Giant pine scale detection and removal at O-Bahn Linear Park trail
The City of Tea Tree Gully regret to inform our community of a new development in the ongoing giant pine scale situation.
The City of Tea Tree Gully has been advised that the pest has been confirmed at an area of the O-Bahn Linear Park Trail between Southern Terrace and Eve Street, off Malcolm Avenue, and the adjacent O-Bahn Corridor Reserve.
Giant pine scale (Marchalina hellenica) is an invasive insect that primarily affects pine trees, weakening them by feeding on their sap. This pest can cause significant damage to tree health, and its spread is a serious biosecurity concern. Preventative measures are critical to limit its impact and prevent further infestation in surrounding areas.
Biosecurity measures are taking place to contain its spread, with a commercial operator engaged by the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) to undertake necessary tree removals. Only exotic pine trees are targeted for removal, and no native vegetation will be removed, with works expected to take a several weeks.
As part of commitments to public safety and environmental protection, access to the affected areas and some nearby pathways will be restricted in accordance with relevant legislation.
While giant pine scale poses no health risk to the local community, human contact is often the cause of the pest’s spread, particularly from shoes, clothing, and equipment. To help reduce the potential for GPS to spread, our community are asked to respect any restricted areas.
Discussions are underway regarding replanting of this affected area after a necessary quarantine period.
The State Government, City of Tea Tree Gully, and the forest industry will continue to monitor these and surrounding areas for giant pine scale and the health of other pine and conifer trees.
If you see or suspect giant pine scale, please report it to the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.
