WITH the establishment of new quarantine zones in the Perth metropolitan area, further restrictions on the transport of plant materials has been put into effect.

The inner management zone of the quarantine area covers areas of Ellenbrook, Midland, and Kalamunda, while the outer containment zone covers areas of Mundaring and Gidgegannup.

Movement restrictions between the new areas for firewood, green waste, and untreated plant material have been applied.

These restrictions encompass host plant material such as unseasoned wood, green waste and mulch that is larger than 2.5cm in diameter, and live plants with woody stems greater than 2cm in diameter.

A DPIRD spokesperson said that preventing the spread of shot hole borer is a responsibility of everyone in the community.

“Untreated or unseasoned firewood, green waste, mulch, live plants and plant materials must not be moved from the management zone to the containment zone and/or from the containment zone to outside the quarantine area,” they said.

“Machinery, equipment and vehicles used to process or handle wood, including mulching and chipping, must be thoroughly cleaned of all wood and plant material, before being moved.

“Everyone has an important role to play in preventing the spread of shot hole borer and minimising its impact. Adhering to movement restrictions and reporting suspect infestations are key to helping prevent the spread of the pest to the rest of the state.

“Anyone in the containment zone or outside the quarantine area who suspects a tree may be infested should report it via DPIRD’s MyPestGuide Reporter app or to the Pest and Disease Information Service at padis@dpird.wa.gov.au or call 08 9368 3080.

“Landholders can determine what zone they are located in by consulting an interactive map on the DPIRD website.”

For access to the interactive quarantine map visit their website.