Published on Friday, 28 November 2025 at 10:07:45 AM
Combating the spread of the invasive African boxthorn is the aim of a new partnership between the City of Greater Geraldton and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO).
As part of a national rollout of the African Boxthorn Biocontrol Program, the City has been selected to host several release and monitoring sites.
City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Jerry Clune said the collaboration is a significant step forward in protecting the region’s environment and economy.
“African boxthorn is a serious problem, it displaces native vegetation and has a detrimental impact on biodiversity affecting our farmers and community,” he said.
“Geraldton and the Midwest host significant populations of boxthorn, making us an ideal candidate for this program.
“By joining forces with CSIRO, we’re not only addressing the problematic species locally, we are also contributing to a national solution.”
Due to the taxonomy of boxthorn being different to Australian flora, biological control is safe for native plant species as well as being a cost effective and sustainable method of controlling the highly invasive weed.
The biocontrol rollout will work alongside existing voluntary efforts, including community-driven programs such as the popular ‘Boxthorn Blitz’ which empowers residents to remove small plants, as well as the mechanical removal of large-scale infestations.
For more information on African boxthorn head to the City’s website here.
This collaboration aligns with the “Liveable” theme in the Strategic Community Plan which reflects the City’s commitment to managing and protecting the City’s natural environment.
Picture caption: City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Jerry Clune with an African boxthorn weed at the Greenough River.
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