 2021 and tunnels into the trunks and branches of a wide range of species, including Australian native paperbarks and eucalypts.
The only effective treatment for affected trees is removal with thousands of trees having suffered the fate in Perth parks, including Kings Park and Hyde Park, and many more likely to follow.
"Protecting Perth's tree canopy and our valuable horticulture sector from shot-hole borer remains front and centre for WA," Ms Jarvis said.
While the insect is confined to the Perth metropolitan area, the news it can no longer be wiped out has horticulture experts concerned about a national spread.
"This is tragic news not just for Western Australia, but potentially for native trees, towns and cities, and the horticultural industry across the entire country," Invasive Species Council policy director Carol Booth said.
"Hundreds of native species across the country could be at risk if the borer spreads.
"The regular arrival of harmful new invaders shows our prevention systems are not strong enough."
Dr Booth expressed concern about the impact of the borer on the urban tree canopy, saying risks to habitats and human health were "immense" if the spread was not contained.
Thursday's state budget allocated $26.5 million to the amended borer management plan.
But the shift in strategy hasn't gone down well on the other side of the political aisle, with the WA opposition saying the minister must go.
"Minister Jarvis has admitted she failed to keep Western Australia protected," shadow agriculture minister Lachlan Hunter said.
"That is an extraordinary admission of failure, and she should resign."
Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas called on Premier Roger Cook to step in should Ms Jarvis refuse to step down.
"The premier should stand up, accept responsibility on behalf of the government and sack Minister Jarvis," Mr Zempilas said.
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The Advertiser
7 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Alarm as destructive tree pest threatens to go national
Biosecurity officials are admitting defeat, saying it is no longer possible to wipe out a destructive species of tree-boring pest from a city's parks. The polyphagous shot-hole borer has proven too tough to handle as the Western Australian government announces it will transition to managing the pest rather than eradication strategies. "The chief plant biosecurity officers from around Australia (initially) determined that eradication was possible," WA Agriculture Minister Jackie Jarvis said on Thursday. The southeast Asian native pest was first identified in Perth in 2021 and tunnels into the trunks and branches of a wide range of species, including Australian native paperbarks and eucalypts. The only effective treatment for affected trees is removal with thousands of trees having suffered the fate in Perth parks, including Kings Park and Hyde Park, and many more likely to follow. "Protecting Perth's tree canopy and our valuable horticulture sector from shot-hole borer remains front and centre for WA," Ms Jarvis said. While the insect is confined to the Perth metropolitan area, the news it can no longer be wiped out has horticulture experts concerned about a national spread. "This is tragic news not just for Western Australia, but potentially for native trees, towns and cities, and the horticultural industry across the entire country," Invasive Species Council policy director Carol Booth said. "Hundreds of native species across the country could be at risk if the borer spreads. "The regular arrival of harmful new invaders shows our prevention systems are not strong enough." Dr Booth expressed concern about the impact of the borer on the urban tree canopy, saying risks to habitats and human health were "immense" if the spread was not contained. Thursday's state budget allocated $26.5 million to the amended borer management plan. But the shift in strategy hasn't gone down well on the other side of the political aisle, with the WA opposition saying the minister must go. "Minister Jarvis has admitted she failed to keep Western Australia protected," shadow agriculture minister Lachlan Hunter said. "That is an extraordinary admission of failure, and she should resign." Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas called on Premier Roger Cook to step in should Ms Jarvis refuse to step down. "The premier should stand up, accept responsibility on behalf of the government and sack Minister Jarvis," Mr Zempilas said. Biosecurity officials are admitting defeat, saying it is no longer possible to wipe out a destructive species of tree-boring pest from a city's parks. The polyphagous shot-hole borer has proven too tough to handle as the Western Australian government announces it will transition to managing the pest rather than eradication strategies. "The chief plant biosecurity officers from around Australia (initially) determined that eradication was possible," WA Agriculture Minister Jackie Jarvis said on Thursday. The southeast Asian native pest was first identified in Perth in 2021 and tunnels into the trunks and branches of a wide range of species, including Australian native paperbarks and eucalypts. The only effective treatment for affected trees is removal with thousands of trees having suffered the fate in Perth parks, including Kings Park and Hyde Park, and many more likely to follow. "Protecting Perth's tree canopy and our valuable horticulture sector from shot-hole borer remains front and centre for WA," Ms Jarvis said. While the insect is confined to the Perth metropolitan area, the news it can no longer be wiped out has horticulture experts concerned about a national spread. "This is tragic news not just for Western Australia, but potentially for native trees, towns and cities, and the horticultural industry across the entire country," Invasive Species Council policy director Carol Booth said. "Hundreds of native species across the country could be at risk if the borer spreads. "The regular arrival of harmful new invaders shows our prevention systems are not strong enough." Dr Booth expressed concern about the impact of the borer on the urban tree canopy, saying risks to habitats and human health were "immense" if the spread was not contained. Thursday's state budget allocated $26.5 million to the amended borer management plan. But the shift in strategy hasn't gone down well on the other side of the political aisle, with the WA opposition saying the minister must go. "Minister Jarvis has admitted she failed to keep Western Australia protected," shadow agriculture minister Lachlan Hunter said. "That is an extraordinary admission of failure, and she should resign." Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas called on Premier Roger Cook to step in should Ms Jarvis refuse to step down. "The premier should stand up, accept responsibility on behalf of the government and sack Minister Jarvis," Mr Zempilas said. Biosecurity officials are admitting defeat, saying it is no longer possible to wipe out a destructive species of tree-boring pest from a city's parks. The polyphagous shot-hole borer has proven too tough to handle as the Western Australian government announces it will transition to managing the pest rather than eradication strategies. "The chief plant biosecurity officers from around Australia (initially) determined that eradication was possible," WA Agriculture Minister Jackie Jarvis said on Thursday. The southeast Asian native pest was first identified in Perth in 2021 and tunnels into the trunks and branches of a wide range of species, including Australian native paperbarks and eucalypts. The only effective treatment for affected trees is removal with thousands of trees having suffered the fate in Perth parks, including Kings Park and Hyde Park, and many more likely to follow. "Protecting Perth's tree canopy and our valuable horticulture sector from shot-hole borer remains front and centre for WA," Ms Jarvis said. While the insect is confined to the Perth metropolitan area, the news it can no longer be wiped out has horticulture experts concerned about a national spread. "This is tragic news not just for Western Australia, but potentially for native trees, towns and cities, and the horticultural industry across the entire country," Invasive Species Council policy director Carol Booth said. "Hundreds of native species across the country could be at risk if the borer spreads. "The regular arrival of harmful new invaders shows our prevention systems are not strong enough." Dr Booth expressed concern about the impact of the borer on the urban tree canopy, saying risks to habitats and human health were "immense" if the spread was not contained. Thursday's state budget allocated $26.5 million to the amended borer management plan. But the shift in strategy hasn't gone down well on the other side of the political aisle, with the WA opposition saying the minister must go. "Minister Jarvis has admitted she failed to keep Western Australia protected," shadow agriculture minister Lachlan Hunter said. "That is an extraordinary admission of failure, and she should resign." Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas called on Premier Roger Cook to step in should Ms Jarvis refuse to step down. "The premier should stand up, accept responsibility on behalf of the government and sack Minister Jarvis," Mr Zempilas said. Biosecurity officials are admitting defeat, saying it is no longer possible to wipe out a destructive species of tree-boring pest from a city's parks. The polyphagous shot-hole borer has proven too tough to handle as the Western Australian government announces it will transition to managing the pest rather than eradication strategies. "The chief plant biosecurity officers from around Australia (initially) determined that eradication was possible," WA Agriculture Minister Jackie Jarvis said on Thursday. The southeast Asian native pest was first identified in Perth in 2021 and tunnels into the trunks and branches of a wide range of species, including Australian native paperbarks and eucalypts. The only effective treatment for affected trees is removal with thousands of trees having suffered the fate in Perth parks, including Kings Park and Hyde Park, and many more likely to follow. "Protecting Perth's tree canopy and our valuable horticulture sector from shot-hole borer remains front and centre for WA," Ms Jarvis said. While the insect is confined to the Perth metropolitan area, the news it can no longer be wiped out has horticulture experts concerned about a national spread. "This is tragic news not just for Western Australia, but potentially for native trees, towns and cities, and the horticultural industry across the entire country," Invasive Species Council policy director Carol Booth said. "Hundreds of native species across the country could be at risk if the borer spreads. "The regular arrival of harmful new invaders shows our prevention systems are not strong enough." Dr Booth expressed concern about the impact of the borer on the urban tree canopy, saying risks to habitats and human health were "immense" if the spread was not contained. Thursday's state budget allocated $26.5 million to the amended borer management plan. But the shift in strategy hasn't gone down well on the other side of the political aisle, with the WA opposition saying the minister must go. "Minister Jarvis has admitted she failed to keep Western Australia protected," shadow agriculture minister Lachlan Hunter said. "That is an extraordinary admission of failure, and she should resign." Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas called on Premier Roger Cook to step in should Ms Jarvis refuse to step down. "The premier should stand up, accept responsibility on behalf of the government and sack Minister Jarvis," Mr Zempilas said.
