The Western Australian government is contemplating an expansion of the quarantine zone in Perth due to the relentless spread of the polyphagous shot-hole borer, a tiny beetle wreaking havoc on the city’s trees, prompting urgent biosecurity measures.
The insidious spread of the polyphagous shot-hole borer across Perth has escalated to a point where authorities are seriously considering an expansion of the current quarantine zone. This beetle, no larger than a sesame seed, has been detected outside the previously established containment areas, signaling a potential biosecurity disaster if not contained.
First identified in Perth in 2021, the shot-hole borer has since decimated over 3,000 trees, with its presence now confirmed in suburbs beyond the quarantine boundaries like Gosnells, Armadale, Kalamunda, and Ellenbrook. This expansion of the beetle’s territory has alarmed both residents and authorities, fearing not just for the city’s greenery but also for the broader agricultural implications if the pest spreads further.
The potential expansion of the quarantine zone underscores the severity of the threat posed by the shot-hole borer, which not only kills trees by blocking their vascular systems but could also devastate agricultural sectors if it breaches containment.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has intensified surveillance with over 3,000 traps across the metropolitan area and beyond, aiming to monitor and control the beetle’s spread. However, the revelation that green waste movement might be contributing to the beetle’s dispersal has led to calls for stricter regulations on mulch and woodchip distribution from infected areas.
Arborists and biosecurity experts are pushing for a comprehensive review of green waste management within and outside the quarantine zones, highlighting the need for immediate and stringent controls.
The expansion of the shot-hole borer’s territory in Perth is more than an environmental concern; it’s a biosecurity emergency that could have far-reaching economic impacts if not addressed swiftly. The government’s consideration of expanding the quarantine zone is a critical step, but it must be accompanied by robust public education, stricter movement controls of potentially infected materials, and possibly, innovative solutions to manage this invasive species. Perth’s battle against the shot-hole borer is a stark reminder of the delicate balance between urban development, environmental preservation, and agricultural safety in the face of invasive pests.