Preventing the spread of invasive plants after a natural disaster

When a natural disaster occurs, it's important to consider your invasive plant management practices as part of your recovery efforts. The seeds and reproductive parts of many invasive plants enable them to be easily transported over long distances when a natural disaster occurs. Floods and wet weather often create ideal conditions for germination and growth.

As well as being moved by floodwater and wind, invasive plant seeds and plant parts can stick to vehicles, machinery, shoes, clothing, and animal fur. Seeds and plant parts can also spread via soil, mulch, fodder and manure. Learn more about weed seed spread.

Landowner responsibilities

As a landowner, under the Biosecurity Act 2014 you are required to take all reasonable and practical steps to minimise the risks associated with invasive plants under your control. This is known as the general biosecurity obligation (GBO). Preventing the spread of weeds is easier and cheaper than trying to control an infestation once it occurs.

After a natural disaster, you should:

• check your property for invasive plants regularly
• control invasive plants with the latest methods
• buy fodder that is certified free from invasive plant seeds
• join the weed spotters' network Queensland
• protect your property to reduce invasive plant impacts
• report any suspected prohibited or restricted invasive plant sightings to your local government or Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23. Biosecurity Queensland works with government agencies, industry and community groups to manage issues related to invasive plants and animals that emerge from natural disasters.