Insects are to be bred at a Samford, Brisbane, facility to help control fast-spreading and destructive invasive weeds across South-East Queensland.
The Samford Biological Control Facility will breed jewel beetles, tingid bugs and madeira beetles, who are natural predators of cat’s claw creeper and madeira vines.
The fast-spreading weeds are destroying habitats for species like koalas and platypus, Moreton Bay City Council says; they choke riparian vegetation, threaten water quality and reduce landscape resilience.
Led by the Pine Rivers Catchment Association, the beetles will be released across South-East Queensland including at sites in the Pine Rivers, Mid-Brisbane, Mary and Logan River catchments.
TURNING TO INSECTS
The association’s operations manager, Daniel Pagotto says: “Biological control is a proven, science-based method for managing invasive species at scale.
“By mass-rearing these beetles, we can make a meaningful impact on some of the region’s most destructive weeds.
“Once established in the wild, the (insects) will continue their work, suppressing invasive vines and supporting healthier ecosystems,” he says.
Seqwater Catchments Asset Manager Stephanie Pruss says: “Healthy catchments are essential to healthy waterways and efficient drinking water treatment.
“Practical, science based solutions improve raw water quality at the source, supporting more efficient treatment processes and protecting flora and fauna habitats.”
Samford Men’s Shed volunteers have custom-built ‘bug dorms’ filled with the weeds to serve as food for the insects; click here to visit the shed’s website.
Council expects tens of thousands of the insects to be carefully released across the region for release.
It says the biocontrol program is part of efforts to reduce a reliance on physical and chemical control techniques and restore ecological balance.
RESILIENT RIVERS PROGRAM
Moreton Bay Mayor and Deputy Chairman of the Council of Mayors (SEQ) Peter Flannery says: “These tiny environmental warriors will be bred in City of Moreton Bay but their impact will benefit the whole South East Queensland region.
“They’ll be munching on invasive weeds that damage our natural ecosystems from the dividing range to the coast and making a positive difference to our flora and fauna."
The project is funded through the $40 million Resilient Rivers SEQ program under the SEQ City Deal, which involves federal, state and local governments and Seqwater.
The Samford centre is one of more than 30 projects funded by the two-year program which is spending $30m on improving waterways, wetlands and Moreton Bay.
To learn more about the Resilient Rivers program and upcoming projects, visit www.resilientrivers.com.au
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