City of Swan residents are being urged to join the fight against the polyphagous shot-hole borer (PSHB) by sticking to new quarantine rules introduced this week.
On Thursday, September 5, 2024, the State Government split the Perth metropolitan area into two quarantine zones in a bid to stop the spread of the PSHB, a highly invasive and destructive beetle that has been detected in trees across Perth.
The City of Swan falls into both zones, so it is vital that Swan residents understand and embrace the restrictions to protect our precious natural environment.
Please note that these restrictions do not affect what residents can put in their kerbside general waste or FOGO bins.
Zone A has a higher number of infested trees and the following restrictions:
- Untreated wood cannot be moved out of this zone if it is greater than 2.5cm in diameter
- Plants and green waste cannot be moved out of this zone if they are greater than 2cm in diameter.
- Machinery used to handle green waste must be cleaned before it is moved outside Zone A.
Zone B acts as a buffer zone for the rest of WA and has the following restrictions:
- Untreated wood cannot be moved out of the quarantine area if it is greater than 2.5cm in diameter
- Plants cannot be moved outside of the quarantine area if they are greater than 2cm in diameter
- Wood or plants can be moved into zone A
- Machinery used to handle green waste must be cleaned before it is moved outside the Perth quarantine area.
If residents in Zone A want to dispose of wood or plants that comply with the restrictions above, they are encouraged to take them to an approved green waste facility within Zone A, such as Recycling Centre – Malaga.
However, if needed, they can take the waste to a facility in Zone B, such as Recycling Centre – Bullsbrook.
You can find a list of approved green waste facilities here.
All green waste transported to these facilities must be securely transported in a fully sealed and
covered skip bin, trailer or truck.
Regardless of zone, untreated wood and plants cannot be moved outside of the broader Perth quarantine area.
All Swan residents are encouraged to be on the lookout for PSHB signs to protect our natural environment.
Infected trees show symptoms such as beetle hole entry points, discolouration, gumming, frass or dieback.
If you see a tree that may be infected, report it to DPIRD immediately by using the MyPestGuide Reporter app, calling (08) 9368 3080 or emailing padis@dpird.wa.gov.au.
For more information on the PSHB, susceptible tree species and WA’s response, visit www.agric.wa.gov.au/borer.
