US EditionWA Loses War Against Invasive Pest
- Western Australia detected the invasive Polyphagous shot-hole borer beetle in 2021 in Perth, where it has infected about 4,800 trees.
- The pest's rapid spread and damage led the state government to concede eradication is no longer feasible and shift to managing the infestation.
- Since its initial detection in Perth in 2021, the beetle has expanded its reach to numerous suburbs within multiple local government jurisdictions, causing widespread damage to trees in parks, urban woodlands, private gardens, and conservation areas.
- The government allocated $26.5 million to slow the beetle's spread, protect healthy trees, and support the horticulture industry amid no proven treatment except tree removal.
- Without coordinated funding and action, experts warn the pest could spread nationally, threatening Australia's $24 billion forestry sector and urban canopies.
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15 Articles
15 Articles
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Left
5
Center
3
Right
1
Coverage Details
Total News Sources15
Leaning Left5Leaning Right1Center3Last UpdatedBias Distribution56% Left
Bias Distribution
- 56% of the sources lean Left
56% Left
L 56%
C 33%
11%
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