Centre for Phytophthora Science & Management
More than 40 per cent of native plant species in the south-west of the State are susceptible to Phytophthora dieback - water mould that acts like a fungus and kills tissues in plants until they can no longer survive.
Some of the most vulnerable plants are Jarrah, Grass Tree, Banksia species and Dryandra.
This plant disease also indirectly affects the fauna community. Native animals like the honey possum, are becoming locally threatened due to the decline in their local habitat by Phytophthora dieback.
To address this biodiversity threat, Western Power regularly conducts surveys and develops management plans to avoid Phytophthora dieback infected areas and complies with forest hygiene requirements for new capital works.
Policies and procedures are also in place to restrict the movement of soil and plant life during construction and maintenance activities, which minimises the risk of spreading Phytophthora dieback.
Western Power proudly supports the research efforts of the Centre for Phytophthora Science and Management.
The Centre's research aims to halt the spread of Phytophthora dieback, which is vital to preserving the State's biodiversity.
Western Power will contribute to the important research efforts of the Centre for the next three years.
