Published Sunday, 14 September, 2008 at 10:00 AM
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries
The Honourable Tim Mulherin
Swap your weeds for native plants and help in the Biosecurity battle against fire ants
Residents in the eastern suburbs have a chance to trade a back yard weed for a native plant at Belmont State School this Sunday.
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) Tim Mulherin and the Member for Chatsworth, Chris Bombolas MP, are encouraging families to attend and take advantage of an opportunity to grab a take-home seedling.
“DPI&F weed experts will be on hand to answer any questions you may have about weeds and to help you identify options for native plants that will thrive in your garden,” Mr Mulherin said.
“We shouldn’t underestimate the threat posed by weeds – they are an environmental problem because they compete for space with native plants and they can make life difficult for residents, our natural environment and primary producers.”
Mr Bombolas said the seedling giveaways are a great chance for local families to green up the eastern suburbs.
“As part of the Bligh Government’s Q2 vision for Queensland, we want to build a sustainable, green community and this offers a chance to make a positive difference in our eastern suburbs,” Mr Bombolas said.
“Replacing weeds with quality native plants is a practical way that all of us can make a contribution.”
The Weed Swap is being jointly organised by DPI&F and the Bulimba Creek Catchment Co-ordinating Committee.
Additionally, Biosecurity Queensland will also be making fire ant information available on the day.
The community is also encouraged to bring along any suspect ants and members of the Biosecurity Fire Ant team will be on hand to identify them.
“We can’t take any chances when it comes to Biosecurity in our eastern suburbs and that’s why families are being encouraged to keep an eye out for fire ants,” Mr Bombolas said.
“As a community, it’s important for us to work together and remain vigilant when it comes to the Biosecurity battle against fire ants.
“We must do everything we can to ensure fire ants don’t take hold in suburbs like Carindale, Carina and Belmont because the experts have made it clear they pose a potential threat to the lifestyle we all love.”
“My Department is working hard to combat fire ants in Queensland and residents are helping in the battle - experts will be on hand to help residents who suspect they may have fire ants near their home,” Mr Mulherin said.
Geckoes Wildlife will also be staging a native wildlife display for residents.
For more information on the Weed Swap visit www.dpi.qld.gov.au or call the Business Information Centre on 13 25 23.
When: Sunday September 14
Time: 10am
Where: Belmont State School Oval, Scrub Road, Belmont
Media
3239 6530 or 0409 305 662
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) Tim Mulherin and the Member for Chatsworth, Chris Bombolas MP, are encouraging families to attend and take advantage of an opportunity to grab a take-home seedling.
“DPI&F weed experts will be on hand to answer any questions you may have about weeds and to help you identify options for native plants that will thrive in your garden,” Mr Mulherin said.
“We shouldn’t underestimate the threat posed by weeds – they are an environmental problem because they compete for space with native plants and they can make life difficult for residents, our natural environment and primary producers.”
Mr Bombolas said the seedling giveaways are a great chance for local families to green up the eastern suburbs.
“As part of the Bligh Government’s Q2 vision for Queensland, we want to build a sustainable, green community and this offers a chance to make a positive difference in our eastern suburbs,” Mr Bombolas said.
“Replacing weeds with quality native plants is a practical way that all of us can make a contribution.”
The Weed Swap is being jointly organised by DPI&F and the Bulimba Creek Catchment Co-ordinating Committee.
Additionally, Biosecurity Queensland will also be making fire ant information available on the day.
The community is also encouraged to bring along any suspect ants and members of the Biosecurity Fire Ant team will be on hand to identify them.
“We can’t take any chances when it comes to Biosecurity in our eastern suburbs and that’s why families are being encouraged to keep an eye out for fire ants,” Mr Bombolas said.
“As a community, it’s important for us to work together and remain vigilant when it comes to the Biosecurity battle against fire ants.
“We must do everything we can to ensure fire ants don’t take hold in suburbs like Carindale, Carina and Belmont because the experts have made it clear they pose a potential threat to the lifestyle we all love.”
“My Department is working hard to combat fire ants in Queensland and residents are helping in the battle - experts will be on hand to help residents who suspect they may have fire ants near their home,” Mr Mulherin said.
Geckoes Wildlife will also be staging a native wildlife display for residents.
For more information on the Weed Swap visit www.dpi.qld.gov.au or call the Business Information Centre on 13 25 23.
When: Sunday September 14
Time: 10am
Where: Belmont State School Oval, Scrub Road, Belmont
Media
3239 6530 or 0409 305 662