A bumper biosecurity blitz scheduled for the Townsville region
in early June will tackle a range of pests, diseases and weeds.
Previously, the annual survey has concentrated on plant biosecurity
issues but this year’s survey has been expanded to include
invasive weeds, Asian honey bees and tramp ants such as fire ants,
electric ants and yellow crazy ants.
This year’s Townsville urban survey would be the first to
involve all aspects of biosecurity brought under the Biosecurity
Queensland umbrella.
Biosecurity Queensland was formed last year bringing together
personnel and resources associated with biosecurity activities in
the departments of Primary Industries and Fisheries, Natural
Resources and Water, and Environmental Protection Agency.
The DPI&F team will knock on doors randomly selected across
the greater Townsville area, including Magnetic Island, and request
cooperation from householders to inspect their gardens for signs of
any potential problems.
All team members will carry clear identification and will ask
permission before surveying a property.
Targeted pests and diseases include Mango leaf hopper, citrus
canker and the banana disease, black Sigatoka. Tramp ants and Asian
honey bees have been found in Cairns in the past two years, so
Biosecurity Queensland will be on the lookout for these pests while
checking Townsville gardens.”
Targeted weeds include Siam weed, miconia, limnocharis, mikania
vine and Koster’s curse.
