News & Updates

Earlier in June, PHBG was delighted to host an informative and engaging Weed Manager’s Networking Day, with presentations by industry experts and scientists working in both private and public sectors.  This event was specifically designed for land managers, who had only positive feedback for us after the event. Attendees said they found the speakers knowledgeable and their presentations both useful and educational. They particularly valued the opportunity to learn from these experts as well as other attendees about current programs and research.  We also received several great ideas for future events - do you have any? Drop us a line and we'll add your idea to the list.   Below are short summaries of the presentations. We encourage you to follow the links if you’d like to know more about the presenters or their work. Integrated weed management (IPM): What does this mean in revegetation or natural area management?   Brett Kuhlmann, Vivacious Surrounds Integrated ...

Landholders from Byford to Leschenault have the chance to grab some free herbicide and learn how to tackle one of WA’s most damaging environmental weeds this July through a series of Arum Lily Blitz workshops hosted by Peel Harvey Biosecurity Group (PHBG). Featuring guest presenter Ben Howell from Green Room Conservation, the workshops will provide practical, best-practice advice on managing arum lily on private property. Also known as death lily, arum lily is a declared weed that invades wetlands, waterways, bushland and agricultural land throughout the region. Dense infestations can smother native vegetation and reduce habitat for wildlife. The plant is also toxic to livestock, pets and people, as every part contains calcium oxalate. PHBG Executive Officer Rachel Rand said winter offered the best opportunity for communities to work together against the weed. "The more arum lily we control this season, the fewer plants we'll be dealing with next year," Ms Rand said. ...

Residents across the Peel-Harvey region are being invited to once again have their say on local biosecurity issues, with Peel Harvey Biosecurity Group (PHBG) opening its biennial community survey. Now in its second round, the survey builds on previous community feedback and will help guide the direction of biosecurity services across the region over the next two years. Key issues in Peel-Harvey include foxes, rabbits, wild pigs and invasive weeds such as cottonbush and Cape tulip. PHBG Communications Officer Suzie Winterton said the survey is key to tracking community awareness and ensuring services continue to meet changing needs.  "This is the second time we've run this survey, which means we can start to see how community understanding and priorities shift over time," she said.  "Biosecurity isn't just a farming issue - it affects everyone, from people living in our more urban spaces to large rural landholders. This survey will help us focus our efforts where ...

In April 2026, DPIRD put a Quarantine Area in place around South Perth and Como to curtail the spread of Queensland fruit fly (Qfly), which was detected in March.  Learn more about Qfly, what is being done about the most recent incursion and how you can report suspected Qfly on the DPIRD website .

Students at Mundijong Primary School have taken action to support local wildlife after learning about the challenges facing Western Australia’s iconic black cockatoos. During Term 1 this year, 28 Year 6 students used Peel Harvey Biosecurity Group’s (PHBG) Black Cockatoo Resource Box to learn about the threats facing our iconic and endangered local black cockatoo species, including habitat loss and competition for nesting hollows. Inspired by what they learned, the students organised a school fundraiser to contribute to local conservation efforts. By the end of March they had raised just over $400, which the students chose to donate to the Black Cockatoo Project run by local not-for-profit, Landcare SJ. PHBG commended the students for their initiative and enthusiasm in turning classroom learning into real-world action. “This is a really great example of young people turning what they learn at school into meaningful action,” said Ms Fran Lengeling, PHBG’s Learning and Engagement Coordin...

Recent changes to Western Australia’s Code of Practice for Registered Pesticides have revised requirements for the safe use of restricted pesticides, including 1080, PAPP and strychnine. Peel Harvey Biosecurity Group (PHBG) is encouraging landholders to come along to an upcoming workshop to learn about their responsibilities under the revised Code. “The requirement is still for landholders to complete training, obtain the appropriate permits, and use registered pesticides correctly as part of coordinated pest control efforts,” said Teele Hooper-Worrell, Executive Officer for PHBG. Under Western Australian legislation, landholders must hold a Registered Pesticide Permit (RPP) to possess or use restricted pesticides such as 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate), PAPP (para-aminopropiophenone) and strychnine. The new Code has updated requirements for training, storage, transport and use of these products for private landholders. To support landholders who wish to obtain or renew a permit, PHBG will...