Restricted and invasive plants in Queensland
Under Queensland’s Biosecurity Act 2014, “everyone in Queensland has a general biosecurity obligation (GBO) to ensure that they do not spread a pest, disease or a contaminant”, and Business Queensland says that includes taking all reasonable and practical measures under their control to minimise the risks of invasive plants. Not complying with the GBO is an offence.
General information, not legal advice. Business Queensland’s biosecurity pages, listed at the foot of this page, are the place to check.
The obligation
The general biosecurity obligation
Business Queensland puts it simply: “We are all responsible for managing biosecurity risks that are under our control.” The obligation itself is set out as a list, printed here whole:
“Under the GBO, individuals and corporations whose activities pose a biosecurity risk must:”
- “take all reasonable and practical steps to prevent or minimise each biosecurity risk”
- “minimise the likelihood of causing a biosecurity event, and limit the consequences if an event is caused”
- “prevent or minimise the harmful effects a risk could have, and not do anything that might make any harmful effects worse.”
The duties in that list fall on individuals and corporations whose activities pose a biosecurity risk. “Even if you are permitted to access places under an Act,” Business Queensland says, “you still have a GBO to minimise biosecurity risks.” A biosecurity officer can also issue a biosecurity order requiring specific action within a reasonable time.
For people who live in Queensland, or visit, the expectation is to know the basics of reducing the risk of spreading a pest or disease, and to be informed about problem pests in the local area. For gardeners who share plants, the page is specific: “Research the species of plants you are using to ensure you are not possessing or distributing an invasive species before you propagate plants for gifts or sell at market stalls.”
Everyday habits
Four habits Business Queensland describes
Business Queensland’s ways to prevent or minimise biosecurity risks include these four.
- Come clean, go cleanBefore going onto or leaving agricultural properties, parks or forests, check that shoes, clothing, vehicles and equipment carry no weed seeds, dirt, soil or debris.
- Follow movement restrictionsBefore moving certain plant material, soil and related equipment, find out about and comply with any biosecurity zones or other requirements in your area.
- Spot and reportIf you notice a pest or disease for the first time and think it may affect human health, social amenity, the economy or the environment, the page says to report it to Biosecurity Queensland immediately, and gives the number there.
- Stay informedYour local government’s website has more on the specific risks in your area.
Restricted plants
Restricted invasive plants
Restricted invasive plants are already established in Queensland, and Business Queensland describes the harm plainly: they “seriously threaten Queensland’s primary industries, natural environment and livestock, as well as human health and people’s livelihoods.” Many have related species classified as prohibited invasive plants.
The lists change. Business Queensland notes changes to the prohibited and restricted matter lists in the Biosecurity Regulation 2016, so check its page on restricted invasive plants for the current names before choosing plants for a new garden. The same check suits cuttings grown on to give away: the page asks for that research before plants are propagated for gifts or sold at market stalls.
Brisbane City Council
Clearing weeds among protected vegetation in Brisbane
Brisbane City Council protects vegetation under its own local law, set out in the guide to protected trees and vegetation in Brisbane. On weeds, the council says: “You can clear weeds from an area containing protected vegetation without permission, if they’re declared pest plants under the Biosecurity Act 2014 or Council’s Biosecurity Plan.” The conditions, whole:
“You need to make sure:”
- “there’s no damage to the protected vegetation”
- “there’s no damage to soil profiles”
- “you do not create erosion potential.”
Two limits follow. Clearing pest plant trees that are themselves protected needs the council’s permission. And a notice to remove weeds growing through protected vegetation is not permission to clear the rest: the council says the notice “specifically addresses the removal of weeds and does not grant permission to clear other protected vegetation.”
Garden waste
Where pulled weeds and garden waste go
Illegal dumping “can also introduce pests and weeds into our natural areas”, the Queensland Government says.