Concerns arise over future costs to manage invasive pest
The National Management Group met last week and decided the eradication of the shot-hole borer in WA is no longer achievable, based on expert advice.
Since being detected in 2021, the invasive pest has forced the removal of more than 4700 infested trees to date.
The WA Local Government Association says it is deeply disappointed by the decision to shift from eradication to management and is calling for a long-term funding commitment from the State Government.
'WALGA has long been concerned about the effectiveness of the State's PSHB response and has been calling for greater transparency, research into control methods and more community education and engagement,' WALGA president Karen Chappel said.
'This failure will have significant implications for local government, who are already spending millions to control PSHB and increase tree canopy, and will now face the additional ongoing costs of managing or removing infected and dying trees in public parks and streets.'
Following last week's decision, a new national Transition to Management plan is now being finalised, supported by a $26.5 million allocation in the State Budget to urban tree canopy and Treebates programs in a bid to manage the impact of the shot-hole borer.
The State Government is hoping to slow and minimise the risk of it spreading beyond local government boundaries and the metropolitan area. The invasive species was first detected in Perth in 2021. Credit: Pia Scanlon
In the City of Stirling, where more than 108 trees have been cleared because of infestation, officials are concerned about the potential costs and impacts ahead.
'The city shares WALGA's disappointment about the transition to PSHB management and its concern about the future funding responsibility for that management, particularly after the 18-month transition period due to start on 1 July 2025,' a spokesperson said.
'Clear support and direction are needed from the State Government for the local government sector to be able to plan and deliver effective management of PSHB to protect the Perth-Peel urban forest beyond the transition period.'
In the City of Joondalup, where the pest hasn't yet caused widespread damage, CEO James Pearson said the council had been working closely with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development to monitor and manage risks but warned that given the future spread of the pest, management costs could escalate rapidly, putting extra financial strain on the city.
'There will be financial implications for the city if local governments become responsible for managing PSHB-infected trees in public parks and streets, particularly as the future spread of PSHB is unknown,' Mr Pearson said.
'The city will undertake an audit of its street tree population to identify locations of the current reproductive hosts. The city will continue to plant trees not identified as PSHB reproductive hosts and will investigate preventative treatments.'
On Friday, the City of Wanneroo confirmed the pest had reached its jurisdiction after reporting its first confirmed case
The State Government has committed an additional $62.6m to biosecurity response activities from 2024-25 to 2027-28, along with $2.17m to fund research projects, including chemical treatments aimed at limiting the spread of the shot-hole borer.
WA Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis believes the State has a strong foundation to manage the pest moving forward, as the infestation remains confined to the metropolitan area.
'We will continue to look for alternative solutions by supporting local scientists to undertake more research under WA conditions,' Ms Jarvis said.
'The more we can learn about this pest, the better equipped we will be to protect and support our State's tree canopy and agricultural industry.'
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ABC News
2 days ago
- ABC News
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News.com.au
2 days ago
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ABC News
4 days ago
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ABC listener donates car to man experiencing homelessness after losing home, car and job in a year
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