Media Release - Biosecurity is everyone's business in pest crackdown

Published on 23 September 2026

From cane farms and creek banks to backyards and bushland, Hinchinbrook Shire Council is reminding residents that biosecurity is everyone’s business.

Council has approved two biosecurity programs that will strengthen efforts to detect, monitor and manage invasive plants and animals across the Shire over the next two years.

The Invasive Plants and Animals Surveillance Program 2026-2028 will focus on identifying and monitoring pest species, while the Prevention and Control Program 2026-2028 provides the framework for managing and reducing priority invasive weeds and pest animals across the Hinchinbrook region.

Together, the programs aim to protect the Shire’s environment, agricultural industries and community assets by detecting invasive species early, supporting compliance with biosecurity obligations and preventing pests from becoming established.

Biosecurity and Public Spaces Portfolio Councillor Kate Milton said pest plants and animals affect the whole community.

“Whether it’s invasive weeds impacting farms and waterways or pest animals threatening crops, livestock and native wildlife, these issues can have significant environmental and economic impacts,” Cr Milton said.

“The Hinchinbrook region is home to some of Queensland’s most productive agricultural land, and protecting those industries is critically important.”

As part of the Surveillance Program, authorised Council officers will monitor known pest hotspots, investigate public reports and assess areas where invasive species may be emerging. Surveillance activities may include on-ground inspections, boats, drones, cameras, aerial imagery and other monitoring methods.

The Prevention and Control Program will target priority invasive species identified within the Hinchinbrook Local Government Area Biosecurity Plan, including feral pigs, wild dogs, pond apple, mikania vine, Singapore daisy, thunbergia, hygrophila and redwood acacia.

The program also provides a framework for preventing invasive species, such as gamba grass, mimosa pigra, fireweed, electric ants and yellow crazy ants, from becoming established in the region.

Cr Milton said community support would be critical to the success of both programs.

“Council can’t be everywhere at once. Many of our best reports come from residents and landholders who spot something unusual and let us know,” Cr Milton said.

“Early detection gives us the best chance of controlling pest species before they become established.”

She said the programs reinforced the shared responsibility approach underpinning Queensland’s biosecurity legislation.

“Biosecurity doesn’t stop at a fence line. What affects one property can quickly affect neighbouring landholders, farming operations, waterways and natural environments.”

“These programs support our farmers, protect our environment and help preserve the lifestyle we enjoy in the Hinchinbrook Shire.”

The Invasive Plants and Animals Surveillance Program and the Prevention and Control Program will commence on 30 September 2026 and run until 30 September 2028.

Visit Pest and Biosecurity for more information.

Residents are encouraged to report suspected pest plants and animals to Council by calling (07) 4776 4600.