Shot-hole borer was first detected in Western Australia in 2021 and has been the subject of an extensive nationally coordinated biosecurity response.
The national body responsible for the strategic direction of exotic plant pest and disease eradication programs has determined that the borer is no longer technically feasible to eradicate from WA.
In making this decision, the National Management Group (NMG) considered the latest scientific data and advice from leading plant biosecurity experts.
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) Deputy Director General Mia Carbon said the NMG had determined eradication could no longer be achieved due to a number of factors.
“Determining factors included the difficulty in detecting and controlling new borer infestations at an early stage before the pest can reproduce, and the current lack of effective chemical treatments available for killing the borer,” Dr Carbon said.
“Ongoing eradication efforts would require the removal of a significant number of trees from Perth’s urban canopy and, given the biology and behaviour of the pest in the WA environment, are unlikely to be successful long term.”
A national Transition to Management plan is being finalised to support the next phase of the response.
Dr Carbon said DPIRD would lead the transition to management in WA to minimise the impact of shot-hole borer on Perth’s tree canopy and help protect the State’s horticultural industries.
“This decision does not mean that the national response to shot-hole borer has stopped. The response will enter a new phase that focuses on longer-term management of the pest.
“Over the next 18 months, DPIRD will work with industry, community and local government to build skills, knowledge and capacity to manage the pest long term.”
Dr Carbon said the initial phase of the transition would focus on targeted management of shot-hole borer infestations to slow and minimise the risk of it spreading beyond the Perth metropolitan area.
“Further scientific and technical advice will be sought to support the transition to management,” Dr Carbon said.
Dr Carbon said it was important that people continue to look for and report signs of shot-hole borer to the department through the MyPestGuide reporter app or the Pest and Disease Information Service.
“Early reporting of shot-hole borer, particularly in the outer metropolitan area, and adhering to the movement restrictions in place for wood and plants remain just as critical as ever,” she said.
“Untreated wood, including firewood, and living plants cannot be moved outside of the metropolitan area. People should purchase firewood locally and burn it where they buy it.”
For more information visit https://www.dpird.wa.gov.au/pshb
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