Tiny ‘warriors’ to tackle weeds

A new facility in Moreton Bay is set to unleash thousands of tiny beetles and bugs to fight two of South-East Queensland’s (SEQ) worst invasive weeds.

The Samford Biological Control Facility will mass-breed cat’s claw creeper jewel beetles, tingid bugs and madeira beetles.

These natural predators of fast-spreading vines are approved for release to smother native vegetation which is destroying habitat for the likes of koalas and platypus.

Led by The Pine Rivers Catchment Association, the beetles will be used at priority locations including sites in the Pine Rivers, Mid-Brisbane, Mary and Logan River catchments.

“Biological control is a proven, science-based method for managing invasive species at scale,” Pine Rivers Catchment Association Operations Manager, Daniel Pagotto said.

“By mass-rearing these beetles, we can make a meaningful impact on some of the region’s most destructive weeds.

“Once established in the wild, the agents will continue their work, suppressing invasive vines and supporting healthier ecosystems.”

City of Moreton Bay Mayor and Deputy Chair of the Council of Mayors (SEQ) Peter Flannery said: “These tiny environmental warriors will benefit the whole SEQ region.

“They’ll be munching on invasive weeds that damage our natural ecosystems from the dividing range to the coast and making a positive difference to our flora and fauna."

Cat’s claw creeper and madeira vine are among the region’s most damaging weeds, choking riparian vegetation, threatening water quality and reducing landscape resilience.

Volunteers from Samford Men’s shed have built custom ‘bug dorms’ filled with cat’s claw creeper and madeira vine to provide food for beetles and bugs.

Tens of thousands of the insects will be raised and monitored each year in on-site nurseries before being transferred to targeted locations for release.

The biocontrol program is part of an integrated weed-management approach reducing reliance on physical and chemical control techniques while strengthening ecological balance.

“Practical, science based solutions improve raw water quality at the source, supporting more efficient treatment processes and protecting flora and fauna habitats,” Seqwater Catchments Asset Manager Stephanie Pruss said.

Minister for the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation, Andrew Powell said: “We’re supporting nature-based approaches that weaken invasive vines and create space for native plants and wildlife to thrive.”

The program is funded through Resilient Rivers SEQ under the SEQ City Deal, a partnership of the Australian Government, Queensland Government and Council of Mayors (SEQ).

The SEQ City Deal will invest $40 million into Resilient Rivers SEQ with $10 million each from the Federal Government, State Government, Council of Mayors (SEQ) and Seqwater.

Samford Biological Control Facility will distribute biocontrols, including jewel and madeira beetles and tingid bugs, in accordance with a permit issued under the Biosecurity Act 2014.