By ANEEKA SIMONIS
ENVIRONMENTAL protection teams took to the skies last week to survey the spread of infected trees in Harkaway.
Helicopters completed a series of aerial patrols over reserves in Harkaway, Beaconsfield, Berwick and Emerald which have been declared restriction zones following an outbreak of giant pine scale.
The exotic insect, which slowly kills pines, fir and spruce trees by feeding on their sap, was detected for the first time in Australia earlier this year – with close to 500 trees infected in Harkaway.
The Biosecurity Division of the Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources (DEDJTR) ordered helicopters to patrol the air to help determine the spread of the killer insect on Wednesday 18 February.
Incident Controller John Balfour says the aerial inspections have been organised because of the large size of the affected properties in the Harkaway area and the undulating terrain which limits the effectiveness of ground surveys.
“Following the flights the information gathered will be assessed and used to shape the ongoing control program for this pest, which threatens Australia’s $1.04 billion softwood industry,” he said.
The treatment program, which involves injecting affected trees with a controlled dose of insecticide, began in the Harkaway area on Monday.
It is a first-step measure to control the spread, but will be replaced by a removal program if not successful.
The zone was placed under strict restrictions by the DEDJTR on Thursday 12 February which prevents people from touching, moving or collecting samples believes to have been in contact with the pest.
Gardeners are encouraged to report any white, waxy secretions they see on their pine, fir or spruce trees via the toll-free exotic plant pest hotline on 1800 084 881.
