News & Updates

  From 16 October to 16 November 2025, Western Australians are invited to become citizen scientists during Biosecurity Blitz 2025 , an annual community campaign run by the Department of Primary Industries and Resource Development to spot unusual pests and protect our farms, environment and trade.  Now in its 10th year, the Blitz encourages people across WA, whether gardeners, landholders, students, or curious locals, to observe, learn, and report organisms in their backyards, bushland, paddocks or waterways. Participants can upload photos, geo-locations and descriptions of plants, animals, insects, aquatic pests or diseases through the MyPestGuide® Reporter app . Even “nothing to see” reports are valuable: confirming the absence of pests helps biosecurity experts get a clearer picture of where risks are (and aren’t).  Why we love the Biosecurity Blitz As the Recognised Biosecurity Group (RBG) for the Peel–Harvey region, Peel Harvey Biosecurity Group (PHBG) supports landh...

Peel-Harvey Biosecurity Group encourages local farmers to take advantage of a valuable opportunity through the Healthy Estuaries WA and Soils – New Horizons programs, which aim to support better fertiliser decision-making and protect the health of our region’s waterways and estuaries. This soil testing program aims to help farmers make informed, cost-effective nutrient decisions while improving long-term soil productivity. With over $5,000 in value per participating farm, this initiative is designed to benefit both producers and the environment. Join over 2,000 Western Australian farmers already working to improve soil health and reduce nutrient loss into our sensitive waterways. What’s included Successful applicants will receive: Soil sampling and chemical analysis for all eligible paddocks Colour-coded maps showing nutrient status and soil acidity Workshop access to discuss your results with peers and technical advisors One-on-one agronomic support from a qualified advisor of you...

  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...