Published Sunday, 08 April, 2007 at 08:00 AM
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries
The Honourable Tim Mulherin
WATCH FOR WEEDS HITCHING A LIFT OVER EASTER
They are small and stealthy and their impact costs the state $600 million per year in lost production and control costs.
Weeds are mostly spread by human movement and Biosecurity Queensland is warning holiday-makers to watch out for unexpected company when they return from the Easter holiday break.
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin said weeds were relentless hitchhikers and people needed to be aware of the hazards of spreading seeds during holiday trips.
“Every time a vehicle goes off the road there is the potential to pick up weeds in or on the vehicle,” Mr Mulherin said.
“Clothing and footwear, even pets’ coats can pick up seeds and deposit them at the next place you visit.
“These can have a real impact on native plants, animals, and grazing country.”
Mr Mulherin said people could take a number of simple precautions to reduce the chance of spreading weeds.
“When traveling, keep to roads and tracks and before leaving an area, make sure you remove mud, seeds and plant parts from cars, trailers and caravans,” he said.
“Seeds can travel attached to shoes and socks, camping equipment and even picnic blankets. You should also check boats and watercraft for organic material that could carry seeds.”
Mr Mulherin added many local councils provided clean down facilities where vehicle owners could remove weed seeds.
“Watch for signs throughout Queensland advising that you are entering a pest plant area and be particularly vigilant in removing weed seeds before you move on.”
Further information on weeds is available at: http://www.nrw.qld.gov.au/pests/weeds/weed_spread/index.html
For information on clean down facilities is available at: http://www.nrw.qld.gov.au/pests/weeds/weed_spread/washdown/index.html
Media: 323 96530, 0409 305 662
Weeds are mostly spread by human movement and Biosecurity Queensland is warning holiday-makers to watch out for unexpected company when they return from the Easter holiday break.
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin said weeds were relentless hitchhikers and people needed to be aware of the hazards of spreading seeds during holiday trips.
“Every time a vehicle goes off the road there is the potential to pick up weeds in or on the vehicle,” Mr Mulherin said.
“Clothing and footwear, even pets’ coats can pick up seeds and deposit them at the next place you visit.
“These can have a real impact on native plants, animals, and grazing country.”
Mr Mulherin said people could take a number of simple precautions to reduce the chance of spreading weeds.
“When traveling, keep to roads and tracks and before leaving an area, make sure you remove mud, seeds and plant parts from cars, trailers and caravans,” he said.
“Seeds can travel attached to shoes and socks, camping equipment and even picnic blankets. You should also check boats and watercraft for organic material that could carry seeds.”
Mr Mulherin added many local councils provided clean down facilities where vehicle owners could remove weed seeds.
“Watch for signs throughout Queensland advising that you are entering a pest plant area and be particularly vigilant in removing weed seeds before you move on.”
Further information on weeds is available at: http://www.nrw.qld.gov.au/pests/weeds/weed_spread/index.html
For information on clean down facilities is available at: http://www.nrw.qld.gov.au/pests/weeds/weed_spread/washdown/index.html
Media: 323 96530, 0409 305 662