Gympie landholders urged to fight back against destructive vines
Published on 02 July 2026
Gympie Regional Council is arming landholders with the knowledge and guidance needed to take on the growing threat of invasive weed species on their properties as part of an upcoming free community workshop.
Through its annual biosecurity education program, Council is hosting the free community event to specifically target cat’s claw creeper and madeira vine.
Gympie Mayor Glen Hartwig said invasive weeds remained one of the region’s most significant environmental challenges.
“Being a landholder myself, I understand the serious impacts invasive weeds can have on the environment when they are not properly managed,” Mayor Hartwig said.
“Invasive vine species like cat’s claw creeper spread rapidly and smother the native vegetation koalas rely on for habitat. This highlights the urgent need for greater community awareness and ongoing action to control these weeds.
“One of the presentations at the workshop will be delivered by recipients of a Council Micro Biosecurity Grant who received funding to research, control and monitor transformer weed species along Little Bella Creek in Imbil. Their project is a great example of how Council’s Community Grants Program supports local landholders to take practical action to manage invasive weeds across the region.
“Managing invasive weeds is a shared responsibility between Council, landholders and the broader community. To support this ongoing effort, Council continues to invest heavily in education, monitoring, and control programs, with more than $140,000 committed this financial year.
"As part of the 2026-27 Budget deliberations, Council will continue exploring ways to further support landholders in managing invasive weeds across the region.
“Whether you are already dealing with invasive vines or simply want to better understand how to prevent them from spreading, I encourage all landholders to come along to the free workshop and be part of the solution.”
The workshop will include a presentation from local landholders about a recent project that aimed to protect local waterways from aggressive weed species found in the region. Council staff will also provide information on the Land for Wildlife program, as well as koala habitat protection and vegetation management.
The session will also include weed control demonstrations and information on how to use online tools such as Wildwatch Gympie and iNaturalist to record and report weed sightings. Landholders are encouraged to bring weed samples along so Council officers can assist with identification and provide practical advice on control methods.
Event Information
Cat’s Claw Creeper and Invasive Weeds Workshop
- Mary Valley Memorial Hall (Imbil RSL Hall), 127 Yabba Road, Imbil
- Free entry and morning tea provided
For information visit: www.gympie.qld.gov.au/weed-workshop
ENDS