Pests are invasive species that pose a risk to the environment, the agricultural industry, food supply and human health (DAFF, 2024). Pests can be native or non-native species and include animals, insects or plants that live in terrestrial or aquatic environments. Western Australia is relatively free of pests and has a fairly unaffected agricultural industry and environment (DPIRD, 2025a). Western Australia is surrounded by natural barriers, with deserts to its east and the ocean to its west, which limits the migration and presence of pests within the state. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) manages pests within Western Australia through biosecurity measures, regulatory enforcement, quarantine and community collaboration.
This Insight will cover the definition and categorisation of pests within Western Australia, how the Western Australian approach differs from other states, and the tools available for local and industry to ID and manage pests independently or in conjunction with other parties.
What are Pest in WA?
In Western Australia, pests are defined as native and non-native invasive organisms that can impact the environment, agricultural activities and other organisms (DPIRD, 2019). Native species can become pests when a species is introduced outside of their normal range, when their population becomes too abundant and unstable, or when the environment becomes developed in a way that favours their survival. For example, large flocks of parrot species in response to year-round food from the agricultural industry (Hart & Bomford, 2006).
Declared pests are plants or animals designated/listed under the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act, 2007 (BAM Act) that are considered harmful/pose a threat to Western Australia. The Act categorises pests into five legal statuses (Table 1):
| Legal Status | Description |
| Declared Pest, Prohibited | Can only be imported or kept with a permit. Permits are generally only available to research organisations/institutions. Can be assigned a control category. |
| Permitted | Can be imported if they meet certain requirements. High-risk species require an import permit. |
| Declared Pest | Can be imported if they meet certain requirements. High-risk species require an import permit. The imported Pest may be subject to control and keeping requirements once within WA. Can be assigned a control category. |
| Permitted, Requires Permit | Can only be imported with a permit and may be subject to restrictions. |
| Unlisted | Prohibited from entering WA. The name of an unlisted organism must be submitted for assessment and approval prior to importing it. |
Examples of these species include Cane Toads (Figure 1), Wild Dogs, Cats, Camels, Rainbow Lorikeets and Sulphur Crested Cockatoos. Being a “declared pest” means there are: a) legal controls on that pest’s entry into Western Australia and b) landholders are legally obligated to control/ eliminate the declared Pest on their property, and the government may charge Declared Pest Rates to a landowner in a prescribed area.
An example of a Declared Pest & Category 1 (C1) species (Detweiler, 2016)
The Declared Pest Rate is a system that allows the state to charge rates in prescribed areas to support landholders in meeting their legal obligations under the BAM Act to control declared pests on their land (DPIRD, 2025c). Prescribed areas are typically defined along local government boundaries, with varying rates amounts charged. The state then matches the funds raised from the rate dollar-for-dollar (DPIRD, 2025c). The combined funds are provided to Recognised Biosecurity Groups, who use the funding to support landholders with activities such as pest management initiatives, education, and landholder coordination (DPIRD, 2025c) The Declared Pest Rate is only raised in areas with a Recognised Biosecurity Group (Figure 2) (DPIRD, 2025c).
The Western Australian Organism List describes declared pests in Western Australia and provides information on the legal status, control categories, and keeping categories (DPIRD, 2025e). Control categories are defined under the BAM Act, ranging from C1 Exclusion, C2 Eradication and C3 Management. The Western Australian Organism List can be found at https://www.dpird.wa.gov.au/online-tools/western-australian-organism-list/.
(DPIRD, 2025c)
How Pest Management Differs Between Western Australia and Other States
What is considered not a pest can vary from state to state, complicating biosecurity and management attempts. Some states may not have any regulations in place for species, which can have a significant impact on other states. Western Australia is a unique state as it is a large land mass with sparse populations that can be separated across thousands of kilometres, with natural barriers such as deserts and an ocean border. Western Australia has remained relatively free of significant pests, which the state government is trying to preserve with strict biosecurity measures such as restrictions on fresh produce, livestock movement, and a quarantine system (DPIRD, 2025d). For example, fresh produce is only permitted if frozen (with some exemptions) and free of sprouting green growth, soil, pests, and disease. These restrictions are because fresh fruits and vegetables can carry the Queensland fruit fly, which does not occur in Western Australia but in the neighbouring Northern Territory.
