Weed Management for Rydges Capricorn

This case study is just one example of Greening Australia’s weed management capabilities in Queensland, and more generally across Australia.

Rydges Capricorn Resort near Yeppoon on the central Queensland coast has the dubious honour of hosting three of Australia’s top twenty weeds of national significance.  These weeds are invading the lush tropical vegetation and displacing native plant and animal species. 

Greening Australia is working with Resort Owners, Iwasaki Sangyo Corporation, on a plan to control weed species on the 7970 hectare freehold property.  The plan identifies ten species for priority control based on their invasiveness, potential for spread and environmental and economic impacts. 

The highly invasive water weed Hymenachne, was targeted in the first instance. This robust perennial grass can grow above or below water and reach heights of 2.5 metres forming dense stands that reduce plant diversity and available habitat for native animals.  It also blocks waterways and threatens the quality of drinking water. 

The area covered by Hymenachne has been reduced by 70% under the Greening Australia weed management plan.  Associated restoration activities have repaired the ecological balance of the site and fish populations have returned. 

In Queensland, Greening Australia provides weed control training for individuals and private and public organisations. This training emphasises the importance of integrated weed management in protecting and restoring native vegetation.