PSHB - polyphagous shot-hole-borer in Western Australia
/Updated May 2026/
Current Situation - from DPIRD:
The national response to polyphagous shot-hole borer (PSHB) is transitioning from an eradication strategy to a long-term management approach after the National Management Group determined the borer was no longer technically feasible to eradicate.
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A national Transition to Management (T2M) response plan is now in place and is being delivered by DPIRD.
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This phase of the response includes development and implementation of strategies to slow the spread of PSHB through targeted surveillance, the creation of an Integrated Pest Management Program and provision of support and training for landowners to build capacity for long term management of the pest.
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Under the national T2M response plan, DPIRD’s tree pruning and removal program will focus on trees in the outer Perth metropolitan area that pose a risk of spreading the borer outside of the Quarantine Area (QA). All other landowners and managers in the Perth metropolitan area are now responsible for managing borer-affected trees.
DPIRD is committed to protecting Perth’s urban tree canopy and WA’s horticulture industry by working closely with local governments, community groups and industry bodies to build resilience against PSHB.
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A new Quarantine Area Notice (QAN), to support the T2M phase of the response, has come into effect. The QAN covers the entire Perth metropolitan area. Movement restrictions on Firewood, green waste, live plants and plant material still apply to help prevent the spread of PSHB.
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Metropolitan Local Government Authorities can apply for a Shot-hole borer Local Government Support Scheme grant to aid in the ongoing management of PSHB.
Announcement from Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
Polyphagous shot-hole borer quarantine area
An updated Quarantine Area Notice has come into effect to support the Transition to Management phase of the shot-hole borer response.
The Quarantine Area still covers the entire Perth metropolitan area and is now split into two zones to help prevent spread of the borer.
Movement restrictions on firewood, green waste, mulch and plant material still apply. Following these requirements is vital to help protect WA’s horticultural and regional areas.
Good news for Perth trees!
After a meeting of the National Management Group (NMG) it was decided to transition from eradication to management of PSHB - polyphagous shot hole borer - infested trees, over an 18-month transition period.
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ArbWest Acting President Dave Crispin commented:
“Perth can ill afford to lose any more trees, every single one counts.” He continued: “The transition period will probably still see heavily infested trees removed, but hopefully there will be a more commonsense approach to light and medium infestations with the option to chemically treat these trees. In the communique it mentions, and I quote: 'The NMG will continue to review management strategies and work with industry, local governments, and communities to manage the complex”.
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ArbWest, the main industry body for Western Australian arborists, welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with the NMG, as we are able to provide first hand knowledge and insight into managing the PSHB spread based on our recent, successful, chemical trials.
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To see the press release from DPIRD, please click here.
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Photo: DPIRD
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