Western Cape York Weed and Pest Management

In early 2022 land managers on Dunbar station treated approximately 600 hectares of rubber vine. This resulted in control of a large portion of rubber vine that was severely reducing the pastoral viability of grazing paddocks. 

There are several infestation areas adjacent to the treatment areas that are continuing to spread with each wet season.

The Cryptostegia grandiflora, or commonly named rubber vine is a climbing shrub vine that can grow up to 30 metres tall. Forming dense thickets they invade waterways, grazing land and decrease biodiversity and animal movement of both native wildlife and livestock. The milky sap from the vine is poisonous to animals and is classified as a category 3 restricted invasive plant under the Biosecurity Act 2014

This project aims to eradicate post-flooding spread of rubber vine from pasture land.

Cape York NRM has secured funding through the Queensland Department of Environment and Science to support landholders at Dunbar and Rutland Plains stations to continue to reduce the extent of rubber vine infestations, helping to improve land productivity and reduce the spread of weeds.

The treatment plan involves aerial application using Tebuthiuron herbicide, paying particular attention to treatment delivery and planning, so as not to impact waterways, aquatic life, wildlife and stock animals, as well as native fauna and flora.