News & Updates

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...

Twenty local landholders gathered last Saturday despite the heat to tackle one of Australia’s most costly invasive pests at a hands-on rabbit control workshop hosted by the Peel-Harvey Biosecurity Group (PHBG). The Practical Rabbit Control for Small Landholders workshop was held at a site with active rabbit warrens in North Dandalup. Participants learned to identify rabbit activity, mark burrow entrances, use a warren smoker, and set pindone bait stations correctly. PHBG Feral Animal Officer Lacey Ford was encouraged to see how many landholders took advantage of free bait station loan equipment at the workshops and said rabbit baiting could be a highly effective control method when used correctly. “It’s crucial to follow label instructions, and using bait stations to reduce off-target risk and coordinating efforts with neighbours can extend successful rabbit control across property lines,” she said. Ms Ford acknowledged that pesticide use can be controversial, but said that baiting is ...

Peel Harvey Biosecurity Group (PHBG) launched the Weed Wiper Loan Program in 2021 to combat the invasive and toxic Cape tulip ( Moraea flaccida and miniata ). This initiative offers a cost-effective, environmentally responsible and selective control method by making weed wipers available for landowners to borrow at no cost. A weed wiper directly applies herbicide to the comparatively tall Cape tulip, killing the weed while preserving the valuable underlying pasture. This approach significantly reduces overall herbicide use and spray drift compared to conventional boom spraying. The program has grown consistently since its introduction. Beginning with under 20 landholders who borrowed PHBG's weed wipers, participation has more than tripled. In 2025, the program had over 60 participating landholders. The program’s impact is particularly strong in the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale, which accounted for over 80% of equipment loans in 2025.  The future In response to increasing demand ...

  Peel-Harvey landholders are being asked to collect rabbit blood samples this summer, after new evidence suggests most local rabbits may now be immune to a key biocontrol tool, calicivirus. Testing by the Peel Harvey Biosecurity Group (PHBG) earlier this year found that two-thirds of sampled rabbits carried antibodies to one or both strains of calicivirus. That means a broad release of the virus would likely have little effect on rabbit numbers. PHBG Executive Officer Teele Hooper-Worrell said the group now needs a much larger pool of samples to identify where the virus could still make a difference when released late this summer. “Each year we plan staged calicivirus releases across the Peel-Harvey region,” she said. “The study we did last summer was small but showed high resistance levels. To achieve the most effective impact this season, we need more samples from more properties.” PHBG is calling on local shooters, whether landholders or professionals, to pick up a free ‘shoot...

Local not-for-profit Peel Harvey Biosecurity Group, has been awarded the 2025 Australian Biosecurity Award - Community. The awards, issued by the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, recognise and celebrate those who have shown a commitment to supporting and promoting Australia’s biosecurity and the systems that underpin it.  PHBG Executive Officer Teele Hooper-Worrell said she was proud of what the team had accomplished. “We’re a small team and our operational area is fairly unique - it’s heavily populated and has the full mix of properties, from rural to peri-urban to urban, from inland farms and lifestyle properties to smaller coastal blocks. It can be quite challenging to make sure we can stay in touch with, and deliver our services to, such a diverse community. This award recognises the impact our group has delivered since incorporation in 2014.” One of 14 recognised biosecurity groups in WA, PHBG helps landholders in their operational area...

As of 14 November, a new Quarantine Area is in effect to help contain the PSHB. The entire Perth metropolitan area will be under quarantine to minimise the spread of the beetle, divided into an 'inner management zone' and an outer 'containment' zone.  For more information, see our PSHB page or the department's media release .

Peel Harvey Biosecurity Group is delighted to invite industry professionals to a three-day course that will explore effective communication with the broader public.  Control and management of declared pests is becoming increasingly difficult and complex. Increasing urbanisation and decreasing acceptance of lethal control methods is putting pressure on public land managers to protect the community from the effects of declared pests, while reducing the options they have to do so.  The effects of declared pests are wide-ranging, affecting those who live in both urban and rural environments. Declared pest control is no longer solely the remit of rural communities - in fact, the majority of declared pest queries and reports received by PHBG come from urban and peri-urban areas.  Effective engagement with the members of the community allows firm, clear messages to be shared and understood despite the diverse concerns of landholders. Productive conversations about ethics and ani...