4 days ago
Region's battle to tackle sinister threat lurking at popular waterfall near border
Australia's biosecurity rules are widely regarded as some of the strictest in the world. Yet, invasive species including plants and predators continue to be a major issue spreading across our vast landscape, choking native ecosystems and outcompeting our animals.
One region, which sits close to the border of Queensland and New South Wales, plays a key role as one of the "front lines" between the two states. Workers have now issued a reminder, saying everyone has a role to play in the fight to protect our bush and stamp out invasive species.
"It's really important that everyone is vigilant so we can identify new and emerging threats and jump on them early," Philip Courtney, Rous County Council's Weed Biosecurity and Bush Regeneration Manager, told Yahoo News.
Rous County Council manages the weed biosecurity for six Northern Rivers councils. It is trying to control several invasive plant species. At the picturesque Whian Whian Falls, plants like giant devil's fig, lantana, and both small and broad-leaved privet were removed so that native plants have enough space to thrive.
"What we're trying to do is enhance the natural beauty of the area and encourage native species to grow," Courtney said. "It also helps with water quality. The better the catchment and surrounding areas, the better the water quality will be."
Weeds thrive in 'perfect climatic conditions'
Australia's ecosystem and climate make for "perfect conditions" for the growth of plants and "unfortunately, lots of weeds", Courtney told Yahoo. He said Rous has a "very important" and "never-ending" job tackling weeds that enter the ecosystem.
A recent infestation of prohibited plant frogbit is a recent example. While legal to possess in Queensland, the floating aquatic plant is illegal to buy, sell, trade or move into NSW, with on-the-spot fines of $2,000 for doing so.
Another focus area is parthenium weed, another prohibited plant in NSW.
"There shouldn't be any in NSW. However, we've already found a couple of sites in the Northern Rivers region, and we've been able to jump on them early," Courtney said.
Miconia calvescens, which forms large monocultures and can cause land slips, and tropical soda apple, which is spread through cattle, are two more.
Rous County Council was recently granted $85,000 from the NSW State Government to tackle bitou bush, and other weeds at three sites in the Ballina Shire Council area.
"We are the front line for the rest of NSW to eradicate and stop these weeds early so they don't become a problem for our region and the rest of the state," he said.
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And it's not just plants that pose a threat, with the area also on high alert for the spread of fire ants. There have been several breaches outside containment lines recorded across the country, including in northern NSW, in recent weeks.
Residents impacted by an outbreak of the "world's worst" invasive species fear they may lose access to their own backyards, as the pest marches into new territory.
Courtney has urged Aussies to educate themselves on the native fauna and flora.
"Inform yourself of what's in your backyard and in your local area," he said. "If there is anything that you don't recognise, report it to the authorities as quickly as possible".
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