Stop the spread of weeds on Brisbane's north side

[Member]

Stop the spread of weeds on Brisbane's north side 5 December 2010

The message from Biosecurity Queensland is simple - you can't kill weeds if you don't know what they look like.

As the weather heats up during summer and with ample rain around, conditions are perfect for weeds to flower, seed and spread.

Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland Tim Mulherin said many people attending today's Everton and Pine Rivers Community Cabinet meeting visited Biosecurity Queensland's weed display.

Mr Mulherin hosted the weed display with the Member for Everton Murray Watt and Member for Pine Rivers Carolyn Male.

Mr Watt said cabomba, which had been found in Lake Kurwongbah, is one of the worst aquatic weeds on the north side.

"Cabomba is a fully-submerged weed that chokes waterways, impacting our environment and outdoor lifestyle - it is extremely dangerous to swimmers who become entangled," Mr Watt said.

"Like other water weeds, cabomba can get caught up in boats, trailers and other water sport equipment and transported to other locations where it can take hold."

The good news is there are simple steps boaties, anglers and water sport enthusiasts can take to prevent the spread of water weeds.

• Be sure to remove mud, plants or seeds from equipment before transporting
• Drain any residual water from equipment before transporting
• Be sure to clean and dry all boats, trailers and other equipment that comes into contact with the water
• Never release plants, fish or animals into a body of water unless they came out of that body of water.

"It is important that cabomba isn't spread to other local lakes, rivers or dams because once it is in an area it is almost impossible to control or remove," he said.

Ms Male said weeds are a serious problem and many plants affecting Queensland were once considered exotic or ornamental backyard plants.

"Just be cause something looks good in your garden doesn't mean it won't escape and cause problems in our waterways, pastures and national parks," Ms Male said.

"Biosecurity Queensland recently declared three species of ginger, yellow, white and kahili as illegal plants.

"Unfortunately, these ornamental plants feature in many backyards on Brisbane's north side.

"It was important for the local community to attend the Biosecurity Queensland weed display and many people learned what to look for in their backyards, waterways or local area."

Mr Watt said controlling and eradicating weeds is a community responsibility.

"At the Biosecurity Queensland weed display people learned about the most common weeds found in Brisbane's northern suburbs," Mr Watt said.

"These weeds compete aggressively with native plants and can reduce the biodiversity of an area.

"Biosecurity Queensland officers provided advice on how to identify, treat and remov e weeds.

"Importantly, they also provided information on weeds that are emerging threats on the north side of Brisbane."

Ms Male said weeds cost the Queensland economy $600 million annually in lost production and control and eradication efforts.

"Unfortunately, there are many weeds considered as emerging threats for the local environment," Ms Male said.

"Biosecurity Queensland says about 1000 different species of weeds are currently causing problems in Queensland.

"Yellow, white and kahili ginger and Mexican feather grass aren't the only menacing weeds to lookout for this summer.

"If anyone believes they have a suspicious plant in their backyard or see something that doesn't look right in their local community, they should contact the council or Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23."

For more information call 13 25 23 or visit www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au