Latest news with #DepartmentofPrimaryIndustriesandRegionalDevelopment
West Australian
9 hours ago
- General
- West Australian
Locals urged to report invasive grass putting native species under threat
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is urging Kununurra residents to be on the look out for gamba grass, a voracious weed which threatens native grass species and elevates fire risk. Recent routine surveillance by DPIRD detected several immature gamba grass plants, also known as andropogon gayanus, along several roads near Kununurra. Regional biosecurity co-ordinator Lindsay Strange called on the community to support DPIRD's efforts to eradicate the weed by reporting sightings of the weed tussocks. 'Gamba grass is a tropical perennial grass that was introduced into Australia in the 1940s as a feed crop for cattle,' he said. 'It has become a significant weed across northern Australia due to its ability to grow to over four metres high and form dense patches which can burn at high intensity, posing a risk to flora and fauna, livestock and human life. 'There are a number of options to remove gamba grass and DPIRD has been working across the Kimberley to eradicate the weed for many years. 'While the recent detections have been removed, it's important for DPIRD to know of any new sightings of the weed so department officers can take action.' Gamba grass grows to form tussocks that are bigger, taller and more dense than native grass species and has strappy leaves that can grow up to 60cm long, with a distinctive white midrib covered with soft hairs. It also features fluffy flower heads on tall stems between April and June, depending on weather conditions, and remains green long into the dry season, when most native grasses have hayed off. Gamba grass sightings can be reported via DPIRD's MyPestGuide Reporter app or to its Pest and Disease Information Service on 9380 3080 or padis@
West Australian
2 days ago
- Health
- West Australian
At least 300 trees to be cleared from Hyde Park as part of shot-hole borer blitz
At least 300 trees are set to be cleared from the Hyde Park islands as part of a blitz to eradicate the polyphagous shot-hole borer. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development on Wednesday said it was working with the City of Vincent to remove up to 300 host plants — including native and non-WA native trees — from the lake's two islands over the next four to six weeks. DPIRD would not confirm how many infected trees had been removed since works began on May 19. 'The only WA native species on the Hyde Park islands are Melaleuca rhaphiophylla and Eucalyptus rudis,' a spokesperson told The West. 'Other species being removed include eastern states Casuarina spp. Melaleuca spp. and Eucalyptus spp. and non-native woody weeds including Erythrina x sykesii and Ficus sp.' The PSHB — which is native to southeast Asia — is a small beetle which burrows into trees and infects them with a fungus that slowly kills them from the inside. The only way to eradicate the beetle is to remove the infected trees. 'DPIRD is continuing to work in close collaboration with the City of Vincent to manage PSHB in Hyde Park, as part of the nationally funded and coordinated emergency bio-security response,' the spokesperson said. 'PSHB surveillance and management will continue in Hyde Park to protect the high value fig and London plane trees.' Thirteen infested trees at Hyde Park have already been removed, with another 33 pruned to their limit. A further 45 have been treated with insecticides as part of an ongoing chemical trial. City of Vincent mayor Alison Xamon said she was 'deeply saddened' to hear the beetle had burrowed its way onto the lake's islands. She said the city would plant up to 4000 new plants and mature trees on the lake's islands. 'Losing the tree is the last thing anyone wants to see, but DPIRD have determined this precaution is necessary to stop the borer spreading to other healthy trees at the park,' Ms Xamon told The West. 'Following DPIRD's works, we will be acting quickly on our three-year restoration program which has been formed in partnership with industry experts. 'About 4000 new plants, that will be resilient to the borer and climate change, will be planted on the islands this winter including mature trees. 'We previously restored the eastern island in 2012, which gives us confidence that our program will see the islands flourish again.' It comes just days after the State Government announced local councils could apply for the first round of its WA Tree Recovery Local Government Grant Program. Councils can receive up to $1140 in funding for each tree that is removed as a result of PSHB, but the City of Vincent is yet to apply for funding. PSHB has been confirmed in more than 80 suburbs across Perth since it was first detected in August 2021.
