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3w ago

WA Concedes Shot-Hole Borer Eradication Unfeasible, Moves to Containment

With eradication deemed impossible the government is investing $26.5 million in containment measures through three research projects to safeguard the state’s horticulture sector.

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A brown beetle against a white background.

Overview

  • Chief biosecurity officer Mia Carbon cited difficulties detecting new infestations and a lack of chemical treatments as key factors in abandoning eradication efforts.
  • The invasive shot-hole borer has infected around 4,800 trees in Perth since 2021, leading to the removal of century-old specimens in parks such as Kings Park and Hyde Park.
  • The government has allocated $26.5 million to boost surveillance, pruning and tree removal in outer suburbs with the aim of limiting the beetle’s metropolitan spread.
  • Three research projects at Curtin University, Murdoch University and the University of Western Australia will investigate improved control strategies, early detection and the beetle’s host biology.
  • Opposition agriculture spokesman Lachlan Hunter and the Invasive Species Council warned that the delayed response risks 15 native tree species in WA that are highly susceptible to the pest.