Dieback Protection Areas
Areas of dieback free vegetation are particularly important if we want to maintain examples of many unique plant communities.

Priority areas to protect may be valued for many reasons:

- Large areas of dieback free Banksia woodland and health communities which grow on infertile sands are scarce
- Biodiversity hotspots
- Threatened species and communities
- Sites of cultural and historical significance
- Water quality protection
- Landscape
- Tourism values
- Honey production
- Floriculture value
 


Areas that are found to need special protection will be identified, more detailed dieback surveys will be completed and a management plan established and implemented to ensure the areas have the best chance to avoid infection in the future.

 

Signage System

 


Humans are the greatest culprit for spreading Phytophthora Dieback, WA’s biggest killer of biodiversity.
Many people are unaware they could be carrying this soil-borne pathogen into dieback free places.
New signage will help people protect these areas.

For the first time in WA an integrated signage system has been endorsed for all lands.
The aim is to raise dieback awareness and to assist in protecting special areas still free from the disease.

The system is based on the following dieback status symbols:



Dieback Protection Areas are currently being sign posted with these status markers across the southwest of WA. With industry, government and community cooperation
dieback free areas can be protected for future generations.
Dieback Protection Areas
Special value areas have
signs indicating dieback
status, access restrictions
and hygiene requirements.



 
DON'T SPREAD THE RED

People can carry Phytophthora Dieback from infested areas in many ways.
Often by mud on footwear or vehicles, shifting infested soil or gravel, grading roads or moving infected plant material. Management may
include restricting access, cleaning vehicles or sterilising equipment. Dieback Protection Areas need special attention by all.

These areas have special values threatened by dieback and have
strict hygiene and management requirements.

BE CLEAN IN THE GREEN

HYGIENE AND SIGNS DIEBACK FREE DIEBACK INFESTED DIEBACK UNKNOWN


Cleandown stations should be used to
remove or sterilise mud and soil from footwear, equipment and vehicles when entering Dieback Free. Avoid moist soil conditions. Access may be restricted.

An effective hygiene cleandown must be carried out when leaving a Dieback Infested area into Dieback Free. Ensure no infested soil, gravel or plant material crosses the dieback boundary.

Areas are unknown if they have not been mapped or do not have indicators that identify the presence of Phytophthora Dieback. Areas may still have hygiene and access restrictions.

Need Dieback signs for your area?

Download the Dieback Signage Protocol for details, procedures and contacts.

Download Dieback Signage Pamphlet