Community and Environmental Health
Welcome to the City of Armadale’s Community and Environmental Health page. This page is your central resource for understanding and managing environmental issues affecting our community, including tree pests like the Polyphagous Shot-Hole Borer (PSHB) and the 5-Spined Bark Beetle. Our aim is to provide accurate, helpful information to support our community while encouraging calm and proactive action.
Current Environmental Concerns:
Polyphagous Shot-Hole Borer (PSHB)
The Polyphagous Shot-Hole Borer (PSHB) is an invasive beetle that targets a wide range of plants by boring into trunks and branches, introducing a fungus that can kill trees over time. This beetle has been confirmed in the City of Armadale, which is now part of a designated Quarantine Area.
Key Details:
- Quarantine Restrictions: Residents must avoid moving untreated wood or large plant materials out of the area unless chipped or permitted. Machinery used for green waste handling must also be cleaned.
- Symptoms: Small shot-like holes in the bark, discolouration, and dieback.
- What You Can Do: Report suspected infestations using MyPestGuide or contact the DPIRD Pest and Disease Information Service. Follow DPIRD's guidelines to minimise spread.
Visit DPIRD's official PSHB webpage for detailed resources, including maps and frequently asked questions.
Visit the City's Engage page here.
5-Spined Bark Beetle (Ips grandicollis)
The 5-Spined Bark Beetle is a pest that primarily attacks pine trees, boring under the bark and causing internal damage. Rapid reproduction in favourable conditions can lead to significant tree loss, particularly in areas under environmental stress, such as drought-affected regions.
Key Details:
- Current Infestation: Detected in Broadway Park and nearby areas in Piara Waters. The City is removing and treating affected trees while monitoring surrounding areas.
- Symptoms: Browning needles, sap accumulation, canopy thinning, and weakened tree structures.
- What You Can Do: Stay informed about pest risks and avoid moving infested tree materials to new locations.
For more information on the 5-Spined Bark Beetle, visit the Business Queensland and Australian Government Agriculture sites.
Visit the City's Engage page here.
Protecting Our Green Spaces:
The City of Armadale is actively managing these infestations with guidance from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) and other stakeholders. Our measures include:
- Educating residents and contractors.
- Adopting cleaning and disinfection protocols.
- Monitoring and treating affected areas.
- Reviewing environmental practices to improve resilience.
We encourage all community members to support these efforts by learning about these pests, reporting potential infestations, and practising preventative measures.
Contact Us:
For further information, questions, or feedback, email us at info@armadale.wa.gov.au. Together, we can protect our community’s green spaces and environmental health.
Welcome to the City of Armadale’s Community and Environmental Health page. This page is your central resource for understanding and managing environmental issues affecting our community, including tree pests like the Polyphagous Shot-Hole Borer (PSHB) and the 5-Spined Bark Beetle. Our aim is to provide accurate, helpful information to support our community while encouraging calm and proactive action.
Current Environmental Concerns:
Polyphagous Shot-Hole Borer (PSHB)
The Polyphagous Shot-Hole Borer (PSHB) is an invasive beetle that targets a wide range of plants by boring into trunks and branches, introducing a fungus that can kill trees over time. This beetle has been confirmed in the City of Armadale, which is now part of a designated Quarantine Area.
Key Details:
- Quarantine Restrictions: Residents must avoid moving untreated wood or large plant materials out of the area unless chipped or permitted. Machinery used for green waste handling must also be cleaned.
- Symptoms: Small shot-like holes in the bark, discolouration, and dieback.
- What You Can Do: Report suspected infestations using MyPestGuide or contact the DPIRD Pest and Disease Information Service. Follow DPIRD's guidelines to minimise spread.
Visit DPIRD's official PSHB webpage for detailed resources, including maps and frequently asked questions.
Visit the City's Engage page here.
5-Spined Bark Beetle (Ips grandicollis)
The 5-Spined Bark Beetle is a pest that primarily attacks pine trees, boring under the bark and causing internal damage. Rapid reproduction in favourable conditions can lead to significant tree loss, particularly in areas under environmental stress, such as drought-affected regions.
Key Details:
- Current Infestation: Detected in Broadway Park and nearby areas in Piara Waters. The City is removing and treating affected trees while monitoring surrounding areas.
- Symptoms: Browning needles, sap accumulation, canopy thinning, and weakened tree structures.
- What You Can Do: Stay informed about pest risks and avoid moving infested tree materials to new locations.
For more information on the 5-Spined Bark Beetle, visit the Business Queensland and Australian Government Agriculture sites.
Visit the City's Engage page here.
Protecting Our Green Spaces:
The City of Armadale is actively managing these infestations with guidance from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) and other stakeholders. Our measures include:
- Educating residents and contractors.
- Adopting cleaning and disinfection protocols.
- Monitoring and treating affected areas.
- Reviewing environmental practices to improve resilience.
We encourage all community members to support these efforts by learning about these pests, reporting potential infestations, and practising preventative measures.
Contact Us:
For further information, questions, or feedback, email us at info@armadale.wa.gov.au. Together, we can protect our community’s green spaces and environmental health.