Council works with community to manage biosecurity threats

What do wild deer, foxes, red imported fire ants, Dutchman’s pipe and bitou bush have in common?

They are all on Redland City Council’s list of the most critical biosecurity threats on Redlands Coast.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the invasive plants and pests posed risks to our environment, economy and lifestyle.

“These pest species can impact our outdoor way of life and can pose a danger to people and other animals,” Cr Williams said.

“They can also compete with our natural environment and impact threatened species and be expensive to manage or eradicate.”

Cr Williams said all residents and business owners had a legal obligation under Queensland’s Biosecurity Act 2014 to know about and manage biosecurity risks on their properties.

“It’s important that everyone takes measures to identify and prevent the spread of any invasive plants and animals,” she said.

“This means taking care when buying a plant or pets from markets or online, knowing what’s growing in your pots and gardens, and being aware of what might be stuck to your shoes, clothes and vehicles after outdoor adventures.

“We encourage all residents to report anything suspicious to Council, noting the presence of fire ants must be reported to the Queensland Government.”

Cr Williams said Council has had success in managing several potential threats.

“Amazon frogbit was first recorded on Redlands Coast in the mid-2000s,” she said.

“It is a vigorous aquatic weed, but Council identified it early and managed to eradicate the initial outbreak and contain further incursions through good surveillance and management.

“Another success is with kudzu, a vigorous vine that was across the Southern Moreton Bay Islands (SMBI).

“Through long-term management on Council land and good surveillance, education and community support, Council has managed to almost eradicate it from the SMBI.”

Cr Williams said Council recently completed a four-year Biosecurity Surveillance Program, identifying and inspecting properties with a high risk of biosecurity matter.

“Council actively manages significant areas to reduce the spread and impacts of both terrestrial and aquatic weeds, and undertakes inspections to ensure both council and the community are meeting their general biosecurity obligations,” she said.

“We also offer community education programs through Redlands IndigiScapes Centre.”

Council’s work in this area was recognised recently with biosecurity officer Jack Devlin awarded the prestigious Jenny Reeve Quiet Individual Achievement Award at the South-east Queensland Pest Advisory Forum.

The accolade is presented to individuals who make significant contributions to South-East Queensland in a modest and often unacknowledged manner.

“This award is a testament to Jack’s exceptional dedication and expertise in the field of pest management,” Cr Williams said.

“He not only investigates reports of pest species on properties and assists landowners in managing or eradicating them, but also maps Redlands Coast for pest species and undertakes surveillance and monitoring on Council land.

“He is passionate, not only about educating the community on their biosecurity obligations, but his colleagues as well.”

Council works collaboratively with a number of organisations to manage pest species on Redlands Coast, including Seqwater, Biosecurity Queensland, Healthy Land and Water, Department of Transport and Main Roads, and community groups such as Running Wild Inc and Bushcare Groups.

For more information, visit the Pest animals and weeds page on Redland City Council’s website.