Claremont council flags bold $240k-a-year plan to fight invasive tree-killing pest
Claremont council is set to allocate significant new funding to combat the devastating ball borer insect that is tearing through Perth’s urban canopy.
The council approved a strategy to address the spread of the polyphagous cannonball borer at its meeting last month.
The long-term management plan, with an annual cost of $240,000, is expected to be formally adopted as part of the 2026-27 budget process in June.
The invasive insect has already infested hundreds of trees in the suburb and has resulted in the removal of 250 trees to date, including 73 street trees and 177 trees in parks.
The town has spent $20,000 a month since December to urgently treat the affected trees.
The new strategy plans to continue this funding from 2026-27 and will increase the annual cost of ongoing management of the infestation to $240,000 per year.
The strategy outlines a proactive approach, including tree removal and pruning, chemical treatments, ongoing monitoring and investing in tree health to improve resilience.
It also recommends testing emerging treatment methods and collaborating with scientific and commercial experts, as well as increasing surveillance measures such as trapping and data collection.
The move follows a $110,009 funding increase from the State Government through the Local Government Grant Scheme towards saving the WA tree.
The program was introduced after the State Government stepped back from eradication efforts and handed over responsibility for managing the pest to local governments.
Claremont’s credentials as one of Perth’s “greenest” suburbs could be at risk if the infestation is left unchecked, according to the strategy report. Loss of canopy could potentially contribute to increased urban temperatures and decreased comfort.
A progress report on the effectiveness of the program is expected to be published in early 2027, and ongoing funding is likely to be needed as the council continues to respond to the pest.
