100 invasive Ipswich weeds catalogued in new book and field guide
15 March 2022
Local gardeners and avid green thumbs will soon more easily spot invasive plants when council launches a new book to support community identification of environmental weeds impacting Ipswich.
Ipswich City Council developed the ‘Invasive Weeds of Ipswich' book and field guide as an up-to-date resource to empower residents to identify weeds and take appropriate actions.
The new weeding resources will be launched with a free workshop for residents with an expert speaker at Queens Park Environment Centre on Saturday 26 March 2022, curated by council's Bushcare program.
The workshop will focus on weed management after a flood event and provide practical tips and knowledge on preventing new infestations or controlling existing weeds.
Environment and Sustainability Committee Chairperson Councillor Russell Milligan said ‘Invasive Weeds of Ipswich' resources focused on environmental weeds that have a strong ability to invade bushland and out-compete native plants.
“Many introduced plants once grown for their beauty or resilience are now recognised as destructive to our natural environment,” Cr Milligan said.
“Some weeds found in Ipswich are recognised as being of national, even global, significance and are banned from being sold or distributed in Queensland.
“But others listed in this book and guide are plants you may recognise in gardens or even sold at nurseries. It is when they escape into the natural environment that they can become a problem.”
Councillor Milligan said invasive weeds came in many forms, from small delicate daisy-like flowers to large trees covered in massive thorns, to scrambling vines many metres high.
“What they have in common is that they compete with native vegetation for nutrients, light and space,” Cr Milligan said.
“Invasive weeds disturb the balance of natural systems, causing damage to conservation areas, waterway and reducing food and habitat for native animals.
“Community education and action makes a big difference in controlling invasive weeds.”
The new book and field guide will be available for the Ipswich community at the Queens Park Environmental Education Centre and Queens Park Nursery while stocks last.
Check out the Facebook event to register for the free workshop. Attendees will receive a free copy of the new ‘Invasive Weeds of Ipswich' book.