May 2, 2012
Cats Claw Creeper – a weed pest in the South Burnett – has been declared a “Weed of National Significance” based on its economic, environmental and social impact and potential to spread.
It is one of 12 new weeds added to the national list which have invaded Queensland to varying degrees.
Chief Biosecurity Officer Dr Jim Thompson said that by adding them to this list they would be managed under a nationally co-ordinated strategy to restrict their spread and reduce the impact of current infestations.
“National coordination ensures that on-the-ground activities and research is focused on the priority weeds and a single approach to building community capacity to assist in fighting the spread of weeds is adopted,” he said.
“Queensland will lead the national strategy development, documentation of best practice management, national mapping and national coordination of activities for three of these weeds – gamba grass, cat’s claw creeper and Madeira vine.”
Cat’s claw creeper was introduced as a garden plant and has spread throughout coastal regions in eastern Australia.
The 12 weeds which have been added to the Weeds of National Significance list are:
- African boxthorn
- Asparagus weeds
- Bellyache bush
- Brooms
- Cat’s claw creeper
- Fireweed
- Gamba grass
- Madeira vine
- Opuntioid cacti
- Sagittaria
- Silverleaf nightshade
- Water hyacinth
For more information, visit the Biosecurity Queensland website or the Weeds of National Significance website
