Overview
Given the unprecedented biosecurity challenges facing WA, the 2025-26 Budget includes a range of Government investments in biosecurity – both State Programs and contributions to national biosecurity responses:
- $7.2 million for Polyphagous Shot-Hole Borer (PSHB) – WA Tree Recovery Program over the forward estimates
- $2.2 million to the H5 Bird Flu Response Capability in 2025-26
- $89.1 million for the construction of a new State Biosecurity Response Centre, plus an increased operational budget of $12.6 million
- Additional funding of $3.6 million for the Department’s Enhancing Biosecurity Preparedness and Response Program in 2025-26
- $1.6 million for a livestock truck washdown facility for biosecurity risk mitigation, and
- A $598,000 contribution to National Biosecurity Responses and Priorities
The focus of the Budget is investment in preparedness and response activities, including for high pathogenicity avian influenza, the red imported fire ant and PSHB.
WALGA Comment
The focus on biosecurity in the Budget recognises the need to plan for and respond to the growing number and complexity of biosecurity threats facing the State.
WALGA has commented extensively on the significant changes required to improve the State’s biosecurity framework, through both the review of the Biosecurity and Agricultural Management Act 2007 (BAM Act), ongoing advocacy and in relation to the PSHB Response. The State Government is yet to respond to the Independent Review of the BAM Act, which was completed in December 2023.
Coinciding with the Budget, the State Government announced that it will cease the eradication response to PSHB and will transition to long-term management.
PSHB has already had a devastating impact on Perth’s already depleted tree canopy, with over 4,700 trees removed to date.
While the biosecurity funding in the Budget is welcome, more is needed to manage PSHB and control its spread. WALGA will continue to advocate for increased support, greater transparency and a long-term financial commitment from the State Government to ensure that PSHB is appropriately managed and our native forests and horticultural industries are protected.
