This week we have confirmation of what many in the shire have long suspected – the Polyphagous Shot-Hole Borer has been found in SJ.
Last week the Examiner heard from reputable sources within the industry that the tree-killing beetle had been detected within the shire.
On Tuesday, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development confirmed that as fact.
“DPIRD is working with the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale to stem the spread of polyphagous shot-hole borer (PSHB),” a spokesperson said.
“To date, 14 PSHB infested trees have been confirmed across two properties in the shire, 13 of which have been removed and the other scheduled for works.”
We asked when these infested trees were detected but were not provided a response to that question.
At this point in time, we’re also unsure where these two properties are located within the shire.
And it’s unlikely we’ll get a direct response to that question, with the state government applying gag orders to local governments who try to access information about the location of infestations on private property.
Several local mayors have recently spoken out against these Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDA).
“This NDA operates as a gag order and effectively means we are fighting with one hand tied behind our backs whilst wearing a blindfold,” Town of Victoria Park Mayor Karen Vernon said.
“Local governments are the best partner the WA Government has in fighting against PSHB because of our ability to communicate with our directly affected communities, building awareness and knowledge that is crucial to stop tree losses.
“Why would you use a non-disclosure agreement when the strength and the quality of public information and making it available can actually be your greatest weapon?”
The Town of Victoria Park has refused to sign the NDA. But the SJ Shire has.
In response to a question from Oakford resident Lee Bond, Shire CEO Paul Martin confirmed that an NDA “was signed by the shire in July 2024”.
“We understand the department invited about 30 local governments to sign the confidentiality deed which I’m advised 22 have,” he said.
The DPIRD spokesperson said they are continuing to lay sticky traps for the borer here: “More than 100 PSHB traps have been deployed in the shire, as part of DPIRD’s ongoing surveillance program.”
And when asked whether the spread of the borer had now breached the metropolitan quarantine area, said: “There have been no detections outside the Quarantine Area”.
But with firewood season now upon us, there is growing concern that might change fairly soon.
DPIRD has issued updated advice for everyone to “buy it where you burn it”.
“PSHB does not move far on its own but can travel long distances when people unknowingly intervene,” the department said.
“Firewood can catalyse and provide a great mechanism for the distribution of the beetle without you knowing.
“Don’t move firewood long distances including when you go camping – buy it where you burn it.
“And don’t burn wood from host trees, especially if it looks like it has borer damage. Beetles disperse when infested wood is burnt.”
For more information about quarantine rules, how to detect PSHB and what to do if you find it, visit: www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-primary-industries-and-regional-development/polyphagous-shot-hole-borer
