News & Updates

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 .

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. ...