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Western Australian Councils fight wildflower killer

Local Governments in Perth and the south west are taking an active role in managing the deadly plant disease 'Phytophthora dieback'. Known as dieback or cinnamon fungus disease, the soil borne, fungal like, plant disease is a significant threat to the biodiversity of forests and heathland in south west Western Australia.

It has been described as a 'biological bulldozer', and its impact as a 'biological disaster of global significance' killing up to 25 percent of native flora.

Many activities undertaken by Councils involve the movement of soil and plants, therefore potentially spreading the disease.

A new document titled 'Managing Phytophthora Dieback &endash; Guidelines for Local Government' has been published by the Dieback Working Group, a Local Government and community based group.

These new guidelines make practical, cost effective suggestions. These can usually be implemented using existing resources and skills.

Many Councils have committed to implementing the guidelines, and a nationally accredited training package has been delivered to the works crews, supervisors and managers at four Councils.

These include the Shire of Kalamunda, the Cities of Gosnells and Armadale and the Town of Kwinana. A further 12 are expected to join in soon.

The guidelines were recently handed over to the Deputy Shire President of the Shire

of Kalamunda, Councillor Elizabeth Taylor, by Minister for the Environment, Cheryl Edwardes, and the Minister for Local Government, Paul Omodei.

"The Shire of Kalamunda has been a major sponsor of these guidelines, and we hope they will assist us to protect bushland in our Shire, as well as bushland and forests throughout the south west," Councillor Taylor said.

The Minister for Local Government congratulated the Dieback Working Group on their efforts and recognised the foresight of the Shire of Kalamunda in sponsoring this important initiative.

Funding was provided by the Natural Heritage Trust, the Shire of Kalamunda and the Department of Conservation and Land Management.

For further information contact the Chairperson of the Dieback Working Group, Dr Ian Colquhoun, telephone (08) 9397 6813.

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