Shire Advocates for Defence Against Polyphagous Shot-Hole Borer Threat

The Shire of Manjimup is advocating to protect its vital horticultural industry from the growing threat of the Polyphagous Shot-Hole Borer (PSHB), an invasive pest beetle first detected in Western Australia in 2021. Originating in Asia, the PSHB bores into tree trunks, stems, and branches, spreading a fungus that can kill susceptible trees. While the pest has so far been confined to the Perth Metropolitan Area, the Shire is advocating for increased efforts and community education to prevent the pest from spreading to the South West area, a region vital to Western Australia’s horticultural industry.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has been working diligently since 2021 to implement biosecurity measures to contain PSHB, but concerns are mounting about the pest reaching the South West area, which is recognised as one of the most important horticultural production areas in Western Australia. As PSHB cannot be controlled with chemical treatments, preventing its spread is critical to protecting the Shire’s horticultural production and natural landscapes.

At a Council Meeting earlier this year, Elected Members resolved to increase efforts to raise community awareness of PSHB and its risks. Council instructed the Chief Executive Officer to lobby state government agencies for greater education initiatives aimed at preventing the pest's spread beyond Perth, including the implementation of signage along key routes such as the Forrest and South Western Highways. In addition, the Shire is exploring partnerships with other South West local governments to launch a collaborative communication campaign.

In response to this advocacy from the Shire, both DPIRD and the Minister for Agriculture have expressed commitment to working with stakeholders and welcomed the Shire's support for this critical response. Additionally, DPIRD acknowledged the Shire's request for signage along the Forrest and South Western Highways, confirming that discussions with Main Roads are in progress to implement signage on key transport routes out of Perth.

To learn more about Polyphagous Shot-Hole Borer visit https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/borer.