Biosecurity threat: WA councils urged to sign gag order in exchange for vital shot-hole borer information

WA councils have been asked to sign a gag order in exchange for vital biosecurity information to fight the invasive polyphagous shot-hole borer. The tiny Southeast Asian beetle has led to the destruction of more than 4000 WA trees since its August 2021 detection in an East Fremantle backyard. But councils battling the borer which refuse to sign a confidentiality agreement have been denied “maps, plans, diagrams, data, technical information, and analysis” by the led government agency. Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s ultimatum has left many seeking legal advice and questioning why the important information isn’t readily accessible. First sent to councils in mid-2024 — almost three years after it was first found — those lagging to sign a “PSHB Confidentiality Deed Poll” were resent requests earlier this month. In a copy, obtained by The Sunday Times, it states that councils must not make a “public statement, press release or other communication” containing information deemed confidential by the agency. The follow up request to councils included a “frequently asked questions” page which stated the deed was designed to “safeguard” sensitive information from “misuse which could potentially damage community relations”. It also includes the “location of potential or confirmed PSHB positive traps and PSHB infestations” and “may include details of land and property in private ownership and other personal information”. Councils were warned that breaching the deed could “result in legal action and may impact your LG’s ability to receive future information from DPIRD”. “If your LG doesn’t sign the Deed Poll, DPIRD is unable to provide the heat maps or shapefiles.” Several councils told The West they felt pressure to sign up to receive vital information but questioned why a confidentially agreement was necessary and why it was first sent to councils in mid-2024. The City of Canning is among those who signed the agreement despite misgivings about potential consequences. Mayor Patrick Hall said he was concerned if it limited councils from working collaboratively amid the growing biosecurity threat. “You need local governments to be working together, being siloed is not helpful in responding. There needs to be a collaboration of minds across the sector,” he said. “I can’t think of a logical reason why the information derived from the response wouldn’t be readily available. “I think sensible sharing of information is important. “Of course, there are matters of privacy but it’s an emergency response. I think there needs to be a balance.” A Department spokeswoman said the deed was about maintaining the privacy of impacted landholders. The borer has so far been detected in almost 1500 premises and more than 3600 public reports have been made through the Department’s MyPestGuide Reporter App. “DPIRD respects the privacy of individual residents impacted by PSHB,” she said. “Specific data including addresses of private residences and maps which show positive detections must remain confidential to protect the privacy of individuals and businesses.” She said regular updates and informative material was provided to councils in the quarantine zone. “DPIRD provides regular briefings to local governments on PSHB,” she said. “General information provided by DPIRD to LGAs about PSHB and the response efforts can be shared.” The borer has been contained to the Perth metropolitan region with the official quarantine area unchanged since its latest expansion in September 2024. There had been no recorded breaches of the quarantine area requirements as of Friday, January 17. While infestations have sent thousands of trees to the mulcher, more than 1000 have been saved through pruning.