West Australian
6 days ago
- General
- West Australian
Backyard beekeeping the new buzz in Perth as hive numbers soar
Backyard beekeeping has exploded in popularity across Perth in recent years, but the honey isn't the only thing sweet about this growing movement. With more than 4500 registered hobbyist and commercial beekeepers in WA who own more than 51,800 hives, the State's beekeeping scene has never been bigger. According to the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, 4000 of the registered beekeepers are recreational and are mostly based in the Perth and South West region. Alongside the boom, a buzzing community has blossomed, most apparent in the Facebook group called Perth Bee Community, which is now nearing 10,000 members. Then there's the WA Apiarists' Society, a not-for-profit association founded in 1953 which now has around 1200 members. It supports and educates both rookies and veteran beekeepers across the State. WA Apiarists' Society vice-president Stephen Boylen is a suburban hobbyist beekeeper who began his keeping journey just seven years ago and has seen first-hand the recent surge in Perth's backyard beekeeping community. Mr Boylen, who manages two hives, hadn't planned on becoming a beekeeper but now finds himself deeply passionate about the craft and couldn't praise the close-knit community enough. 'I never imagined doing anything so agricultural, being a city boy, but I absolutely love it,' Mr Boylen said. 'Keeping bees is an old-school craft that's surprisingly therapeutic. When you're out there with the bees, you're fully in the moment, with nothing else on your mind. Away from the concrete jungle, you start noticing trees, flowers and the seasons in a whole new way. 'The reward comes both from the community and from what's involved in looking after your hives and your bees, not just the honey.' He believes anyone with the right attitude and patience can become a keeper, but they should be aware of the regulations and responsibilities involved. 'Anyone can learn the skills, provided they can either do the physical work or have the support to manage the practical tasks,' Mr Boylen said. 'But you should first check with the local council to ensure it's allowed and take steps like using fences or bushes to keep bees' flight paths away from walkways. 'I'd also encourage them to connect with other keepers and to do a short course for the right skills and guidance.' The hobby's growing popularity has been linked in part to 'Flow Hives', a hive design that enables keepers to extract honey without opening the hive or scraping it out. Despite the convenience of newer hives, under State law all hives must still be registered with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. While registration helps protect the industry from pests and diseases, it does not necessarily grant a license or authorisation to keep bees at a specific location. 'Registration is the cornerstone of hive ownership. With registration comes the responsibility to maintain bee biosecurity and compliance to support healthy bees under the Biosecurity and Agricultural Management Act,' a DPIRD spokesperson said. 'People intending to keep bees in built-up areas should also consult their relevant local government authority to comply with local laws and policies.' Local government laws often require residents to apply for permits for beehives, considering factors such as location and neighbour feedback. Just this week, the City of Joondalup council rejected a Sorrento resident's appeal against the city's decision to refuse their application to keep bees, citing concerns raised by neighbours with allergies. DPIRD is urging responsible hive management and the registration of existing hives to support the growing interest in hobby beekeeping. 'DPIRD encourages people considering beekeeping to make informed decisions to ensure they are responsible beekeepers,' the spokesperson said. 'Successful beekeeping needs to be built on some important foundations that can only be garnered from training and/or good mentoring.' Roy Murphy from Yanchep started beekeeping more than 15 years ago and now runs a successful full-time beekeeping business with more than 200 hives, selling honey at local markets with his family. Mr Murphy, who also visits schools and businesses to talk about the importance of bees and their role in ecosystems, believes the rapid growth of the Perth beekeeping community is a positive for both the industry and the environment. 'Beekeeping brings people together — whether it's swapping tips, sharing honey, or just standing around a hive talking bees,' he said. 'Having bees around also improves everything — more flowers, more vegetables, more life in the garden. 'And there's nothing better than going into your own hive and seeing exactly what you produced, right in your own backyard.' Despite the benefits, Mr Murphy said the hobby wasn't without its expenses and responsibilities, but with the proper preparation it could be incredibly rewarding. 'Getting started realistically costs about $1000, but it's a hobby that pays you back in more than just honey,' he said. 'I always tell people before they spend a cent, do a course with the WA Apiarists' Society to see if it's for you — and before you put a hive in your backyard, talk to your neighbours, check your council's rules, and do the groundwork.'
Perth Now
7 days ago
- General
- Perth Now
The backyard hobby that has exploded in popularity in Perth
Backyard beekeeping has exploded in popularity across Perth in recent years, but the honey isn't the only thing sweet about this growing movement. With more than 4500 registered hobbyist and commercial beekeepers in WA who own more than 51,800 hives, the State's beekeeping scene has never been bigger. According to the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, 4000 of the registered beekeepers are recreational and are mostly based in the Perth and South West region. Your local paper, whenever you want it. Alongside the boom, a buzzing community has blossomed, most apparent in the Facebook group called Perth Bee Community, which is now nearing 10,000 members. Then there's the WA Apiarists' Society, a not-for-profit association founded in 1953 which now has around 1200 members. It supports and educates both rookies and veteran beekeepers across the State. WA Apiarists' Society vice-president Stephen Boylen is a suburban hobbyist beekeeper who began his keeping journey just seven years ago and has seen first-hand the recent surge in Perth's backyard beekeeping community. Mr Boylen, who manages two hives, hadn't planned on becoming a beekeeper but now finds himself deeply passionate about the craft and couldn't praise the close-knit community enough. 