News & Updates

  Consultation open until 22 May 2025 Landholders across Western Australia are being encouraged to have their say on the proposed Declared Pest Rates (DPR) for the 2025–26 financial year, with public consultation now open through the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD). The Declared Pest Rate is a state government levy collected from landholders in specified areas to fund the control of declared pests—such as invasive weeds and feral animals—that threaten our agriculture, biodiversity, and local communities. These funds are placed into the Declared Pest Account and matched by the WA Government. They are then used to support the on-ground biosecurity work delivered by Recognised Biosecurity Groups (RBGs), including the Peel Harvey Biosecurity Group (PHBG). PHBG uses DPR funding to run targeted control programs for pests like cotton bush, arum lily, rabbits, and foxes. Their efforts include education campaigns, community workshops, equipment hire, and c...

Peel Harvey Biosecurity Group (PHBG) recently carried out a targeted release of calicivirus, or rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RDHV), to help manage feral rabbit populations across the Peel-Harvey region. This initiative is an annual effort and forms part of PHBG’s ongoing pest control efforts in cooperation with the community and local government. Blood testing results Before the release, PHBG collected 38 blood samples from rabbits across its operational area to test for calicivirus antibodies, which indicate immunity to the virus. Blood samples from 38 rabbits were analysed. The results showed that 21% tested positive for RHDV1 antibodies, while 66% carried antibodies for RHDV2 — the dominant wild strain. Rabbits can test positive for antibodies of both strains. The high presence of antibodies indicated that a region-wide calicivirus release would be ineffective at reducing rabbit numbers.  Community participation A total of 54 landholders registered to take part in the blood drive...

Pesky Pests is a free, science-based education program for Foundation to Year 6 students, focused on environmental sustainability and linked to the Australian Curriculum. Read on to find out what's been happening during Term 1 of 2025. Update on the 2025 program Our Pesky Pests science education program for primary schools is off to a strong start in its second year. 2025 began with engaging school holiday sessions at local libraries, followed by our popular incursions making their way into classrooms as the school year got underway. What's in a Pesky Pests incursion? In a 90-minute lesson on feral animals, students explore the impact of invasive species and how to investigate the signs to identify local pests. Or in the seeds lesson, they learn what makes a plant invasive, examine the fascinating variety of seed shapes, and take part in hands-on experiments to understand how seeds spread through the environment. State NRM Stewardship grant application Building on the success ...