Ms. Mettam inquires about state government research, work, and funding related to tree decline and canker pathogen in the South West. The response indicates research is primarily conducted by Murdoch University with in-kind DBCA support, and no direct funding was allocated in the specified years.

AnsweredQoN 5802Legislative Assembly
Asked
26 November 2019
Portfolio
Environment

QuestionView source ↗

(1) What research is currently being
undertaken by the state government regarding threats of canker pathogen and
other issues surrounding tree declines in the South West region? (2) What
work is currently being undertaken by the state government with respect to developing resistance to the canker pathogen and other issues surrounding tree
declines in the South West region? (3) What
is the total amount of funding that has been spent by the state government on
this issue in each of the following financial years: (a) 2017-18; and (b) 2018-19? (4) What is the total amount of funding estimated to be spent by the state government in each of the following financial
years: (a) 2019-20; and (b) 2020-21?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered
11 February 2020
Responded by
Parliamentary Secretary representing the Minister for Environment
Response time
4 days
(1)-(2) Murdoch University is undertaking research on this subject and is keeping the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) informed of findings. In past years DBCA has contributed in-kind support to trials established by Murdoch University investigating the susceptibility of tree populations to canker, drought and marri blight.
DBCA undertakes a range of monitoring and research projects in south-west forest areas that include investigations relevant to tree health. Information collected includes the incidence of marri canker and other factors that may contribute to tree decline. Results to date indicate a low incidence of marri canker at the landscape scale.
(3)(a)-(b) No funding was spent by DBCA to work on the canker pathogen in 2017-18 and 2018-19.
(4)(a)-(b) No funding is allocated to DBCA in 2019-20 and 2020-21 to work on the canker pathogen.

Explore WA Government Data

Search the full archive in the free dashboard, or query programmatically via API.

Explore more