'I never imagined doing anything so agricultural, being a city boy, but I absolutely love it,' Mr Boylen said. 'Keeping bees is an old-school craft that's surprisingly therapeutic. When you're out there with the bees, you're fully in the moment, with nothing else on your mind. Away from the concrete jungle, you start noticing trees, flowers and the seasons in a whole new way. 'The reward comes both from the community and from what's involved in looking after your hives and your bees, not just the honey.' Stephen Boylen says beekeeping is therapeutic. Credit: Kelsey Reid / The West Australian He believes anyone with the right attitude and patience can become a keeper, but they should be aware of the regulations and responsibilities involved. 'Anyone can learn the skills, provided they can either do the physical work or have the support to manage the practical tasks,' Mr Boylen said. 'But you should first check with the local council to ensure it's allowed and take steps like using fences or bushes to keep bees' flight paths away from walkways. 'I'd also encourage them to connect with other keepers and to do a short course for the right skills and guidance.' The hobby's growing popularity has been linked in part to 'Flow Hives', a hive design that enables keepers to extract honey without opening the hive or scraping it out. Despite the convenience of newer hives, under State law all hives must still be registered with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. While registration helps protect the industry from pests and diseases, it does not necessarily grant a license or authorisation to keep bees at a specific location. 'Registration is the cornerstone of hive ownership. With registration comes the responsibility to maintain bee biosecurity and compliance to support healthy bees under the Biosecurity and Agricultural Management Act,' a DPIRD spokesperson said. 'People intending to keep bees in built-up areas should also consult their relevant local government authority to comply with local laws and policies.' Stephen Boylen has two traditional bee hives. Credit: Kelsey Reid / The West Australian Local government laws often require residents to apply for permits for beehives, considering factors such as location and neighbour feedback. Just this week, the City of Joondalup council rejected a Sorrento resident's appeal against the city's decision to refuse their application to keep bees, citing concerns raised by neighbours with allergies. DPIRD is urging responsible hive management and the registration of existing hives to support the growing interest in hobby beekeeping. 'DPIRD encourages people considering beekeeping to make informed decisions to ensure they are responsible beekeepers,' the spokesperson said. 'Successful beekeeping needs to be built on some important foundations that can only be garnered from training and/or good mentoring.' A bee smoker is used by keepers to calm the bees enough to extract the honey. Credit: Kelsey Reid / The West Australian Roy Murphy from Yanchep started beekeeping more than 15 years ago and now runs a successful full-time beekeeping business with more than 200 hives, selling honey at local markets with his family. Mr Murphy, who also visits schools and businesses to talk about the importance of bees and their role in ecosystems, believes the rapid growth of the Perth beekeeping community is a positive for both the industry and the environment. 'Beekeeping brings people together — whether it's swapping tips, sharing honey, or just standing around a hive talking bees,' he said. 'Having bees around also improves everything — more flowers, more vegetables, more life in the garden. 'And there's nothing better than going into your own hive and seeing exactly what you produced, right in your own backyard.' Roy Murphy of Yanchep runs Sticky Prick Bee Haven. Credit: David Baylis / Joondalup Wanneroo Despite the benefits, Mr Murphy said the hobby wasn't without its expenses and responsibilities, but with the proper preparation it could be incredibly rewarding. 'Getting started realistically costs about $1000, but it's a hobby that pays you back in more than just honey,' he said. 'I always tell people before they spend a cent, do a course with the WA Apiarists' Society to see if it's for you — and before you put a hive in your backyard, talk to your neighbours, check your council's rules, and do the groundwork.'
Perth Now
28-05-2025
- General
- Perth Now
More mature trees to be removed from beloved Perth park
More trees are set to be planted on City of Vincent streets as work continues to remove trees infected with the polyphagous shot-hole borer from the Hyde Park islands. Some surrounding trees will also be pruned during the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development's work to remove bore-infested trees. 'Losing trees is the last thing anyone wants to see, but this precaution is being taken to stop the borer spreading to healthy trees in Hyde Park,' the City of Vincent said on its website. Your local paper, whenever you want it. It said the focus was now on rehabilitating the islands as quickly as possible, ensuring the 'long-term beauty and health of the park'. More trees are set to be planted on City of Vincent streets as work continues to remove trees infected with the polyphagous shot-hole borer from the Hyde Park islands. Credit: Sophie Gannon A three-year restoration program for the islands includes planting 4000 plants, including mature trees, throughout winter to help the canopy recover as soon as possible. The city plans to replace trees lost from the islands. The removals started last week, during which the city also announced the start of its annual planting season. About 450 trees will be planted across streetscapes and verges, 165 more than last year with help from a State Government Urban Greening Grant. City of Vincent mayor Alison Xamon and acting senior technical officer Ben Bevan from the parks team. Credit: Luke Riley A range of native and climate-friendly species from eucalyptus to melaleuca will be planted from May to September. Mayor Alison Xamon said they would help increase the city's urban canopy. 'Trees provide many benefits to the community, such as essential habitat for local wildlife, biodiversity, shade, mitigating the impact of climate change, better amenity and walkability in residential areas,' she said. Ms Xamon said the new plants were not preferred or reproductive hosts of the polyphagous shot-hole borer. City of Vincent residents who would like to request a new or additional verge tree for next year's planting season can fill in an online form before September 30 on the city's website.
