The beetle is highly invasive and targets a wide range of plant species by tunnelling into the trunks, stems and branches where it cultivates Fusarium?fungus as a food source. This fungus then restricts the movement of water and nutrients within the tree, which leads to Fusarium dieback and tree mortality.  

As part of our biosecurity surveillance measures, PSHB has been detected within the Melaleuca Swamp area at our South Street campus. 

>>Enlarge the map of area<< 

(Map outlines where the Melaleuca Swamp is located on campus, near the intersection of Murdoch Drive and Farrington Road. The sections marked in orange indicate where PSHB has been identified.)

The University is working with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) on a management and treatment plan to eradicate the pest. This will involve removal of approximately 70 PSHB-affected trees from Melaleuca Swamp.

The works will be managed by DPIRD and are scheduled to commence in late November. We do not anticipate there will be any impact to our campus operations. 

Murdoch University is developing a restoration plan to rehabilitate the area in a way that respects and honours First Nations knowledge and practices. This work will continue once PSHB removal works are completed. This approach will not only aid in the ecological recovery of the Melaleuca Swamp but will foster a deeper connection with the cultural heritage of the region.