Redland City Council has endorsed a new Biosecurity Plan that will enable the continued robust management of invasive weeds, pest animals and other biosecurity risks across the city.
Mayor Jos Mitchell said that, under the Queensland Government Biosecurity Act 2014, every council across the state was required to adopt a biosecurity management plan relevant to their area.
The Redlands Coast Biosecurity Plan 2025–2030 was adopted at yesterday’s General Meeting of Council and will take effect from 1 July 2025.
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The plan includes a series of actions aimed at reducing the threat of invasive species and protecting the natural environment on Redlands Coast for current and future generations.
The plan covers invasive biosecurity matter across all land and waterways on Redlands Coast, including areas managed by the Queensland Government, private landholders, and community groups.
“Biosecurity threats such as invasive weeds and pest animals pose a significant risk to the economy, environment, community, human health and agriculture,” the Mayor said.
“The new biosecurity plan has been developed to help mitigate these risks, provide the community with information and guidance on their obligations under the Biosecurity Act, and identify invasive species that need to be either controlled or eradicated.
“Critical actions identified in the new plan include continuing the successful Biosecurity Surveillance Program, securing resources for the city’s red imported fire ant suppression program, and continuing biosecurity working group meetings with key stakeholders.
“The surveillance program will once again capture private and public land to help Council manage compliance with the Act and determine the distribution, changes, and presence of biosecurity matter across the city.
“By working together to manage biosecurity risks, we can protect our natural environment and keep the community safe.
“I encourage everyone to familiarise themselves with the identification of pest animals and weeds via Council’s website.”
Biosecurity and Pest Management Portfolio Councillor Paul Golle said biosecurity threats on Redlands Coast included plants such as alligator weed, cabomba, and Mexican bean tree, and animals such as feral deer, feral pigs, and European red foxes.
“These species were identified during the previous biosecurity surveillance program and are listed in the new plan as known pests that need to either be eradicated or contained to protect our city’s biodiversity,” Cr Golle said.
“Of particular concern on Redlands Coast is the red imported fire ant, which has become a significant biosecurity threat in recent years.
“Where they once occupied only a small number of areas at the southern end of the city, they are now widespread across Redlands Coast, including on the islands.
“The key takeaway from this plan for our community is that if you notice a biosecurity threat, you are obligated under the Biosecurity Act to report it to the relevant authority, often within 24 hours of making the discovery to ensure the risk to human health is minimised.
“Please ensure you are inspecting your properties regularly for fire ants, balloon vine, or signs of feral pig or feral deer activity, especially if you live on acreage or close to bushland areas.
“Help with identification of pest animals and weeds can be obtained from Council’s website.
“You are also required to prevent biosecurity matter from spreading beyond your property by securing all domestic or farm animals, controlling weed growth, and managing the spread of seeds.”
Changes implemented in the new biosecurity plan include:
- Addition of red imported fire ants as a significant biosecurity threat
- Removal of pest fish section, as this responsibility lies with the Queensland Government
- Reduced number of pests in higher management objectives (12 species are identified as feasible for eradication)
- Updated action plan with new objectives
- Guidance on roles and responsibilities.
The plan was developed in consultation with representatives from the Redlands Coast Biosecurity Working Group, which includes external agencies such as Biosecurity Queensland, Seqwater, Queensland National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of Transport and Main Roads, and Healthy Land and Water.
Fire ant sightings on Redlands Coast can be reported to the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries by phoning 13 22 68 or visiting the National Fire Ant Eradication website at ants.daf.qld.gov.au.
For more information about biosecurity management on Redlands Coast, visit the Council website.
