City of Greater Geraldton, Media Release, 26 May 2026

Boxthorn Blitz workshops are returning this year with a new addition aimed at strengthening the fight against the invasive African boxthorn.

Following a recent partnership between the City of Greater Geraldton and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), the first Boxthorn Blitz workshop will include a demonstration of the new African boxthorn biocontrol program.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Jerry Clune said the collaboration marked an important milestone for environmental protection and long-term weed management in the region.

“African boxthorn is a serious problem. It displaces native vegetation and has a detrimental impact on biodiversity, affecting our farmers and community,” he said.

“By joining forces with CSIRO, we’re not only addressing a problematic species locally we are also contributing to a national solution.

“I encourage community members who have this plant growing on their property or want to help eradicate the weed in local reserves to attend the workshops and gain the skills to effectively treat this weed.”

CSRIO Team Leader for Weed Management Dr. Ben Gooden said the biocontrol method has been extensively investigated and is safe to use.

“This biocontrol agent has been rigorously tested to ensure it is highly specific to African boxthorn. It poses no threat to native plants or other vegetation,” he said.

“While the fungus does not kill African boxthorn outright, we now have strong evidence that it can significantly reduce flowering and fruit production.

“By limiting seed production, it can help slow the spread of the weed and support community efforts to manage invasion risk over the long term.”

Practical guidance on boxthorn identification and removal of small plants will be provided at the workshops listed below.

Residents interested in learning about the CSIRO biocontrol program and how it supports long?term weed management are encouraged to attend the Spalding Park workshop.

• Spalding Park: Saturday 13 June 2026 9am-11am. Meet at the carpark. Workshop includes information and a demonstration of the biocontrol method. Hosted by Chapman River Friends
• Cape Burney: Saturday 20 June 2026 9am-11am. Meet at the Boat Shed carpark. Hosted by Birdlife Midwest-Geraldton.
• Drummond Cove: Saturday 27 June 2026, 9am-11am. Meet at Surfside Terrace beach entrance. Hosted by Friends of Hillview Reserve.

For more information on the Boxthorn Blitz Program and to register to attend the workshops visit the City’s website here

Residents interested in obtaining a boxthorn biocontrol release kit are encouraged to email boxthornbiocontrol@csiro.au.

These workshops align with the “Liveable” theme of the City’s Strategic Community Planwhich reflects the organisation’s commitment to managing and protecting the City’s natural environment.