Funding ‘a step in the right direction’ in the fight against PSHB

Key Points:

• WALGA welcomes State Government funding and guidance to Councils and private landowners to replace trees lost to the Polyphagous Shot-Hole Borer (PSHB)
• The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) will invest $7.2 million in funding for Local Governments to plant up to three trees for every one that has been lost to PSHB
• WALGA will continue to advocate for further research into alternative treatment methods

WALGA welcomes the State Government’s announcement to invest $7.2 million into replacing trees affected by Polyphagous Shot-Hole Borer (PSHB).

The devastating impact of the PSHB has been felt across the State, with the borer now detected outside the current Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) quarantine area in areas such as Armadale, Kalamunda and Ellenbrook.

To further the eradication of the PSHB and ensure the prompt replacement of affected trees, WALGA will continue to advocate for the State Government to intensify its efforts and provide further assistance to Councils, households, and individual property owners.

WALGA President Karen Chappel AM JP commended the State Government for recognising the need for recovery and replacement funding, however there is still more to be done.

“A sustained and robust approach is essential to effectively control the spread of the borer, with the State Government playing a key role in empowering Local Governments to continue their recovery efforts and providing the required resources. 

“The PSHB moving outside the DPIRD quarantine area means not only will this further decimate our already shrinking urban tree canopy, but it’s also putting our agricultural crops, such as avocado and citrus and our native forests, at risk.

“WALGA is calling for further investment to accelerate the development of alternative prevention and treatment methods to combat the borer and build the resilience of our urban tree canopy.”

For an interview with WALGA President Karen Chappel AM JP please contact:  
Simon Beaumont, WALGA Media and Communications Manager 0448 896 435 or [email protected]