Join the Fight Against Invasive Weeds at Free Workshops

Scenic Rim landholders and community members are urged to attend free workshops next month to learn how they can help reduce the region's biosecurity risks posed by pest plants and animals.

Workshops at The Centre Beaudesert on Saturday 12 May and The Cultural Centre in Boonah on Saturday 19 May will focus on simple practices to help landowners meet their obligations under the Biosecurity Act 2014 to stop the spread of invasive weeds.

Mayor Greg Christensen said all Scenic Rim residents and organisations whose activities posed a biosecurity risk have a responsibility to help protect the region.

"These workshops are not just for landowners or primary producers - we can all play a part in protecting our beautiful Scenic Rim," he said.

"Transportation of machinery, recreational four-wheel driving and hiking can spread invasive weeds through the transfer of seeds via wheels or boots and this can have serious consequences for our region's natural environment and farming areas.

"These workshops are a great opportunity to learn practical, everyday ways to minimise the risks of spreading invasive weeds and to network with other community members focused on doing the same."

The workshops cover the identification of risks posed by machinery, visitors, livestock movements and fodder, as well as practices to ensure general biosecurity obligations are met.

An outdoor demonstration of a biosecurity assessment for mobile machinery, including the correct wash-down process to stop the spread of weeds, will feature at both workshops.  

The workshops open at 7:30am for an 8am start and will run until noon with morning tea included.

Places are limited so RSVP by 4pm Friday 11 May for the Beaudesert workshop or 4pm Friday 18 May for the Boonah workshop by visiting a Council Customer Contact Centre or phoning (07) 5540 5111.