Queenslanders busting weeds this week
Published Sunday, 08 October, 2006 at 04:00 AM
Minister for Natural Resources and Water
The Honourable Kerry Shine
Queenslanders are targeting weeds across the State over the next seven days as part of National Weedbuster week, which officially starts today (8 October).
Natural Resources and Water Minister Kerry Shine said more than 40 events, including working bees, forums and weed identification workshops, in Queensland were registered for Weedbuster Week.
Areas hosting Weedbuster Week events include Beaudesert, Brisbane, Bundaberg, Cairns, Ingham, MagneticIsland, PineRivers, Rockhampton, Springsure, SunshineCoast region, Toowoomba, Townsville and Windorah.
"Weeds are a major threat to our environment and our primary industries," Mr Shine said.
"Weedbuster Week is a perfect opportunity to encourage the community to defeat the weeds, restore our environment, and improve our sustainability.”
“Weeds cost Queensland an estimated $600 million each year.”
Mr Shine said the Queensland Government was currently seeking applications for funding under its $11 million Reclaim the Bush – a Pest Offensive program as part of the Government’s Blueprint for the Bush.
“Tackling weeds is a major focus of the Pest Offensive program.”
Mr Shine said one of the most cost-effective ways to control weeds was to stop them spreading and eradicate new infestations.
"Preventing the spread of weed seed on equipment and not dumping weed and garden waste in bush or parkland are simple ways of halting weed spread," he said.
For further information on Weedbuster Week and its events, visit http://www.nrm.qld.gov.au/pests/weeds/weedbuster or http://www.weedbusters.info/
Media contact: Kirby Anderson 0418 197 350 or