The South Australian State Government has made a commitment to keep Kangaroo Island free of the Giant Pine Scale (GPS) pest which is well-established in Victoria and may make its way through the Green Triangle. Source: Timberbiz
KIPT managing director Keith Lamb said the commitment by Government was a boost for the biosecurity status of Kangaroo Island.
“Kangaroo Island is already recognised for its biosecurity status, particularly in relation to honey and potatoes, and we support efforts to maintain and extend such protections,” Mr Lamb said.
“Many of the Islandʼs industries rely on its special status, including the canola industry, with KI to remain a GMO-free zone. Now the Islandʼs seven growers of pinus radiata, including KIPT, will also be protected.”
South Australian Minister for Primary Industries Tim Whetstone said it was unfortunate that GPS was well-established in Victoria.
“There are no formal controls in Victoria to limit its spread to other states. I understand PIRSA has been working with industry and it has been agreed it is impractical to restrict movements of forest products within the green triangle. As such, it is not considered possible to restrict the movement of GPS host material from Victoria into South Australia,” he said
“However, I am advised PIRSA and industry have agreed to implement controls on the movement of GPS host material onto Kangaroo Island.
“In terms of surveillance, I am advised PIRSA met with industry in May 2019, to determine options for managing GPS and to discuss proposals for self funding GPS surveillance in the metropolitan areas of Adelaide and in some regional towns.
“I understand a proposal is currently being developed which would see PIRSA assist in confirming outcomes, developing a plan to help to achieve these and in providing surveillance on a fee for service basis. I also understand this work will be supplemented by in-forest surveillance undertaken by the forestry industry.
“This is a good example of industry and government working together in a collaborative way.”
Giant Pine Scale (Marchalina hellenica) is a scale insect that sucks the sap of pine trees. If established, the insect poses a threat to Australiaʼs softwood plantation industry by causing branch dieback, gradual desiccation and potential tree death.
Giant pine scale has been previously detected in Victoria and metropolitan Adelaide but has not been found in other parts of Australia or in any pine plantations.
In Victoria, giant pine scale was found in such large numbers that it could not be effectively controlled and it is no longer possible to eradicate the pest from Australia.
It is expected that infestations will be found in South Australia from time to time and you can call the Emergency Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881 to advise PIRSA Biosecurity of any detections of Giant Pine Scale.