Perth Now
9 hours ago
- Perth Now
Alarm as destructive tree pest threatens to go national
Biosecurity officials are admitting defeat, saying it is no longer possible to wipe out a destructive species of tree-boring pest from a city's parks. The polyphagous shot-hole borer has proven too tough to handle as the Western Australian government announces it will transition to managing the pest rather than eradication strategies. "The chief plant biosecurity officers from around Australia (initially) determined that eradication was possible," WA Agriculture Minister Jackie Jarvis said on Thursday. The southeast Asian native pest was first identified in Perth in 2021 and tunnels into the trunks and branches of a wide range of species, including Australian native paperbarks and eucalypts. The only effective treatment for affected trees is removal with thousands of trees having suffered the fate in Perth parks, including Kings Park and Hyde Park, and many more likely to follow. "Protecting Perth's tree canopy and our valuable horticulture sector from shot-hole borer remains front and centre for WA," Ms Jarvis said. While the insect is confined to the Perth metropolitan area, the news it can no longer be wiped out has horticulture experts concerned about a national spread. "This is tragic news not just for Western Australia, but potentially for native trees, towns and cities, and the horticultural industry across the entire country," Invasive Species Council policy director Carol Booth said. "Hundreds of native species across the country could be at risk if the borer spreads. "The regular arrival of harmful new invaders shows our prevention systems are not strong enough." Dr Booth expressed concern about the impact of the borer on the urban tree canopy, saying risks to habitats and human health were "immense" if the spread was not contained. Thursday's state budget allocated $26.5 million to the amended borer management plan. But the shift in strategy hasn't gone down well on the other side of the political aisle, with the WA opposition saying the minister must go. "Minister Jarvis has admitted she failed to keep Western Australia protected," shadow agriculture minister Lachlan Hunter said. "That is an extraordinary admission of failure, and she should resign." Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas called on Premier Roger Cook to step in should Ms Jarvis refuse to step down. "The premier should stand up, accept responsibility on behalf of the government and sack Minister Jarvis," Mr Zempilas said.
