National response to PSHB enters new phase

Following a decision by the National Management Group (NMG), Australia's response to the invasive polyphagous shot-hole borer (PSHB) has entered a new phase, transitioning from eradication to management through the delivery of an 18-month, nationally-supported transition program.

On 18 June 2025, the NMG, acting on the latest scientific data and advice from leading plant biosecurity experts, agreed that it was no longer technically feasible to eradicate PSHB from Australia.

The NMG has recently endorsed an 18-month Transition to Management Response Plan (T2MRP), with all Australian governments contributing to the cost of this critical phase.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) will work closely with industry, community and local government partners to:

• Stop the spread of PSHB beyond the Perth metropolitan area through targeted surveillance and tree management.
• Minimise the impact of PSHB and build our collective capacity to manage the pest long-term.
• Ensure best-practice management strategies are in place for all stakeholders.

A structured plan for the future

The T2MRP is structured around four key programs designed to manage this transition effectively:

1. Orderly transition of eradication activities: Concluding the previous eradication tasks in a structured way to ensure continuity and minimise disruption for residents and industry.
2. Slow the spread: Implementing targeted surveillance, compliance and tree treatment to reduce the rate of PSHB spread, while providing practical opportunities for training and upskilling our partners.
3. Capacity building and training: Supporting landowners, local governments, industry, and communities through the development of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs, accessible resources, and practical training initiatives.
4. Future proofing: Preparing all stakeholders for long-term management through dedicated research, the development of improved surveillance tools, and the establishment of sustainable management systems.

Quarantine area remains in effect

This transition phase does not mean a relaxation of containment measures. The PSHB Quarantine Area (QA) for the Perth metropolitan area remains in full effect.

Movement restrictions on materials such as tree prunings, untreated mulch (over 2.5 cm in diameter), unseasoned wood, and host plants (with stems over 2 cm in diameter) are still in place. Adhering to these restrictions is our best defence against spreading PSHB to new areas.

Our shared responsibility

Your collaboration has been critical during the eradication phase, and it will remain essential as we move towards a future of long-term PSHB management. This new phase reinforces the shared responsibility we all have in protecting Western Australia’s unique environment and urban canopy.

This eNews edition focuses on introducing the new program and the team that will deliver it. Further details on how you can best engage with the program will be released shortly, including a calendar of upcoming forums and training opportunities.

We look forward to continuing our work with you to slow the spread of this pest and build a resilient and informed community.

For further information, please see the T2M Response Plan Summary.

Steve Nel
PSHB Incident Controller

Source and Photo: DPIRD 

Introducing the PSHB Capacity Building and Training team

As we move into the Transition to Management (T2M) phase for PSHB, empowering our community with the right tools and knowledge is paramount. The Capacity Building and Training (CB&T) team, one of the fundamental pillars of the T2M Plan, will work to enable stakeholders to manage PSHB independently and effectively by building long-term capability and resilience within communities, industry, and local government.

Our key activities

The CB&T team will focus on delivering practical support and resources through several key activities:

• Delivery of comprehensive training programs, technical workshops, and community awareness campaigns.
• Development of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program, which includes tailored manuals, pest and host identification guides, digital resources, and effective treatment protocols.

Meet the team

The CB&T team works actively across Western Australia, supporting our most affected stakeholders while also ensuring the rest of the state outside the PSHB Quarantine Area (QA) is prepared for long-term PSHB management.

• CB&T Manager: Tomas Paul leads and coordinates all CB&T activities, preparing stakeholders for the future of PSHB management.
• Training Development Officer: Courtney Butterworth leads the production of the training materials and delivery methods that will support the successful adoption of the IPM Program.

Local Government Training Team

Mack Dowling, Maiya Chelliah and Vail Reynolds coordinate and deliver local government-specific programs for stakeholders in metropolitan and regional councils. Their training programs will focus on strategic tree management, risk assessment for public spaces, and coordination with community efforts. Contact the team at:  PSHB.CBT.LGA@dpird.wa.gov.au.

Industry Training Team

Jane Yang, Ross Morshead, and Jake Plummer are focused on delivering industry-specific programs for stakeholders in arboriculture, nurseries, and other relevant industries. Their training programs will cover best practices for PSHB prevention, effective treatment, and biosecurity protocols. Contact the team at PSHB.CBT.Industry@dpird.wa.gov.au.

Community Training Team

Sheona Meisinger, Luke Mckeown and Maddy Webster coordinate and deliver community-focused programs to build awareness and improve PSHB management capability. Their training programs will provide practical, accessible information for homeowners and community members on how to identify and manage PSHB in their own backyards. Contact the team at PSHB.CBT.Community@dpird.wa.gov.au.

Support Officers

Mitchell Lawrence and Tahlee McVee oversee the PSHB General Information Line ensuring timely, accurate and consistent responses to enquiries from the public, local governments, industry stakeholders and community groups. This team plays a central role in connecting stakeholders with the right resources and support. Contact the team at PSHB.CBT.Information@dpird.wa.gov.au.

CB&T Manager Tomas Paul said his team can’t wait to harness the knowledge, relationships and groundwork established over the first phase of the response to empower every part of the WA community and beyond to combat PSHB. 

“The team is made up of motivated and passionate people who’ve built their expertise over the last few years, with diverse skill sets honed in the field, planning, logistics and case and stakeholder management,” Tomas said.

He added that their dedication is inspiring. “Their willingness to face a challenge and participate with communities to manage and control the threat PSHB poses to their local environments inspires me, and I’m fortunate to work with each of them.”

Get involved!

Training programs will be rolled out over the T2M period. If you would like to register your interest, receive updates on upcoming workshops, or access CB&T resources as they become available, please visit the PSHB website or contact the relevant training team listed above.

Source and Photo: DPIRD [The CB&T team]

Further information

Polyphagous shot-hole borer eNews is produced by the response team at the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD).  If you have any questions or information to share, please email pshbpublicinformation@dpird.wa.gov.au.

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Important disclaimer
The Chief Executive Officer of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and the State of Western Australia accept no liability whatsoever by reason of negligence or otherwise arising from the use or release of this information or any part of it.

Copyright © State of Western Australia (Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development), 2025