WALGA is deeply disappointed with the National Management Group’s decision to abandon eradication plans for the Polyphagous Shot-hole Borer, as the response moves to a management phase.
The WA State Government has announced a National Transition to Management plan will now be developed. WALGA will advocate that Local Government, and other key stakeholders, must be actively engaged in the development of the long-term management arrangements.
The impact of PSHB on Perth’s already depleted tree canopy is significant, with 4,734 infested, mature trees removed to date. A long-term funding commitment from the State Government is required to ensure that our native forests and horticultural industries are protected.
WALGA President Karen Chappel AM JP said the decision to move from eradication to a management phase for PSHB was a result of the inadequacy of the State Government’s early response to PSHB.
“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,” President 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.
“While the WA Tree Recovery Program is a step in the right direction, there is much more to be done and in the transition to a management phase, more direct funding is needed to assist Local Governments.
“Without ongoing national support, managing PSHB will require a significant, long-term investment from the State Government to assist Local Governments.”
Two zones remain for Perth metro area to help slow the spread and reinforce strict quarantine rules.
An online resource with an interactive map for the community to see what Quarantine Zone they live in is available here: www.dpird.wa.gov.au/pshb.