The Advertiser
10 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Vulnerable migrants having abortions due to visa fears
Migrant women working in rural Australia are carrying unplanned pregnancies, having unwanted abortions or even giving their babies to authorities due to fear, poverty and poor healthcare coverage. This is the "unseen population" that NSW general practitioner Trudi Beck wants every Australian to know about. Dr Beck, a GP obstetrician from Wagga Wagga, told a NSW parliamentary inquiry into modern slavery that she routinely sees pregnant Pacific Islander workers, who are not entitled to free or subsidised healthcare in Australia. The vast majority of those women opted for an abortion, though it didn't always appear to be their preference, Dr Beck said. The women, who are usually working under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, fear they will breach their visa conditions if they cannot work due to pregnancy. "I find it really difficult to provide termination services for a woman where that's not her deeply-held desire ... that's the crux of the matter for me," Dr Beck told the inquiry sitting in Griffith on Thursday, in sometimes emotional evidence. "If this woman was in her home country and had the means to live above the poverty line, she would have this baby. "That is just such an ethics and values clash for me and that's what makes me want to reach out to people to say: can we make this better?" Some women who could not access abortion services in time gave birth in their home countries while on annual leave, Dr Beck said. The inquiry has been told PALM workers are particularly vulnerable to exploitation because their visa does not allow them to change employers, forcing some to abscond. Many disengaged workers have settled in the NSW Riverina, where they live in hiding, Leeton Multicultural Support Group chairman Paul Maytom said. Mr Maytom said 10 pregnant migrants have approached the organisation for help, including one woman who gave her prematurely-born baby to authorities after her older child was also taken in as a ward of the state. "She said, 'I didn't know what to do because I have no money, so I agreed to it, but I want my babies back', Mr Maytom said. "That's tough." Griffith domestic violence service Links For Women supported 47 female PALM workers in 2023-24. The women were assaulted by either male employers or their co-workers, forcing them to flee, manager Madeleine Rossiter said. It's estimated more than 40,000 people are enslaved across the nation, subject to violence, threats, punishing hours, low pay, poor housing and restricted movements. More than 16,000 are believed to be trapped in modern slavery in NSW, one of the few states that does not regulate the hire companies central to migrant recruitment. The inquiry continues. Reports of modern slavery can be made to 1800 FREEDOM (1800 37 333 66) Migrant women working in rural Australia are carrying unplanned pregnancies, having unwanted abortions or even giving their babies to authorities due to fear, poverty and poor healthcare coverage. This is the "unseen population" that NSW general practitioner Trudi Beck wants every Australian to know about. Dr Beck, a GP obstetrician from Wagga Wagga, told a NSW parliamentary inquiry into modern slavery that she routinely sees pregnant Pacific Islander workers, who are not entitled to free or subsidised healthcare in Australia. The vast majority of those women opted for an abortion, though it didn't always appear to be their preference, Dr Beck said. The women, who are usually working under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, fear they will breach their visa conditions if they cannot work due to pregnancy. "I find it really difficult to provide termination services for a woman where that's not her deeply-held desire ... that's the crux of the matter for me," Dr Beck told the inquiry sitting in Griffith on Thursday, in sometimes emotional evidence. "If this woman was in her home country and had the means to live above the poverty line, she would have this baby. "That is just such an ethics and values clash for me and that's what makes me want to reach out to people to say: can we make this better?" Some women who could not access abortion services in time gave birth in their home countries while on annual leave, Dr Beck said. The inquiry has been told PALM workers are particularly vulnerable to exploitation because their visa does not allow them to change employers, forcing some to abscond. Many disengaged workers have settled in the NSW Riverina, where they live in hiding, Leeton Multicultural Support Group chairman Paul Maytom said. Mr Maytom said 10 pregnant migrants have approached the organisation for help, including one woman who gave her prematurely-born baby to authorities after her older child was also taken in as a ward of the state. "She said, 'I didn't know what to do because I have no money, so I agreed to it, but I want my babies back', Mr Maytom said. "That's tough." Griffith domestic violence service Links For Women supported 47 female PALM workers in 2023-24. The women were assaulted by either male employers or their co-workers, forcing them to flee, manager Madeleine Rossiter said. It's estimated more than 40,000 people are enslaved across the nation, subject to violence, threats, punishing hours, low pay, poor housing and restricted movements. More than 16,000 are believed to be trapped in modern slavery in NSW, one of the few states that does not regulate the hire companies central to migrant recruitment. The inquiry continues. Reports