The beetle behind the Kings Park tree removals is the polyphagous shot-hole borer (PSHB), an invasive pest that carries a fungus capable of damaging trees. The work began with 23 heavily infested trees at Mounts Bay Gardens in 2024, then expanded in stages along the Mount Eliza escarpment during 2024–25. The removals are part of a biosecurity response, followed by restoration—not evidence that the beetle has been eradicated.
What beetle was found in Kings Park?
It was the polyphagous shot-hole borer, commonly shortened to PSHB. Native to Southeast Asia, this small beetle tunnels into tree trunks, stems and branches. As it tunnels, it cultivates a Fusarium fungus for food. The fungus can spread through the tunnels and block the movement of water and nutrients, weakening the tree and potentially causing it to die. Kings Park’s project page explains the damage and response.
Western Australia identified PSHB in the state in August 2021, according to a 2024 state government release. That release described a Perth metropolitan quarantine area at the time; it does not establish the current boundary. Check DPIRD’s current information for applicable maps and movement rules.
Why were trees removed?
Infested trees can become unsafe or die, and an untreated tree can remain a source of beetles that may spread to nearby trees. Removing heavily infested trees is therefore used to help contain spread and protect surrounding botanic garden, parkland and bushland. It is a management measure, not proof that every beetle has been eliminated.
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An Australian Government statement from 8 June 2024 said there was then no known chemical solution to eradicate PSHB and that pruning or removing infested trees could help contain it. That is a dated description of the response as understood in June 2024, not a claim about every treatment option currently available. Read the statement.
Which trees were removed, and when?
Initial work at Mounts Bay Gardens
On 29 February 2024, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) announced planned removal of 23 heavily infested trees at Mounts Bay Gardens, also known as Goonininup. They included Moreton Bay figs and Port Jackson figs. The state release said a specialist arborist would carry out the work, expected to take up to three weeks, and that the area had been fenced for safety. See DPIRD’s announcement.
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Further removals on the Mount Eliza escarpment
Surveillance found additional heavily infested trees along the escarpment, including trees infested down to the lower trunk. BGPA announced additional removals there on 5 August 2024; its later project update describes further staged removals during 2024–25 to protect the botanic garden, parkland and bushland. Read BGPA’s August 2024 update.
DPIRD reported in its 2024 announcement that more than 1.6 million trees had been inspected on about 50,000 properties as part of what it called Western Australia’s biggest surveillance and eradication program. Those are figures published in 2024, not current totals. The release provides that context.
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Does a drop in beetle numbers mean PSHB is gone?
No. BGPA reports a significant drop in PSHB presence in traps after the March 2024 Mount Eliza escarpment removals. Its update also says surveillance is ongoing and further infested trees may still need to be managed. Lower trap counts are encouraging monitoring results, but they do not establish eradication. See the current project page for BGPA’s updates.
What is replacing the removed trees?
Removal and restoration are separate parts of the response. BGPA describes slope reprofiling and erosion-control work, followed by replanting with species native to the escarpment. Its project update reports that 20,000 plants were planted in 2025 between Kennedy Fountain and Kings Towers, as part of a staged program of approximately 60,000 plants grown from seed collected from the scarp. The project page says major works are complete while restoration and surveillance continue; check it for the latest totals and dates. Mount Eliza Escarpment Project.
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How can you report suspected shot-hole borer?
Report a suspected sighting to DPIRD rather than trying to manage or remove an affected tree yourself. Kings Park lists these reporting options:
- Use the MyPestGuide Reporter app or site.
- Contact DPIRD’s Pest and Disease Information Service at +61 (0)8 9368 3080 or [email protected].
Quarantine boundaries and rules for moving wood or plant material can change. Before transporting any such material, consult DPIRD’s current map and instructions.
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What should visitors know about access?
BGPA’s October 2025 project update says an exclusion zone remains at Mounts Bay Gardens (Goonininup). It also says Lovers Walk has been demolished and no longer connects Kokoda Steps to Perth city; visitors should use Fraser Avenue or Jacob’s Ladder to enter or leave Kings Park. Closures can change, so check BGPA’s project page for current access information before visiting.
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