Lockyer Valley Regional Council, Media Release, 17 October 2025

An invasive weed not seen in the Lockyer Valley for more than half a century has been detected at Forest Hill, prompting Council to issue an alert.

A Lockyer Valley Regional Council contractor recently raised the alarm after stumbling upon an infestation of rubber vine in the rail reserve at Forest Hill.

The only other time rubber vine has been reported in the Lockyer Valley was near Gatton way back in 1971, Pest Management Portfolio Councillor Cheryl Steinhardt said.

“This is quite concerning as rubber vine is not normally found in the Lockyer Valley so we are taking this discovery very seriously,” she said.

“Rubber vine is poisonous to stock and spreads via water and wind, and due to its ability to quickly spread and colonise areas, it’s listed as a Weed of National Significance.

“It invades waterways, smothering riparian vegetation and expands outwards to form dense thickets in pasture.” 

Cr Steinhardt said Council was working with Biosecurity Queensland to have the Forest Hill infestation managed.

“Council’s goal is to eradicate all infestations, and we are urging the community to report any suspected sightings to our Pest Management Team immediately on 1300 005 872,” she said.

“We’re hoping this is a small infestation only and we can get on top of it and it doesn’t take hold.

“However, due to the invasive nature of rubber vine, it could have already spread to surrounding areas or further afield, which is why we’ve issued an alert and are seeking the community’s help.”

Rubber vine can present as a climbing vine in trees, or as an untidy shrub one to two metres in height. It has dark green, somewhat glossy leaves and its pods grow in opposite pairs. Its flowers are large and showy, consisting of five white to light purple petals.

Cr Steinhardt said Council was organising a letterbox drop to surrounding properties informing them of the infestation and asking them to be on the lookout.

“We are also making our outdoor staff aware so they can report any sightings they might find while on the job,” she said.

“Rubber vine normally likes moisture, so the best places to look are near dams or waterways or along drainage lines.

“We are asking the community to be aware, and if they spot what they think is rubber vine, to please report it immediately.”

Further information and images of rubber vine can be found at https://www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/farms-fishing-forestry/agriculture/biosecurity/plants/invasive/restricted/rubber-vine.