of modern slavery can be made to 1800 FREEDOM (1800 37 333 66) Migrant women working in rural Australia are carrying unplanned pregnancies, having unwanted abortions or even giving their babies to authorities due to fear, poverty and poor healthcare coverage. This is the "unseen population" that NSW general practitioner Trudi Beck wants every Australian to know about. Dr Beck, a GP obstetrician from Wagga Wagga, told a NSW parliamentary inquiry into modern slavery that she routinely sees pregnant Pacific Islander workers, who are not entitled to free or subsidised healthcare in Australia. The vast majority of those women opted for an abortion, though it didn't always appear to be their preference, Dr Beck said. The women, who are usually working under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, fear they will breach their visa conditions if they cannot work due to pregnancy. "I find it really difficult to provide termination services for a woman where that's not her deeply-held desire ... that's the crux of the matter for me," Dr Beck told the inquiry sitting in Griffith on Thursday, in sometimes emotional evidence. "If this woman was in her home country and had the means to live above the poverty line, she would have this baby. "That is just such an ethics and values clash for me and that's what makes me want to reach out to people to say: can we make this better?" Some women who could not access abortion services in time gave birth in their home countries while on annual leave, Dr Beck said. The inquiry has been told PALM workers are particularly vulnerable to exploitation because their visa does not allow them to change employers, forcing some to abscond. Many disengaged workers have settled in the NSW Riverina, where they live in hiding, Leeton Multicultural Support Group chairman Paul Maytom said. Mr Maytom said 10 pregnant migrants have approached the organisation for help, including one woman who gave her prematurely-born baby to authorities after her older child was also taken in as a ward of the state. "She said, 'I didn't know what to do because I have no money, so I agreed to it, but I want my babies back', Mr Maytom said. "That's tough." Griffith domestic violence service Links For Women supported 47 female PALM workers in 2023-24. The women were assaulted by either male employers or their co-workers, forcing them to flee, manager Madeleine Rossiter said. It's estimated more than 40,000 people are enslaved across the nation, subject to violence, threats, punishing hours, low pay, poor housing and restricted movements. More than 16,000 are believed to be trapped in modern slavery in NSW, one of the few states that does not regulate the hire companies central to migrant recruitment. The inquiry continues. Reports of modern slavery can be made to 1800 FREEDOM (1800 37 333 66) Migrant women working in rural Australia are carrying unplanned pregnancies, having unwanted abortions or even giving their babies to authorities due to fear, poverty and poor healthcare coverage. This is the "unseen population" that NSW general practitioner Trudi Beck wants every Australian to know about. Dr Beck, a GP obstetrician from Wagga Wagga, told a NSW parliamentary inquiry into modern slavery that she routinely sees pregnant Pacific Islander workers, who are not entitled to free or subsidised healthcare in Australia. The vast majority of those women opted for an abortion, though it didn't always appear to be their preference, Dr Beck said. The women, who are usually working under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, fear they will breach their visa conditions if they cannot work due to pregnancy. "I find it really difficult to provide termination services for a woman where that's not her deeply-held desire ... that's the crux of the matter for me," Dr Beck told the inquiry sitting in Griffith on Thursday, in sometimes emotional evidence. "If this woman was in her home country and had the means to live above the poverty line, she would have this baby. "That is just such an ethics and values clash for me and that's what makes me want to reach out to people to say: can we make this better?" Some women who could not access abortion services in time gave birth in their home countries while on annual leave, Dr Beck said. The inquiry has been told PALM workers are particularly vulnerable to exploitation because their visa does not allow them to change employers, forcing some to abscond. Many disengaged workers have settled in the NSW Riverina, where they live in hiding, Leeton Multicultural Support Group chairman Paul Maytom said. Mr Maytom said 10 pregnant migrants have approached the organisation for help, including one woman who gave her prematurely-born baby to authorities after her older child was also taken in as a ward of the state. "She said, 'I didn't know what to do because I have no money, so I agreed to it, but I want my babies back', Mr Maytom said. "That's tough." Griffith domestic violence service Links For Women supported 47 female PALM workers in 2023-24. The women were assaulted by either male employers or their co-workers, forcing them to flee, manager Madeleine Rossiter said. It's estimated more than 40,000 people are enslaved across the nation, subject to violence, threats, punishing hours, low pay, poor housing and restricted movements. More than 16,000 are believed to be trapped in modern slavery in NSW, one of the few states that does not regulate the hire companies central to migrant recruitment. The inquiry continues. Reports of modern slavery can be made to 1800 FREEDOM (1800 37 333 66)
