Leschenault Biosecurity Group Inc.

29/10/2026

Hoppy Halloween! 🐰

Don’t let Beatrix Potter’s delightful tales of Peter, Flopsy, Mopsy and Cotton-tail deceive you, rabbits have become one of Australia’s most widespread and damaging invasive species.

Since being introduced to Australia in 1859 by pastoralist Thomas Austin, who thought they’d do “little harm”, rabbits have multiplied rapidly and caused destruction in their wake.

Today, rabbit populations are estimated at around 200 million, vastly lower than a century ago due to the introduction of biocontrols, such as the Myxoma virus and Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus.

While rabbit viruses work very well for a time, rabbits overtime develop resistance to viruses.

Our scientists are developing a new way of growing the rabbit virus, calicivirus, in the lab to speed up selection of new variants with potential to boost control.

We're also tracking virus strains circulating in Australia to map the activity of the various rabbit biocontrol viruses and have begun investigating longer-term solutions such as genetic biocontrol (commonly known as gene drives).

📸 | Dr Ina Smith

29/10/2026

🐰 Looking for practical advice on managing rabbits on your property?

Join GeoCatch's upcoming Rabbit Control Program workshop with Leschenault Biosecurity Group Inc. to hear directly from experts and learn about proven approaches to rabbit management.

Find out how the Calicivirus RHDV1-K5 Release fits into a coordinated control program, what participation involves, and how working together across neighbouring properties can improve outcomes.

📍 Esplanade Hotel, Busselton
📅 11 November 2026
⏰ 5:30pm - 7pm
Light supper provided on arrival.

Bring your questions and connect with other local landholders who are keen to tackle rabbits across the region.

🎟 Register now: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JCGS3QG

Note: The Rabbit Control Program is part of the Protecting Broadwater Wetlands from Feral Animals project and participant numbers are limited. As the program aims to reduce feral animal impacts on the ecologically significant Broadwater wetlands, priority will be given to properties in closer proximity to these areas to help maximise environmental outcomes.

This project is supported by funding from the Western Australian Government's State NRM Program. 🌱🐰

23/10/2026

Have you visited the Kings Park and Botanic Garden Biosecurity Trail? 🐜🍄👀

23/10/2026

Kudos to all of those working hard to eradicate Qfly from WA, once again!

The Queensland fruit fly (Qfly) is native to the eastern states of Australia but is considered an invasive pest in Western Australia. It has the potential to significantly impact home gardeners and the agricultural industry, as it infests and damages a wide range of fruit and vegetable crops. The species has been successfully eradicated from WA in the past; however, incursions can reoccur. When this happens, the species is targeted for eradication

🪰 Queensland fruit fly (Qfly) response update 🪰

Thanks to the hard work of residents in City of South Perth and Town of Victoria Park, the Qfly biosecurity response is progressing well.

There have been no recent Qfly detections, so we are stopping regular property baiting in the Red Zone to check if we have successfully eradicated this nasty pest.

Quarantine measures remain in place and residents in the Red Zone must continue to remove ripe and ripening host fruit, pick up fruit off the ground and follow movement restrictions.

23/10/2026

Dr Jeisane Accioly-McIllree and David Humphreys reflect on a season that started strong but delivered little follow-up rain.

23/10/2026

We're BACK in Stratham THIS SATURDAY, 24th October, for our second Arum Lily Control Pop-up Event!

Still battling Arum Lily on your property? Whether you're dealing with just a few plants or a widespread infestation, drop by for practical advice, herbicide and other support to help you take control!

The seasonal window for effective Arum Lily control is closing soon, so now's the time to act!

DROP BY and chat with the LBG team about:
• Expert, property-specific Arum Lily control advice
• Practical Arum Lily control demonstrations
• Free herbicide for eligible landholders
• Access to herbicide spray equipment loans
• Subsidies towards contracted control works for larger infestations, while funding lasts

When: 10am - Noon, Saturday 24th October
Where: Lovelle Park, Stratham at the Dog Exercise Area
(corner of Fisherman Rd & Chislehurst Ave)

No need to stay for the whole session ! Just drop in when it suits you anytime from 10am - noon, ask questions and find out what support is available to help you get on top of Arum Lily.

💡 Questions about Chlorsulfuron, our recommended herbicide for Arum Lily control? Check out our FAQ sheet from the link below:
https://lbginc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/FAQ-Chlorsulfuron-for-Arum-Lily-control.pdf

Can't make it on Saturday? Contact LBG on 0477 049 967 or [email protected]

Leschenault Biosecurity Group's Operational Area includes the Shires of Capel, Dardanup and Donnybrook-Balingup (northern localities) and the City of Bunbury.
Friends of Lovelle Park (Stratham) The Revive 5 Community Group

21/10/2026

Do you live near the Broadwater Wetland Reserve? Do you want to learn more about the use of Calicivirus RHDV1 K5 as a biocontrol for use in an integrated controls approach for rabbit management?

