Keep a watchful eye on weeds after the floods

Biosecurity Queensland is urging landholders to be on the lookout for noxious weeds likely to pop up after the wet weather. Landholders should be prepared to control weeds immediately after the rain to prevent the growth and spread of any declared weeds.

The risk of weed spread increases dramatically during and after heavy rain and flood events, not only from weed seed carried by the water itself, but also during recovery efforts. Weeds are spread as the water picks up seeds and plant parts and moves them across the landscape, potentially into new areas. Early detection and control of new infestations are the most effective ways to stop weeds taking hold in new areas.

Weeds likely to spread and grow following wet weather:

South Queensland: athel pine, Chilean needle grass, honey locust, Hudson pear, hymenachne, mother-of-millions, salvinia, water hyacinth and water lettuce.

Wide Bay Burnett: alligator weed, fireweed, glush weed, honey locust, Hudson pear, hymenachne, parthenium, salvinia, water hyacinth and water lettuce.

Central Queensland: alligator weed, fireweed, glush weed, honey locust, Hudson pear, hymenachne, parthenium, salvinia, water hyacinth and water lettuce.

South East Queensland: alligator weed, Chilean needle grass, fireweed, glush weed, honey locust, hymenachne, parthenium, Senegal tea plant and water mimosa.

Landholders are required to control declared weeds on their properties and should remain vigilant in identifying and controlling these pests before they become widespread and cause significant problems.

If you are unsure about a particular plant, a weed identification tool is available online to help easily identify weeds and find information on how to control them.

The Weeds of Australia identification tool is available on the Business and Industry Portal site.

For more information on weeds, visit the Biosecurity Queensland website or call 13 25 23