A serious new threat to our native vegetation may impact on bushwalking club activities.
Myrtle Rust affects the Myrtaceae family of plants which dominates most Australian forests and woodlands, and is the second largest plant family in Queensland with 601 native species. This family includes eucalypts, bloodwoods, bottlebrushes, paperparks, tea trees, lilly pillies and water gums.
Myrtle Rust has already been discovered in Lamington and Kondalilla National Parks.
Bushwalkers are asked to clean all their equipment, clothing and particularly hats before venturing into the bush. If a site is discovered, don’t touch it but photograph the affected plants and report the location.’
Report all suspect plants immediately to Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23 or the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline 1800 084 881.
For more information click on http://www.daff.gov.au/aqis/quarantine/pests-diseases/myrtle-rust/update_on_response_of_myrtle_rust
Bushwalking Queensland (Inc)