Aerial shot of parkinsonia infestation at Ruan Station , near Moranbah . The infestation is impacting an intact brigalow corridor .
MANAGING PARKINSONIA TO CONSERVE BRIGALOW CORRIDORS
Threatened ecological communities of brigalow are home to 18 rare and threatened species including the ornamental snake , glossy-black cockatoo , and pale imperial hairstreak butterfly .
Some brigalow ecosystems are classified as threatened in Queensland , and the sparse remnant corridors are under threat from invasive species such as parkinsonia , one of Australia ’ s most destructive weeds .
If left untreated , parkinsonia displaces native vegetation , houses pest animal species , prevents stock from accessing water , and hinders mustering .
NQ Dry Tropics has been working with Jangga Traditional Owners and staff from Bioherbicides Australia to tackle a major parkinsonia infestation on a grazing property near Mt Coolon .
A Jangga team injected around 4000 trees with fungusbased herbicide Di-Bak , the first time the method has been trialed in the Burdekin catchment .
They used a drill to insert capsules containing millets inoculated with three types of native fungi , which should spread through the roots and decrease the tree ’ s ability to protect itself .
Protecting Biodiversity Team Leader JJ Walker said the treatment would improve habitat conditions for wildlife in adjacent remnant brigalow areas , as well as benefit grazing management .
“ The parkinsonia infestation on Ruan Station not only threatens the brigalow and wildlife corridor but also impacts grazing productivity ,” Ms Walker said .
“ The trial ’ s success will depend on factors including the weather and how well the fungus adapts , however , early results indicate it is having the desired effect .
“ We have established photo monitoring points to measure progress during the next couple of years .”
Sharnai McLennon ( Jangga ) administers Di-Bak , a native fungus to treat parkinsonia .
A Di-Bak capsule .
Ruan Station grazier Owen Scott said the parkinsonia was preventing him using prime areas of productive land .
“ These trees have made a third of our best country , our fattening country , useless ,” Mr Scott said .
“ I ’ m not expecting to see all the parkinsonia gone , but my idea of success would be to be able to walk through it and see through it .
“ We ’ ve been spraying it with herbicide that costs a lot of money , but it hasn ’ t really worked . This is the last resort .”
The Protecting Brigalow Corridors project is funded through the Australian Government ’ s National Landcare Program .
2020 – 21 YEAR IN REVIEW 19