Weeds & Pest Animal Management
QMDC is working on a number of projects that aim to manage weeds and pest animals, and reduce their spread and impact on the environment. Where possible, these projects build on existing plans, legislation, research and activities.
Priority weeds and pests
The top priority weeds and pest animal species for the Border Rivers and Maranoa-Balonne catchments have been identified through a research and consultation project. 
Priority weeds and pests vary from catchment to catchment, depending on land type and local industries.
However, some weed species that are commonly listed as priorities include parthenium weed, mother of millions, harrisia cactus, African boxthorn, African lovegrass, lippia 
and blackberry.
Likewise, some of the most common priority pest animals include feral pigs, wild dogs, feral cats, foxes and rabbits.
QMDC will now be consulting with community members to determine the most effective ways to work with the community to manage these weeds and pests. QMDC may also undertake incentive programs, mapping, education, and research into new control measures including biological, chemical and mechanical control.
The first of these is the Parthenium Rapid Response Program. Please return to our projects section regularly to see when other incentive programs and other information about the priority species become available.
QMDC was also involved with the National Lippia Working Group's recent development of a lippia management manual. Click here to view the manual which includes case studies from a range of properties across Queensland and New South Wales.
Preventing weed spread
Preventing weed spread is a major priority, both to limit the spread of existing weeds and keep new ones out. QMDC is working with government and industry to develop facilities, codes of practice and community activities, such as field days, to help stop weed spread.
It is important that everyone in the community knows what they can do to help prevent the spread of weeds. To help spread the word, QMDC is also involved in erecting signs at washdown facilities and on roadsides across the region, highlighting where weed seeds hide, and coordinating a training program in vehicle wash down and inspection procedures for local government employees.
Washdown facility audit and needs analysis
Washdown facilities are vital in preventing the spread of weed seed via vehicles, machinery and equipment. QMDC, local governments and Blueprint for the Bush have been successful in jointly funding four public washdown facilities across the top of the Queensland Murray-Darling Basin to slow the spread of Parthenium weed heading south.
This has been part of an ongoing project to assess washdown facilities and identify strategic locations in which to bolster prevention. The four facilities have been strategically selected from the assessment conducted by FSA Consulting, the upgrade of existing facilities and construction of new ones will occur at Injune, Mitchell, Roma Saleyards and Taroom.
Carp Eradication
European Carp is an introduced fish that competes with native species, damages aquatic plants and increases water turbidity (cloudiness). In order to raise awareness of the problems carp cause and help to reduce their numbers, QMDC is supporting fishing clubs to host fishing competitions targeting carp. Fishing clubs in the Surat, Thallon, Goondiwindi, Mungindi, St George and Dirranbandi areas are planning a range of events over the next few years. Keep an eye on our events section for upcoming Carp Cull, or Carp Busters days.