TRC investigating extent of plant pathogen outbreak

Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) is developing a plan to manage a plant pathogen which has been identified in Queens Park and urban trees in Toowoomba city.

TRC Parks and Recreation Services portfolio spokesperson Cr Tim McMahon said Council had identified water mould, known as Phytophthora, in Queens Park and urban trees in parts of the city.

“Council officers are investigating which species of Phytophthora is present in the park and across Toowoomba,” Cr McMahon said.

“When this is determined, arborists and other experts will have the necessary information to better predict the likely effects of the pathogen on the park and trees.

“We are preparing a Phytophthora Management Plan to conserve the heritage values and significant trees in our parks and streetscapes.

“As there have been positive test results for Phytophthora in some urban trees and in Queens Park, Council is not planning to restrict public access to the park.

“Council seeks to inform the public and commercial operators of the presence of the plant pathogen and encourage individuals and operators to manage the risk of carrying the pathogen back to their own gardens or to natural areas that may be significantly affected by dieback.

“Council will be implementing plant and soil hygiene and wash down procedures where teams are working with trees that have tested positive to Phytophthora.

“In addition, any potentially contaminated soil or plant waste resulting from the removal of an affected tree will be managed and stored separately until a suitable method of disposal can be established.

“There are other local authorities across South East Queensland that are dealing with similar outbreaks and we are staying up to date with any relevant information.”

Cr McMahon said Phytophthora was spread by water moving through or over soil or by the transportation of soil or infected plant material by people and animals. (It can also move between trees that have intermingled roots.)

(Phytophthora is a water mould that can cause die back in park and street trees. Some species are a significant threat to biodiversity if spread in natural areas. There are many species of the plant pathogen found in Australia.)

For more details about dealing with Phytophthora, please visit: www.tr.qld.gov.au/phytophthora