❓ Hon. Simon Ehrenfeld questions the Minister for Agriculture and Food regarding financial responsibility for polyphagous shot-hole borer tree removal and support measures for affected households. The Minister clarifies the government's position and outlines support initiatives.
AnsweredQoN 1248Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
Polyphagous shot-hole borer
1248. Hon Simon Ehrenfeld to the Minister for
Agriculture and Food:
I refer to
the article in the Post on 17 October 2025 titled
"Residents face $5000 borer bills".
(1) Why has the government made landowners
financially responsible for the removal of infected trees?
(2) What support measures are in place for
households facing significant expenses linked to shot-hole borer tree management,
particularly in heavily affected areas?
1248. Hon Simon Ehrenfeld to the Minister for
Agriculture and Food:
I refer to
the article in the Post on 17 October 2025 titled
"Residents face $5000 borer bills".
(1) Why has the government made landowners
financially responsible for the removal of infected trees?
(2) What support measures are in place for
households facing significant expenses linked to shot-hole borer tree management,
particularly in heavily affected areas?
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the
honourable member for some notice of the question.
(1) Under the transition to management, tree
removal and pruning in the management zone has been discontinued.
Responsibility for tree management lies with landowners and managers, supported
by DPIRD's advice and training. Landholders in the management zone will not be
required to remove trees affected by the borer.
(2) The Cook government has provided funding for a
number of initiatives, including $2.5 million for local government authorities
within the management zone that can choose to use this funding to support
private landholders. The government is also delivering a $7.2 million tree
replacement program to protect and increase Perth's urban tree canopy and
providing $2.17 million to the WA Agricultural Research Collaboration for
shot-hole borer research projects. A dedicated team has been established within
DPIRD to provide practical support, training and resources
to build long-term capability and resilience within communities, industry
and local government.
honourable member for some notice of the question.
(1) Under the transition to management, tree
removal and pruning in the management zone has been discontinued.
Responsibility for tree management lies with landowners and managers, supported
by DPIRD's advice and training. Landholders in the management zone will not be
required to remove trees affected by the borer.
(2) The Cook government has provided funding for a
number of initiatives, including $2.5 million for local government authorities
within the management zone that can choose to use this funding to support
private landholders. The government is also delivering a $7.2 million tree
replacement program to protect and increase Perth's urban tree canopy and
providing $2.17 million to the WA Agricultural Research Collaboration for
shot-hole borer research projects. A dedicated team has been established within
DPIRD to provide practical support, training and resources
to build long-term capability and resilience within communities, industry
and local government.
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