Published on Tuesday, 11 August 2026 at 8:31:13 AM
The Shire of Ravensthorpe is pleased to announce it will partner with CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, to release a biological control agent targeting African boxthorn on Shire-managed land.
The approved biological control agent, Puccinia rapipes, is a rust fungus that targets African boxthorn and can reduce its growth, fruit production and spread over time.
Shire staff identified release sites where African boxthorn is particularly widespread, with each site containing more than 20 individual plants.
The selected locations include:
- the recreation reserve near the Ravensthorpe Bowling Club and Golf Club
- Webster Drive road reserve
- Queen Street reserve
- Stephenson Street road reserve
- Dunn Swamp Reserve
- Phillips River Reserve
- Shire-managed land west of Ravensthorpe Cemetery on South Coast Highway
The coordinated effort across several locations may help the rust become established and spread more effectively.
Shire President Cr Rachel Gibson said the project demonstrated the Shire’s commitment to protecting the region’s significant natural environment.
“Ravensthorpe is home to extraordinary natural vegetation, and controlling invasive weeds is an important part of protecting it,” Cr Gibson said.
“Our staff have drawn on their knowledge of local reserves to identify areas where African boxthorn is particularly prevalent.
“This partnership gives the Shire access to further specialist scientific and conservation expertise and provides us with another tool to support our existing weed-control program.”
African boxthorn is a Weed of National Significance that can form dense, thorny thickets, displace native vegetation, restrict access and provide shelter for pest animals. Its berries are eaten by birds and other animals, which can spread seeds into surrounding reserves, roadsides and properties.
The rust fungus infects young African boxthorn leaves, reducing the plant’s ability to grow and produce fruit. It has undergone extensive testing and has been approved as safe for release in Australia.
Biological control will not immediately kill or eradicate African boxthorn. The rust may take several years to establish and will complement the Shire’s existing weed-control activities.
The African boxthorn rust project is part of a national Future Drought Fund initiative that is building a community-led network of biocontrol agent releases and monitoring sites across Australia.
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