Sunshine Coast Council, Media Release, 7 August 2023
What do bum-breathing turtles, conservation dogs and giant rat’s tail grasses have in common?
It’s all on the schedule as Sunshine Coast Council hosts the Invasive Plants and Animals Workshop event at Obi Obi Hall on September 2 to arm residents with the knowledge to fight invasives on their property.
The free weekend workshop will feature a series of expert talks on our region’s biodiversity, including the “bum-breathing” Mary River Turtle, and share strategies to control invasive Sporobolus grasses.
Participants can meet Rocky the wildlife-saving conservation dog, collect a free native plant and enjoy the fully catered event.
Environment Portfolio Councillor Maria Suarez said invasive plants and animals had wide-ranging impacts across the region.
“Invasive animals such as foxes and wild dogs pose a threat to pets and livestock, while rabbits can be devastating to our agricultural sector and feral deer can endanger road users,” Cr Suarez said.
“Invasive plants out-compete our beautiful natives, reducing the food available to wildlife with impacts across ecosystems, while others are toxic to humans and animals, threaten agricultural activities or can choke dams and waterways.”
Councillor Suarez said the workshop was an opportunity for rural landholders and residents to work with Council to make a real difference, both to the environment and the agricultural sector.
“We need the help of rural landholders and residents to manage invasive plants and animals on private properties,” Cr Suarez said.
“When everyone takes biosecurity action at their place it benefits our whole region.
“Our officers work to manage invasive plant and animal species on Council land, roadsides and reserves around our region and in partnership with groups and landholders.
“This includes activities like our Coastal Fox Control Program, Mary River Turtle Protection Program, Feral Deer Program, Biosecurity Surveillance Program to monitor pest plant species and programs to manage wild dogs, to name a few.”
Registrations are essential for the workshop. Visit the event page to register your place, or Google “Eventbrite invasive plants and animals workshop”.
Biosecurity action: Commit. Collaborate. Celebrate.
