MAREEBA Shire Council has issued an update on the land protection activities carried out in October.
Mareeba Shire covers a vast area of 53,457km2 and there are a number of invasive plants and animals which can have a devastating impact on the environment.
Work has continued on Emu Creek in the Walsh River catchment to eradicate bellyache bush, physic nut and rubber vine.
Council officers also concentrated their efforts around Chillagoe to treat and map chinee apple, neem trees and rubber vine.
Many of these species spread quickly, create thickets which impacts wildlife and stock movements, and some can be toxic to animals.
Amazon frogbit is a particularly destructive weed which floats on the water surface and prevents native plants from growing. It also reduces light and food sources for aquatic animals and blocks waterways.
“Council officers have continued to work along Chinaman Creek in the Barron River Catchment to remove frogbit,” Mareeba Mayor Angela Toppin said.
Land protection officers recently spoke at a Careers Day at Kuranda District State College for students interested in Land Management.
Other agencies involved were Djabugay Rangers, National Parks, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (electric ants), Wet Tropics Management Agency (yellow crazy ants) and Kuranda Envirocare.
Council also manages invasive animal species including wild dogs, feral rabbits and wild pigs.
“I would like to encourage residents to visit Council’s website for more information,” Mayor Toppin said.
Keep up with the latest news in Cairns and the Far North, and check out some of our top stories this week: Projects progress in Mareeba Shire and Douglas council welcomes judgement decision.
