Biosecurity Risks

The Wet Tropics is one of the most biologically rich and ecologically significant places on Earth. But it is also at risk from increasing biosecurity threats.

What Are Biosecurity Risks?

Biosecurity risks are pests, weeds and diseases that threaten the health of our environment, agriculture, economy and communities.

In the Wet Tropics, these threats can spread quickly because of our tropical climate, high rainfall and the interconnected nature of our ecosystems.

Examples include:

• Weeds such as Amazon frogbit, Singapore daisy and Turbina that outcompete native plants and alter entire ecosystems.
• Pests like feral pigs and cats that damage rainforest understorey, spread weeds and prey on native species.
• Diseases such as myrtle rust that affect native trees and can reduce food and habitat for wildlife.

Why It Matters

Nature isn’t just something that we enjoy on the weekends — it also underpins agriculture, tourism and cultural values. Invasive species and diseases can:

• Disrupt food chains and push endangered species closer to extinction.
• Reduce agricultural productivity by destroying crops and pasture.
• Threaten the cultural connections that First Nations peoples have with Country.
• Impact local industries and livelihoods.

What’s Being Done

Terrain NRM and councils work with Traditional Owners, landholders and community groups to tackle biosecurity threats. This includes:

• Coordinated weed control programs targeting high-risk invaders.
• Supporting feral animal management to reduce impacts on rainforest, waterways and farms.
• Raising awareness about emerging risks.
• Monitoring and early detection programs to stop new pests from spreading.

How You Can Help

Everyone in the Wet Tropics has a role to play in protecting our region’s biodiversity and economy. Here’s how you can make a difference:

• Avoid planting garden plants that have the potential to escape and become weeds.
• Dispose of garden waste appropriately.
• Report unusual plants, pests or diseases to Biosecurity Queensland by phoning 13 25 23.
• Clean your boots, gear and vehicles when moving between sites to avoid spreading weed seeds or soil-borne diseases.
• Keep an eye on your property and act early if you see invasive species. See the factsheets opposite for more information about chemical control of key species.
• Join local Landcare or community programs to be part of on-ground biosecurity action.
• Check out your Local Government’s Biosecurity Plan, available through their website.

Videos

In addition to these factsheets that are available free to download, a series of videos has also been produced on Hiptage, Thunbergia, Turbina, Amazon frogbit and revegetation for weed management. They are available to view on Terrain NRM’s YouTube channel.