Declared Weeds and Pests

Mother of MillionsDeclared Weeds and Pests

Pests and weeds pose significant threats to local natural resources and environments. The Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002 is designed to achieve improved pest and stock route management; in part by placing a legal obligation upon local governments and private land owners to take pest control measures.

Local Government Obligations

Under this Act local governments are required to ensure declared pests within its area are managed (s 183). In accordance with the act Bundaberg Regional Council developed a Pest Management Plan for the area in 2008. 

To actively manage declared pest in the Bundaberg Region, it is necessary for both public and private land to be surveyed. This occurs as a Pest Survey Program, which under the act allows authorized people to enter private land in order to meet pest management obligations.

The purpose of Bundaberg Regional Council's Pest Survey Programs is to:

  • Monitor compliance with the act regarding declared pests; and to
  • Map the distribution of declared pests in the area.

Notification of upcoming Pest Survey Programs is given in the News-mail no less than 14 days before surveying works begin.

Land Owners Obligations

Under the Land Protection (Pest & Stock Route Management) Act 2002 private land owners must take reasonable steps to keep their land free of class 1 and class 2 pests; unless the owner holds a declared pests permit (s77).

Local Governments may request the removal of declared class 1 and 2 pests and if necessary issue a Pest Control Notice. Where the land owner's property is adjacent to an environmentally significant area, the local government may also issue a pest control notice regarding declared, class 3 pests.

Pest Control Notice

A pest control notice is designed to notify land owners of pests on their land that require removal under the Act. The pest control notice will identify:

  • the land and pest to which it relates,
  • the environmentally significant area (if appropriate),
  • the action the owner must take against the pest ,
  • the compliance period the owner has to take the action.

An authorised person may enter the land, without further notice, to ensure or monitor compliance with the pest control notice. The owner may ask to extend the compliance period or change the required action within 14 days after receiving the notice. It is an offence to fail to comply with a pest control notice.

Bundaberg Regional Council has a number of facilities to assist land owners with pest control:

  • Wick wipers- 4 metre pressurized wick wiper are available free of charge for control of Giant Rats Tail Grass. These units work by applying a concentrated application of glyphosate to the Giant Rats Tail Grass plant and are quite effective in areas of light to moderate infestation.
  •  Spray units- trailer mounted 400lt Quikspray units with 100 mts of remote controlled retractable hose. These units are available for control of declared plants and can be hired from Council for a minimal fee. Hiring of units can be arranged by phoning Council on 1300 883 699.
  • Splatter guns- Council has several splatter guns available for control of lantana. Splatter guns have been proven to give exceptional control of lantana, particularly in steep terrain or otherwise inaccessible locations. These guns are carried on the operators back and are gas operated to deliver a small concentrated mix of glyphosate.

For a list of hire fees and to arrange hiring of this equipment please call Council on 1300 883 699

  • Boomless spray attachment- these attachments can be fitted to spray units for undertaking control of large infestations. The unit allows for an 18 metre spray swath to be applied with each pass, making control of large areas more easily undertaken.
  • Noxious plant inspection of properties prior to purchase- this service assists prospective purchasers by making them aware of any current pest issues prior to purchase. Inspections can be arranged by contacting Council on 1300 883 699 (inspection fee applies).
  • 1080 baiting- Council undertakes coordinated baiting programs for control of dingoes/wild dogs and feral pigs. Restrictions apply for accessing 1080 poison for more information contact Land Protection Officers on 1300 883 699; or see the following fact sheets below:

Pig traps- portable pig traps are available for loan to assist with control of feral pigs. Traps can be sourced by contacting Land Protection Officers on 1300 883 699.

Local Pest Species

The main pest plant species affecting the Bundaberg region are, but not limited to:

  • Mother of millions -  (Bryophyllum delagoense and B. daigremontianum x B. delagoense) 

The Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation, Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries has a useful website for further information regarding weeds and pests in Queensland.