Media Release - Leucaena

Leucaena

Concerns regarding Leucaena have been raised in coastal communities in the Hinchinbrook Shire.  This weed often forms stands of dense vegetation up to six metres high and can exclude other native vegetation and the movement of wildlife.  Although widespread through many parts of Queensland and the Hinchinbrook Shire, many of our near inshore islands like Hinchinbrook and ‘The Palms’ are still free from this invasive pest.

Figure 1: Leucaena - Note the bipinnate leaf and distinctive seed pods

By law, everyone has a General Biosecurity Obligation (GBO), which means you must take reasonable steps to minimise the risks associated with declared pests, including the spread of seeds or plant matter.  Which is why Hinchinbrook Shire Council has controlled the stand of Leucaena plants immediately around the Dungeness Boat Ramp and pick up point for visitors travelling to Hinchinbrook Island, in order to reduce the risk of people transferring this weed to wilderness areas like the Thorsborne Trail.

 Figure 2: Leucaena at Dungeness boat ramp                                    

Figure 3: Dungeness after control of Leucaena

We are asking all locals and visitors to the Hinchinbrook region and particularly those visiting the islands to be aware of the risks in transporting any invasive plants or animals to the islands, where they can become established without anyone knowing, until it’s too late.

The Hinchinbrook Local Marine Advisory Committee – Hinchinbrook Wonders Brochure and Queensland Park and Wildlife Service both have some excellent resources on how to protect our islands from weeds and invasive species.

Don’t destroy what you came to enjoy and follow the link to learn more about how to be pest-free.