- Revamped Kings Park Biosecurity Trail ready for National Biosecurity Week
- Community-driven surveillance highlighted as part of new trail
- Cook Labor Government strengthening Western Australia’s biosecurity and helping Western Australians enjoy and appreciate nature
Western Australians are being encouraged to keep an eye out for unusual pests and diseases, with a revamped biosecurity trail at Kings Park highlighting the important role the community plays in protecting the State.
The recently upgraded Western Australian Botanic Garden Biosecurity Trail is being showcased as part of National Biosecurity Week, which highlights the critical role biosecurity plays in protecting our environment and strengthening the horticultural and agricultural industries that underpin our food supply, economy and way of life.
The self-guided trail through Kings Park’s botanic garden helps visitors learn about some of the key plant pests and diseases that could threaten Western Australia’s unique environment and primary industries.
TheBiosecurity Trail in Kings Park’s botanic garden is educating visitors about the key plant pests and diseases which can have an impact on WA flora and the environment, industry and the community.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) worked with the Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority (BGPA) to update the trail signage.
New information includes hitchhiker pests, as well as updated information about polyphagous shot-hole borer, armillaria, red imported fire ants, myrtle rust and phytophthora dieback.
Each sign has QR codes for more information and how to report using DPIRD’s MyPestGuide Reporter app.
With around five million visitors to Kings Park annually, the trail is a great way to engage with the community on biosecurity while they enjoy the unique biodiversity and wildflowers in the iconic Western Australian Botanic Garden.
To report suspected pests and diseases download the MyPestGuide Reporter app for free from Google Play and Apple App Store
More information on the Botanic Garden Biosecurity Trail is available from the Kings Park and Botanic Garden website.
Comments attributed to Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis:
“Biosecurity is everyone’s responsibility and National Biosecurity Week is a great opportunity to highlight the important role we can all play in protecting Western Australia from pests and diseases.
“Recent detections of H5 bird flu have shown just how serious biosecurity threats can be and why strong surveillance and early detection are so important.
“The community has been an important partner in our bird flu response, with almost 4,000 reports made to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline so far.
“I encourage all visitors to Kings Park to take a walk along the biosecurity trail to learn more about plant pests and diseases and how to report using the MyPestGuide Reporter app.”
As stated by the Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn:
“Community reports are an important part of our biosecurity defences and can help us identify new pests and diseases before they have the opportunity to become established.
“The Kings Park Biosecurity Trail is a fantastic way for families and visitors to learn what to look out for while enjoying one of Western Australia’s most iconic locations.”
