Latest news with #WATreeRecovery
The Age
26-05-2025
- Politics
- The Age
Perth got millions for new trees. Not a single one has been planted
Approaching a year since the state government promised $7.2 million to replant 16,000 trees devastated by a destructive beetle, not a single tree has been planted and none will hit the ground until at least May 2026. In response to concerns raised by Greens MLC Brad Pettitt in state parliament regarding the progress of the WA Tree Recovery program, including the number of applications received from local governments and residents, new Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn said only that the 'program continues to progress'. The multimillion-dollar investment was to help replace thousands of trees affected by polyphagous shot-hole borer at Perth landmarks including Perth Zoo and Hyde Park. It comes after the news that the majority of trees and shrubs on the islands in Hyde Park's two lakes are now infested with shot-hole borer, and will need to be removed. Its eradication is a tough battle with no treatment options proven to be effective anywhere in the world – tree pruning and removal of infested trees is the only accepted way to stop the spread. City of Vincent Mayor Alison Xamon said the council just started its annual tree program with around 4000 new plants to be planted on Hyde Park islands this winter, including mature trees to bring back canopy quicker. She said minimising the loss of more trees to the borer was a priority for Vincent. 'The State Government grant funding is not yet available. As soon as it is released, we will apply,' she said. 'We will continue to seek additional funding support from state or federal government to ensure we not only replace, but increase our tree canopy coverage across Vincent.'
Sydney Morning Herald
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Sydney Morning Herald
Perth got millions for new trees. Not a single one has been planted
Approaching a year since the state government promised $7.2 million to replant 16,000 trees devastated by a destructive beetle, not a single tree has been planted and none will hit the ground until at least May 2026. In response to concerns raised by Greens MLC Brad Pettitt in state parliament regarding the progress of the WA Tree Recovery program, including the number of applications received from local governments and residents, new Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn said only that the 'program continues to progress'. The multimillion-dollar investment was to help replace thousands of trees affected by polyphagous shot-hole borer at Perth landmarks including Perth Zoo and Hyde Park. It comes after the news that the majority of trees and shrubs on the islands in Hyde Park's two lakes are now infested with shot-hole borer, and will need to be removed. Its eradication is a tough battle with no treatment options proven to be effective anywhere in the world – tree pruning and removal of infested trees is the only accepted way to stop the spread. City of Vincent Mayor Alison Xamon said the council just started its annual tree program with around 4000 new plants to be planted on Hyde Park islands this winter, including mature trees to bring back canopy quicker. She said minimising the loss of more trees to the borer was a priority for Vincent. 'The State Government grant funding is not yet available. As soon as it is released, we will apply,' she said. 'We will continue to seek additional funding support from state or federal government to ensure we not only replace, but increase our tree canopy coverage across Vincent.'
