DECLARED PEST —
ARUM LILY
1140. Hon Dr STEVE THOMAS to the Minister for Environment:
This question is completely without
notice. I refer to the invasive species arum lily, which is approaching the end
of its flowering season in an explosion of now withering white blooms in the
south west. Will the government increase its efforts to control arum lilies
before next year's flowering season or is it hoping for a biological
control solution by waiting for it to be choked out by the invasive blue lupin?
Hon STEPHEN DAWSON
replied:
I thank the honourable member for
his question and his passion for arum lilies. As the member knows, arum lilies
grow in wet soils and, given the wet winter we have had, they are flourishing
in the south west at the moment. Knowing the interest of the honourable member
in arum lilies, I have advised my agency that it should be prioritising the destruction of this pest in the
south west. I am told that between 2012 and 2017, about 1 917 hectares
in the Shire of Capel and the City of Busselton area were sprayed. I also
understand that the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
also has funding available for recognised biosecurity groups to enable them to
seek to eradicate this pest. Recognising the honourable member's
interest, this is an area I am focused on ensuring that the agency puts some
effort into over the next few years.