Pest identification can also vary between states, with certain animals considered native and without significantly impacting their surroundings. However, these species can be considered pests in other states and need management to mitigate their impact. For example, the Redclaw crayfish, which naturally occurs within the northern coastal regions/rivers of Queensland and Northern Territory, is considered an invasive pest species within Western Australia. The Redclaw crayfish has caused adverse impacts on Western Australian ecosystems because of its wide-ranging diet, environmental tolerance, and high breeding rate, resulting in them outcompeting native species for resources and making them difficult to eradicate (DPIRD, 2020).
What to do if a Pest is Suspected?
If a pest is suspected, start by checking the Western Australian Organism List to see if it’s a declared pest in your area.
If the Pest is on the list or there is uncertainty about the potential pest identification or status, report it straight away to the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. Different pests have different reporting methods see https://www.dpird.wa.gov.au/about-us/contact-us/make-a-report/.
For assistance identifying and managing pests in the agriculture and food industries contact The Pest and Disease Information Service on 08 93683080 or padis@dpird.wa.gov.au (DPIRD, 2025b).
Pests can also be reported using the MyPestGuide Reporter app (available for mobile or web) (Figure 3). The app allows for uploading photos, descriptions, and GPS information, which the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development then reviews.
Thanks to our isolation and strict biosecurity measures, Western Australia is largely free from many pests. By reporting pests and staying informed, we can continue to protect Western Australia’s environment and agricultural industry. ISPL can assist you in understanding your obligations for pest control and reporting. Please feel free to email us at enquiries@integratesustainability.com.au or call us at 08 9468 0338.
ISPL-An Overview of Pests and Pest Management in Western Australia- PDF
Reference List
DAFF. (2024, December 11). Pest animals in Australia. Retrieved from Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/pests-diseases-weeds/pest-animals-and-weeds/priority-pest-animals#:~:text=Priority%20pest%20animals,and%20humane%20best%2Dpractice%20management.
Detweiler, K. (2016, May 9). Pixabay – Cane Toad . Retrieved from pixabay.com: https://pixabay.com/photos/cane-toad-amphibian-animal-wildlife-1374270/
DPIRD. (2019, July 18). Declared animal pests. Retrieved from Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development: https://www.dpird.wa.gov.au/businesses/pests-weeds-and-diseases/animal-pests-diseases/declared-pests/#:~:text=Many%20non%2Dnative%20or%20introduced,to%20agriculture%20and%20the%20environment.
DPIRD. (2020, September 1). Freshwater pest fact sheet – Redclaw crayfish. Retrieved from Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development: https://www.dpird.wa.gov.au/siteassets/documents/biosecurity/aquatic/freshwater-pest-fact-sheet—redclaw-crayfish.pdf
DPIRD. (2025a). Importing and exporting (Quarantine WA). Retrieved from Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development: https://www.dpird.wa.gov.au/businesses/biosecurity/importing-and-exporting-quarantine-wa/
DPIRD. (2025b). Pest and Disease Information Service (PaDIS). Retrieved from Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development: https://www.dpird.wa.gov.au/businesses/biosecurity/pest-and-disease-information-service-padis/
DPIRD. (2025c). The Declared Pest Rate and Recognised Biosecurity Groups. Retrieved from Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development: https://www.dpird.wa.gov.au/siteassets/documents/biosecurity/governance/recognised-biosecurity-groups/declared-pest-rate-faqs.pdf
DPIRD. (2025d). What can I bring into WA? Retrieved from Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development: https://www.dpird.wa.gov.au/individuals/what-can-i-bring-into-wa/
DPIRD. (2025e). Western Australian Organism List. Retrieved from Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development: https://www.dpird.wa.gov.au/online-tools/western-australian-organism-list/
DPIRD. (2025f). MyPestGuide. Retrieved from Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development: https://www.dpird.wa.gov.au/online-tools/mypestguide/
Hart, Q., & Bomford, M. (2006). Australia’s Pest Animals: New approaches to Old problems. Canberra: The Bureau of Rural Sciences.