Explains the regulations associated with European house borer (EHB).
Pinewood movement restrictions
To minimise the spread of EHB in Western Australia (WA), restrictions on the movement of pinewood were implemented in 2006, and currently apply to areas where EHB occurs. By restricting the movement of pinewood from EHB infested areas, EHB has been contained to Restricted Movement Zones (RMZs) in the greater Perth metropolitan area.
The restrictions are described in the Agriculture and Related Resources Protection (European House Borer) Regulations 2006 [1].
The regulations allowed for the establishment of quarantine zones, Priority Management Zones (PMZs) and RMZs, and placed restrictions not only on untreated pinewood movement from PMZs and RMZs areas, but also on the storage, disposal and treatment of untreated pinewood within these areas.
Industry, homeowners and government organisations must adhere to the regulations, or face a penalty of up to $2 000.
The regulations continue to play an important role in reducing EHB spread and infestation, and should be supported in an effort to protect WA homes.
Other regulations applicable to RMZ areas and minimising infestation are the Building Commission Advisory notes 2009/002 and 2009/004, which mandate the use of EHB non-susceptible materials in RMZs areas, such as treated pinewood.
What is a Priority Management Zone?
A Priority Management Zone (PMZ) is an area established around properties where EHB has been found, and may include adjoining properties on which there is pinewood, and due to their proximity to the infestation are likely to become infested with EHB.
Under the Agriculture and Related Resources Protection (European House Borer) Regulations 2006 [1], property owners within PMZ areas are given a written notice advising them of PMZ requirements.
Movement of untreated pinewood on to and off a PMZ notified property is restricted. All pinewood must be destroyed or treated to prevent infestation and further spread.
What is a Restricted Movement Zone (RMZ)?
A Restricted Movement Zone (RMZ) is an area established within an approximate 2km radius from a PMZ where EHB has been found.
Refer to maps [2]for current affected areas.
The RMZ containment area is the focus of department surveillance and regulatory actions. Movement of pinewood out of a RMZ is restricted and hopefully the actions of business and the general community will lead eventually to eradication of this destructive wood borer in WA.
Any changes made to RMZ boundaries will lead to new descriptions of the affected RMZ area being published in the government gazette and in local newspaper public notices. The notices will provide details of the RMZ restrictions imposed by the EHB regulations.
Restrictions
In accordance with the Agriculture and Related Resources Protection (European House Borer) Regulations 2006 [1], the following restrictions must be adhered to:
Movement
Bringing untreated pinewood into RMZ
Movement is not generally restricted. However, a person may be issued a written notice prohibiting pinewood movement into the RMZ if an authorised person believes the presence of the pinewood in the RMZ will increase the risk of EHB spread.
Removing pinewood from RMZ
Untreated seasoned pinewood that has been in a RMZ for 72 hours or more must not be removed from that RMZ unless:
- the pinewood is chipped into pieces of less than 100 cm³ (100 cm³ is equivalent to the following dimensions: 1 cm x 10 cm x 10 cm, 5 cm x 5 cm x 4 cm, 2 cm x 5 cm x 4 cm.)
- the pinewood has been stored in a suitable building or enclosure or has been fully enclosed in plastic wrapping or other authorised material to prevent exposure to EHB
- the pinewood has been treated with a preservative insecticide in accordance with the relevant standards
- the pinewood has been chemically fumigated or heat treated in accordance with the regulations
- written authorisation has been given by an authorised person
- seasoned pinewood is pinewood with a moisture content of 20% or less when tested in accordance with the Australian Standard.
Unseasoned pinewood must not be removed from a RMZ during the control period (beginning 1st September in any year and ending 30th April in the next year) unless the movement is authorised by an authorised person.
Other
The EHB regulations detail the manner in which untreated pinewood must be treated, stored and disposed of.