Australia’s forest industries are disappointed the Commonwealth and State governments have given up trying to eradicate the insidious Polyphagous Shot-hole borer (PSHB), a tiny, imported beetle with the potential to destroy Australian forests and devastate our forestry industry, Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA), Diana Hallam said today.
The National Management Group (NMG) met on Wednesday and determined it was no longer feasible to eradicate the pest – and a transition to management will now be finalised.
“We’re disappointed that governments have effectively accepted the PSHB is here and here to stay. The likelihood it spreads from metropolitan Perth to other parts of the country has increased as a consequence of the decision to move from an eradication to a management strategy,” Diana Hallam said.
“The risk this beetle poses to trees in forestry operations, national parks, reserves and even backyards is immense and the cost borne by our industry and other stakeholders, like local councils, to prevent its spread and manage its risk will unfortunately, likely increase.
“We know in South Africa and California, where PSHB has already established itself, the losses and cost of management are in the billions of dollars across local governments, horticulture, forestry and the environment through tree deaths or increased management costs.
“Despite our disappointment, we do welcome the Western Australian Government’s commitment of $26.5 million towards the PSHB response in the State’s Budget announced this week.
“AFPA will continue to work with our industry and other stakeholders on the impact of the NMG’s decision and protecting forestry operations from the PSHB moving forward,” Diana Hallam concluded.