Priority Management Zones
New regulations: what they mean to you
In order to protect Western Australia from the potentially devastating effects of European House Borer, the State Government introduced new legislation on 7 February 2006 called the Agriculture and Related Resources Protection (European House Borer) Regulations 2006.
EHB is a serious problem. If allowed to spread, it could cause more than $6 billion worth of damage to the Australian economy. We need the help of individuals and businesses in complying and there are now fines of up to $2000 for moving untreated pine into or out of a designated area, known as a Priority Management Zone (PMZ).
What is a PMZ?
A PMZ is the area comprising every property any part of which is within 100m of a site where wood is infested with EHB.
Untreated pine cannot be moved out of a PMZ unless treated according to the Agriculture and Related Resources Protection (European House Borer) Regulations 2006 or with approval from an authorised person from the Department of Agriculture and Food. To do this, you must get it fumigated and treated appropriately.
Items made from pine may include furniture, floorboards, hobby wood, firewood and pallets. This means items such as untreated pine outdoor furniture cannot be moved outside a PMZ for any reason, including moving house or sale of the items, unless treated as outlined above. Pine can also not be removed from the bush or pine plantations (including pine firewood).
Disposing of untreated pine
To dispose of untreated pine, there are three options:
- Chip it so that it is smaller than 100cm3 (approximately one third the size of a soft drink can)
- Burn it, ensuring you do so during burning permitted times (Contact your local council for details)
- Throw it in your rubbish bin and your local council will dispose of it appropriately
How do I know if I’m in a PMZ?
All households and businesses within a PMZ will receive a letter from the EHB Response and you can also check the maps on this website, which are regularly updated.
What are the penalties?
The State Government is working to protect our State from this unwanted pest. Significant penalties apply to individuals and businesses who breach these regulations, with fines ranging from $500 to $2000.
Where can I get more information?
For more information, or for a full copy of the Regulations, visit the State Law Publishers website.
For information on PMZs, contact the EHB Response Regulations team on 9366 2373.
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