Join us 11 November at the Esplanade in Busselton as we join with GeoCatch to discuss rabbit management, participation in a rabbit control initiative for private properties in this area and to learn more about the Protecting Broadwater Wetlands from Feral Animals State NRM grant-funded project.

🐰 Rabbits causing damage on your property?

Join GeoCatch and the Leschenault Biosecurity Group Inc. for a free information workshop and learn how you can be involved in our upcoming Rabbit Control Program.

Hear from rabbit control experts about the Calicivirus RHDV1-K5 Release, how it works, and how taking part in a coordinated community effort can help reduce rabbit numbers and minimise impacts on properties across the region.

📍 The Esplanade Hotel, Busselton
📅 11 November 2026
⏰ 5:30pm - 7pm
Light supper provided on arrival.

Whether you're currently dealing with rabbits or simply want to understand your options, this workshop will give you the information you need to get involved.

✅ Registration essential: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JCGS3QG

Note: The Rabbit Control Program is part of the Protecting Broadwater Wetlands from Feral Animals project and participant numbers are limited. As the program aims to reduce feral animal impacts on the ecologically significant Broadwater wetlands, priority will be given to properties in closer proximity to these areas to help maximise environmental outcomes.

This project is supported by funding from the Western Australian Government's State NRM Program. 🌱🐰

20/10/2026

Whether you have a few plants or a much larger infestation, come along for practical advice and support tailored to your property.

This season's Arum Lily control window is closing soon. Take advantage of support available now.

DROP BY for:
• Expert, property-specific Arum Lily control advice
• Practical Arum Lily control demonstrations
• Herbicide for eligible landholders
• Access to herbicide spray equipment loans
• Subsidies towards contracted control works for larger infestations, while funding lasts

When: 10am - Noon, Saturday 24th October
Where: Lovelle Park, Stratham at the Dog Exercise Area
(corner of Fisherman Rd & Chislehurst Ave)

No need to stay for the whole session.

Drop in - ask questions - find out what support is available to help you get on top of Arum Lily on your property.

Can't make it? Contact LBG on 0477 049 967 or [email protected]

Leschenault Biosecurity Group's Operational Area includes the Shires of Capel, Dardanup and Donnybrook-Balingup (northern localities) and the City of Bunbury.
Friends of Lovelle Park (Stratham)

19/10/2026

Join us for our Annual General Meeting FY 2025-2026

Community members within the Leschenault Biosecurity Group's Operational Area* are invited to come along to for an overview of our operations over the 2025-2026 Financial Year, discussions about ongoing programs and future plans, and to meet our dedicated board members and operational team.

What: LBG Annual General Meeting
When: 5:30pm, Wednesday, 28 Oct 2026
Where: The Dardanup Tavern, 9 Charlotte St, Dardanup
RSVP by 23rd October by using the link from our bio ring us on 0477 049 967

Nibbles will be provided; registration is requested for catering purposes.

*The LBG Operational Area consists of the shires of Capel, Dardanup northern parts of Donnybrook – Balingup including Argyle, Paynedale, Beelerup, Queenwood, Lowden, Yabberup, Glen Mervyn, Mumballup, Noggerup, Thomson Brook, Charley Creek, Donnybrook, Brookhampton, Brazier, Newlands, Upper Capel and Kirup; and the City of Bunbury.

19/10/2026

Join us for our Annual General Meeting FY 2025-2026

Community members within the Leschenault Biosecurity Group's Operational Area* are invited to come along to for an overview of our operations over the 2025-2026 Financial Year, discussions about ongoing programs and future plans, and to meet our dedicated board members and operational team.

What: LBG Annual General Meeting
When: 5:30pm, Wednesday, 28 Oct 2026
Where: The Dardanup Tavern, 9 Charlotte St, Dardanup
RSVP by 23rd October by using the link below or ring us on 0477 049 967
https://events.humanitix.com/lbg-annual-general-meeting-fy-2025-2026

Nibbles will be provided; registration is requested for catering purposes.

*The LBG Operational Area consists of the shires of Capel, Dardanup northern parts of Donnybrook – Balingup including Argyle, Paynedale, Beelerup, Queenwood, Lowden, Yabberup, Glen Mervyn, Mumballup, Noggerup, Thomson Brook, Charley Creek, Donnybrook, Brookhampton, Brazier, Newlands, Upper Capel and Kirup; and the City of Bunbury.