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Community Survey provides clear direction for future pest management programs

More people than ever before have had their say on pest management in the Peel-Harvey region, with a 28% increase in participants on our previous survey in 2024. Rabbits remain the region's biggest concern Survey results confirm that rabbits remain the number one pest concern across every local government area, with foxes consistently ranking second. While these priorities were shared across the region, local differences also emerged. For example, feral pigs were identified as a much greater issue in Harvey than elsewhere, while cotton bush, Cape tulip and arum lily featured prominently in Ser pentine Jarrahdale and Murray. Continued demand for practical support The survey also provided valuable feedback on the support landholders would like to see from PHBG. Many respondents asked for more practical workshops, equipment demonstrations and on-ground advice, particularly around rabbit control and weed management. Rabbit management was by far the most requested workshop topic, follow...
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Dwellingup Primary School students build homes for special locals

Last term, students from Dwellingup Primary School rolled up their sleeves and joined us for a hands-on nest box building workshop! Working together, they built a variety of nesting boxes, including a possum box, an owl box, a pardalote box and a bat box. The nest boxes will soon be installed around the school, where they'll provide valuable habitat for local wildlife. Even better, the students will be monitoring the boxes over time with support from the Peel Harvey Biosecurity Group, giving them the chance to see conservation in action and learn more about the animals that call their school grounds home. A big thank you to all the students for their enthusiasm and fantastic work. Thanks also go to the Shire of Murray for partnering with us to deliver the nest box workshop, and to Landcare SJ for loaning us their power drills. 
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H151 Bird influenza confirmed in WA

In June 2026, H5 (H151) bird flu was confirmed near Esperance on our south coast. Internationally this disease has caused deaths in more than 560 species of birds and 100 species of mammals. DPIRD is working with the Federal Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry to manage the state's response. The most up-to-date information will be available from the DPIRD alerts page .
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Bridging research and practice: a recap of the Weed Manager’s Networking Day

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 ...
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Arum lily blitz to help landholders tackle toxic weed

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. ...
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Community invited to shape Peel-Harvey biosecurity priorities

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 ...
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Queensland fruit fly found in South Perth

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 .
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