❓ A WA parliamentary question addresses concerns about communication and coordination between the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) and local governments regarding the polyphagous shot-hole borer (PSHB) outbreak. DPIRD responds by outlining its communication strategies, legal constraints, and the national response plan.
AnsweredQoN 2023Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to community reports about a lack of clear communication regarding polyphagous shot-hole borer (PSHB), euwallacea fornicatus, outbreaks and infestation, and I ask: (a) what information is
being shared with local governments on the PHSB; (b) why is the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) not
sharing information on private properties with evidence of PHSB with
local governments; (c) why are
communications not being shared when DPIRD update the PSHB Australian Host List and make adjustments to the quarantine area; (d) in reference to reports some local governments have had the ability to undertake and implement their own PHSB strategies, while other local governments are given no options to divert from DPIRD's suggested management strategy, why has there been an inconsistent approach from DPIRD across different local governments and their options to respond to PHSB; (e) will the Minister establish a DPIRD Senior Local Government Coordinator position to manage local government liaison and information updates; (f) is DPIRD planning to reimburse local governments for the amenity value of trees lost under their eradication management strategy; and (g) in relation to (f), will DPIRD be contributing to the replacement of those trees?
being shared with local governments on the PHSB; (b) why is the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) not
sharing information on private properties with evidence of PHSB with
local governments; (c) why are
communications not being shared when DPIRD update the PSHB Australian Host List and make adjustments to the quarantine area; (d) in reference to reports some local governments have had the ability to undertake and implement their own PHSB strategies, while other local governments are given no options to divert from DPIRD's suggested management strategy, why has there been an inconsistent approach from DPIRD across different local governments and their options to respond to PHSB; (e) will the Minister establish a DPIRD Senior Local Government Coordinator position to manage local government liaison and information updates; (f) is DPIRD planning to reimburse local governments for the amenity value of trees lost under their eradication management strategy; and (g) in relation to (f), will DPIRD be contributing to the replacement of those trees?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
11 June 2024
Responded by
Minister for Agriculture and Food
Response time
12 days
(a) DPIRD provides regular updates to local governments on the eradication response for PSHB. This includes operational updates for works on public lands, new host plant information, upcoming engagement events and communication opportunities. DPIRD works with the WA Local Government Association to share information and liaises directly with local governments regarding management of infested trees on lands under their management. Individual site management plans are agreed by the relevant Local Government Authority before works are undertaken.
(b) The Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007 does not allow the disclosure of information except under specific circumstances. DPIRD has explored options to provide relevant and current information to assist local governments’ operational efforts to support the PSHB response, noting the need to balance public interest with privacy interests, and has written to all local governments in the metropolitan area inviting them to enter an agreement for information sharing.
(c) The PSHB WA Host List is a live document hosted on the publicly available website at agric.wa.gov.au/borer. It is updated on a monthly basis and all local governments have access to this information. Any amendments to the Quarantine Area Notice, or revocations and reissuing of an amended notice, are advertised in the Gazette, on the PSHB webpage, the West Australian Newspaper and via DPIRD social media.
(d) DPIRD is delivering a national Response Plan for the eradication of PSHB from the Perth metropolitan area. The eradication strategy detailed in the Response Plan is followed for all areas, and the same processes and treatment options apply across the Quarantine Area. In addition to eradication activities being undertaken by DPIRD, some local governments have taken the initiative to undertake additional, precautionary actions in relation to PSHB.
(e) DPIRD has a liaison officer to deliver the local government engagement strategy.
(f) Reimbursement for trees removed is not covered by the nationally cost-shared Response Plan.
(g) Not applicable.
(b) The Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007 does not allow the disclosure of information except under specific circumstances. DPIRD has explored options to provide relevant and current information to assist local governments’ operational efforts to support the PSHB response, noting the need to balance public interest with privacy interests, and has written to all local governments in the metropolitan area inviting them to enter an agreement for information sharing.
(c) The PSHB WA Host List is a live document hosted on the publicly available website at agric.wa.gov.au/borer. It is updated on a monthly basis and all local governments have access to this information. Any amendments to the Quarantine Area Notice, or revocations and reissuing of an amended notice, are advertised in the Gazette, on the PSHB webpage, the West Australian Newspaper and via DPIRD social media.
(d) DPIRD is delivering a national Response Plan for the eradication of PSHB from the Perth metropolitan area. The eradication strategy detailed in the Response Plan is followed for all areas, and the same processes and treatment options apply across the Quarantine Area. In addition to eradication activities being undertaken by DPIRD, some local governments have taken the initiative to undertake additional, precautionary actions in relation to PSHB.
(e) DPIRD has a liaison officer to deliver the local government engagement strategy.
(f) Reimbursement for trees removed is not covered by the nationally cost-shared Response Plan.
(g) Not applicable.
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