Media Release | 14 October 2026
Bevan Eatts MLA
Shadow Minister for Forestry
Shadow Minister for Forestry Bevan Eatts MLA says the increasing arum lily infestations across the South West have exposed the need for stronger forest management and better resourcing of the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA).
Mr Eatts said landholders and conservation groups were working hard to control the invasive weed, but their efforts were being undermined due to infestations on neighbouring public land being allowed to grow.
“Landholders are spending their own time and money fighting arum lilies, only to see them spread from nearby government-managed land straight back onto their properties,” Mr Eatts said.
“Farmers, volunteers and community groups cannot keep carrying the burden while the State Government falls behind in managing infestations on its own estate.”
A petition presented to state parliament earlier this year highlighted extensive arum lily infestations in Boranup Forest near Margaret River and Ludlow Tuart Forest near Busselton, with more than 3,000 private landholders seeking assistance to control the invasive weed.
Mr Eatts said the situation demonstrated why practical, hands-on forest management remained essential.
“Healthy forests don’t maintain themselves. Managing invasive weeds, reducing bushfire risk and protecting environmental values requires local knowledge, resources and people on the ground.
“The challenges facing the karri forests around Pemberton are different to those facing the tuart forests near Busselton. Effective management depends on experienced regional staff who understand local conditions and can respond accordingly.”
The State Government has reported spending more than $2.6 million on arum lily control programs across the South West over the past nine years, while acknowledging complete eradication is unlikely.
Mr Eatts said the goal should be better coordination and sustained control efforts, rather than accepting the continued spread of the weed.
“Nobody is suggesting arum lilies can be eliminated overnight, but landholders deserve confidence that government agencies are matching the effort being made on private land.”
“Our forests are one of the South West’s greatest environmental and economic assets. Protecting them requires consistent management, clear priorities and a Government willing to back regional communities with the resources they need.”
ENDS
