NRM/Catchment Groups » Install Firebreaks - Not Phytophthora - Says Working Group

18 October 2005

Install Firebreaks - Not Phytophthora - Says Working Group

LAND owners should exercise extreme caution when installing fire breaks as their construction is a major factor in the spread of the soil borne plant pathogen Phytophthora dieback, which can cause severe degradation of bushland and can prove extremely costly to contain, as well as being impossible to eliminate says Dieback Project Officer, Dr Chris Dunne.

Dr Dunne says the disease is easily spread when soil is moved from one area to another, a common occurrence at this time of year when fire breaks are being installed.

“We are advising all land owners to have fire break equipment washed down at the gate of their property, to avoid any soil contamination,” says Dr Dunne.  “Ideally this should be done on a concrete pad or rocky area away from gardens or bushland, and people should be extremely mindful of where the run off will drain to. ”

“We are advocating the use of herbicide and slashing for fire breaks rather than ploughing as this minimises the soil movement and lessens the potential for the disease to be spread throughout properties in the surrounding area.  However, if soil is going to be disturbed and moved around, we can’t emphasise enough how important it is to use clean equipment.”

The Dieback Working Group is currently running an awareness campaign - Stop the spread this spring’ - which aims to increase awareness for Phytophthora Dieback, which is now being seen as a bigger threat to Western Australia’s ecosystem than salinity and is estimated to cost the Australian economy $160 million each year.

The plant-pathogen is spread when infested soil or root material is moved, either on vehicles or footwear, or by extractive industries such as road construction and mining.  Once it is introduced to an area, the disease is impossible to eradicate and can be extremely costly to contain as well as devastating for the native flora and fauna in the area.

More information about Phytophthora Dieback can be gained by contacting The Dieback Working Group on 9257 9937.