The Wire

Western Australia have been fighting hard against the Shot-Hole Borer beetle since its first appearance in 2021, with state and federal government pledging $41 million to eliminate the invasive pest.

But last month, the WA government surrendered eradication efforts for management and control strategies, a move environmental experts fear could see the beetle spread to neighbouring states.

With elimination off the table – researchers say new and coordinated efforts are needed to better understand and manage the pest.