To guide pest management across the Gladstone Region, Council maintains a Biosecurity Plan that sets out broad goals and actions for addressing invasive plants and animals. The plan is reviewed and refined over time to reflect emerging priorities, risks, and opportunities.
Many invasive species were originally introduced from overseas, often for farming, landscaping, or as pets, and have since spread widely across the landscape. These species can damage ecosystems, reduce agricultural productivity, threaten native biodiversity, affect human health and diminish the recreational and cultural value of our landscapes.
Everyone has a role to play in protecting our landscapes from invasive species. Council supports practical, coordinated biosecurity action by working with landholders, community groups, industry, and other stakeholders across the Region.
The Biosecurity Plan outlines the priority invasive species for the Gladstone Region, identified through a comprehensive assessment of species currently impacting or posing a threat to the region. Several factors were considered including whether the species is identified as prohibited or restricted matter under Queensland Biosecurity legislation, its potential impacts, distribution and prevalence, ease of spread, and the availability and effectiveness, and cost of control options.
To guide management efforts, each priority species has a clear management objective. The plan also outlines reasonable and practical measures to support achieving these objectives.
Want to feel confident you're meeting your General Biosecurity Obligation? The Biosecurity Plan makes it easy. It outlines what’s expected for each priority weed species, with practical steps landholders can take to help reduce biosecurity risks. Download the Plan and see how your efforts can make a real difference in protecting our region.
Priority invasive species by management objective:
See also
To support landholders in meeting their biosecurity responsibilities, Gladstone Regional Council delivers a range of services to assist in managing invasive plants and animals.
As a resident you have a responsibility for controlling weeds on your property.
Council provides free onsite appointments to assist landholders develop a Property Pest Management Plan. While these plans are not mandatory under the Biosecurity Act 2014, they are a valuable tool for managing invasive pest species and planning effective control strategies.
The Property Pest Management Plans are a three-year document that help landholders plan and manage invasive pest species. Each plan includes:
This program supports landholders in managing containment invasive species identified in the Biosecurity Plan 2026-30.(PDF, 4MB)
Eligible landholders can apply for a financial grant of up to $500 per year to assist with the cost of controlling these species on their property within the Gladstone Region.
To apply for the invasive species grants program, landholders must:
- Have a containment pest species infestation (excluding wild dogs) on their property within the Gladstone Region
- Have a current property pest management plan with Council, outlining the proposed management actions over a three year period
- Submit a reimbursement application with receipts for eligible expenses, such as chemicals, fuel for herbicide mixing, spray hire equipment, or associated equipment, in line with their approved property pest management plan
- Consent to an annual property inspection to assess progress.
Council operates two 24-hour vehicle washdown facilities to help prevent the spread of weeds and seeds across the Gladstone Region. These facilities use non-potable water and are not suitable for filling water trucks, pods, or containers for personal use.
Calliope washdown facility
- Located on Stowe Road, Calliope.
- Token and coin-operated facility
- Accepts $1 and $2 coins
Aldoga washdown facility
- Located on Aldoga Drive, Aldoga
Keys can be purchased at a cost from:
- Gladstone Office, 101 Goondoon Street, Gladstone.
- Calliope Library and Transaction Centre, 3 Don Cameron Drive, Calliope
- AVDATA Australia on (02) 6262 8111.
Weed and seed vehicle inspections
Vehicle inspections are available at:
- Calliope washdown facility
- Miriam Vale depot
Inspection hours: 7am - 2pm Monday to Friday
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Bookings are essential, with a minimum of 24 hours' notice.
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Inspections between 7am - 8am are free (fees apply outside this time).
For access to water for personal use, please see Standpipe Water.
Aquatic weeds and pest fish can spread quickly, and sometimes all it takes is an aquarium being emptied into a stormwater drain.
Learn what you can do to help. Our short video explains why it’s so important never to release aquarium plants, fish or tank water into creeks, rivers, or stormwater systems, and how small actions can make a big difference.
Council operates a biological control facility to assist landholders in managing invasive pest plants across the Gladstone Region. Biological control use of insects or pathogens (diseases) that target and weaken specific weed species, helping reduce their spread and impact.
The distribution of biocontrol agents is undertaken in accordance with a permit issued under the Biosecurity Act 2014. As part of the process Council id required to collect relevant information from landholders and assess each application to determine the most appropriate treatment option.
Salvinia weevil Cyrtobagous salviniae
Council maintains a breeding program for salvinia weevils to assist landholders in managing salvinia (Salvinia molesta) infestations. This biological control is available free of charge to all residents for use on private property.
Salvinia is a free-floating aquatic fern and classified as a category 3 pest plant under Queensland's Biosecurity Act 2014. It is also listed as a Weeds of National Significance. Salvinia must not be given away, sold, or released into the environment. Landholders are responsible for keeping their land and water free of this invasive species.
The salvinia weevil (Cyrtobagous salviniae) originates from the same native range in Brazil as salvinia. The salvinia weevil is 2–3 mm long and dark brown to black. They are most effective when air temperatures are 27–35°C and plant nitrogen levels are high.
While adult weevils feed on the plant, the larvae cause the most damage by tunnelling into the stem (rhizome), which causes salvinia to turn brown, lose buoyancy, and sink. Weevils need time to build up their population to a level where they can outpace salvinia growth. Depending on the infestation size and the environmental conditions, control may take 1–3 years.
Parthenium Rust (Puccinia spp.)
Council provides parthenium rust (Puccinia spp.) free of charge to eligible landholders to support the biological control of Parthenium weed on private property. Council also provides advice on suitable release conditions to help ensure successful establishment and long-term impact.
Parthenium rust is a naturally occurring fungus that infects the leaves of the weed, reducing its ability to photosynthesize and reproduce. Over time, this weakens the plant and helps limit its impact on pastures, cropping areas, and native vegetation.
For further information on Gladstone Regional Council's Biological Control Program, or to apply, please contact Council on (07) 4970 0700.
Council also undertakes control activities on Council controlled land, including roadside management. All roads are incorporated into scheduled routine work programs with a primary focus on Giant Rat’s Tail Grass and Parthenium.
The wet season schedule includes:
- Giant Rats Tail Grass – three-month rotational schedule
- Parthenium – four weekly schedule
The dry season schedule includes:
- Giant Rat’s Tail Grass – three-month rotational schedule
- Parthenium – six weekly schedule
- Feral Leucaena, Groundsel Bush, Mother of Millions and Rubber vine - annually
If you spot Giant Rat’s Tail Grass, Parthenium, or other invasive pest plants, please report them online or contact Council on (07) 49700 0700.
Locations may already be part of our scheduled maintenance program, but for new infestations, Council can inspect the site, carry out control measures, and include it in future works.
Why Giant Rat’s Tail Grass matters
Giant Rat’s Tail Grass (GRT) is a fast-spreading invasive species that poses a serious threat to both pasture productivity and natural ecosystems. It competes with desirable pasture grasses and can completely displace native plants, leading to long tern environmental damage. View factsheet for more information.
Why Parthenium matters
Parthenium is a rapidly spreading weed that poses serious risks to agriculture, biodiversity, and human health. It thrives in disturbed areas like roadsides and pastures, where it can quickly outcompete native plants and reduce land productivity. Its fine hairs and pollen are known to trigger allergic reactions and respiratory issues in people and animals, making early identification and control especially important.
Further information