Invasive Plants and Animals

We all have an important role to play in controlling pest animals and weeds - whether we own a suburban block or farm, we are foresters, farmers, tourist operators or council employees.

Weeds and pest animals have major economic, environmental and social impacts.

As a landowner it is your responsibility, under the Biosecurity Act 2014, to keep your land free from declared pests. 

Cassowary Coast Regional Council can help you, with advice on weeds of top priority and weeds of concern within our region and on animal issues such as possible baiting or trapping programs.

Weeds

Learn About Them

Gathering information before you begin works can save you time and money.

For technical advice on chemical application, methods of weed removal or control, the timing of works and seeding and flowering of pest plants, phone Council on (07) 4030 2222 or email enquiries@cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au

Pest Factsheets

Know Your Priorities

Detailed information on our region's top priority weeds can be found in the Cassowary Coast Regional Council Pest Management Plan.

The plan highlights levels of control for each catchment area and priority weed, making it easy to identify what is required for your property. 

Biosecurity front page rz

Download your copy from the link above and email your submissions to enquiries@cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au

Council Priorities

Council undertakes:

  • Limited control of select weeds in priority areas - often weeds that are not well-established or weeds that are in critical habitat areas.
  • Widespread weed control to reduce its spread into uninfected areas e.g. Singapore daisy.
  • Technical advice services
  • Property inspections for declared weeds when there are property realignment applications

Categories of Weeds

Under the Biosecurity Act 2014 pest plants and animals are listed as 'restricted' or 'prohibited'.

Prohibited pest species are not present in Queensland. Allowing these species into the state could have major social, environmental and economic impacts. Restricted pest species are already present in the state.

Cassowary Coast Regional Council is responsible for over 5000 hectares of reserves, parks and foreshore from Eubenangee in the north to the Cardwell Range in the south. With a limited number of staff and resources, it is essential that weeds are prioritised, taking into account reproductive cycles and growth habits as well as upcoming weather events, the location (i.e. is it in a critical habitat area?), asset protection and how widespread the weed is.

What Makes a Weed a Weed?

  • Quick to germinate in favourable conditions
  • Fast-growing
  • Producing lots of seeds and/or reproducing easily from fragments
  • May have a seed that will remain viable for many years waiting for the right conditions
  • Effective dispersal mechanisms – easily spread by wind, water, animals, machinery, and vehicles
  • Often resistant to pests and diseases

Cassowary Coast Regional Council's Top Priority Weeds

Weeds of National Significance (WONS)

Weeds of National Significance (WONS) are prioritised by their invasiveness and impacts on the environment, primary industry, biodiversity and conservation values as well as land management and human and animal welfare.

WONS found within the Cassowary Coast region:

More information on WONS

Locally Declared Weeds

These pest plants have been identified as a threat due to isolated infestations or several problem weed features. They may also be causing havoc in areas of similar climate, soil types or land tenure.

The Cassowary Coast's locally declared weeds:

To learn more, see Pest Factsheets on the Department of Primary Industries website. The factsheets cover plant identification, registered chemicals for each weed's control, declared states and  growth habits. They also outline ideal locations and climates for infestations.

Advisory Forums

Biosecurity Queensland hosts pest advisory forums four times a year in North Queensland.  These forums are an opportunity to learn about new weeds and control methods and to network with weed control experts in your area. For more information visit www.fnqpaf.qld.gov.au.

More Information

Learn more about pests, clean down procedures, chemicals and registration permits for specific weeds or chemicals:

Legislation

The Biosecurity Act 2014 (the Act) was passed by Parliament and came into effect on 1 July 2016.

Information from the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries website

Panama TR4 Program (Bananas) - Biosecurity Queensland, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries

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