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initiatives. We are collecting leaf samples from approximately 200 trees. The seed will be collected from up to 30 trees from locally appropriate koala food species on Redlands Coast and nearby locations in south-east Queensland that are known to have relatively high nutritional quality.

“The seed from these trees will go to Redlands IndigiScapes Native Community Nursery to be grown into seedlings for future planting at the Birkdale Community Precinct site. Recommendations will be provided for a targeted revegetation strategy that includes the number and composition of future trees to be planted across selected sites.

“One of the most important factors influencing the distribution and numbers of koalas in any area is the density of their food trees. This pilot ultimately intends to increase the local koala population by providing a higher quality food source by growing high nutritional quality koala food trees.”

Beware of cat’s claw creeper

Jeepers creepers, don’t let these appealing bright yellow petals fool you, this colourful plant is no friend of Redlands Coast’s native ecosystems

It is regarded as one of the worst weeds in Australia because of its invasiveness, potential for spread, and economic and environmental impacts. Alarmingly, cat’s claw creeper has the ability to completely smother native vegetation, even growing up over tall trees.

INVASIVE: the cat’s claw creeper. Image supplied by Biosecurity Queensland

What to do: Please report populations to Council. Take all reasonable and practical steps to manage the species on your land.

Management: Cut vines as close to the ground as possible, and apply the correct herbicide at the label rate directly where you have cut within 15 seconds of making the cut. If the species is acting as ground cover, apply leaf spray to the affected area, taking steps to minimise off-target spraying.

It can grow as a ground cover along the forest floor of scrub remnants and form a thick carpet of stems and leaves that choke out small existing plants and prevents the germination of all other species.

Control of cat’s claw creeper usually relies on the use of herbicides, as hand control is not practical except with very small infestations. If this pest species is present on your land you must take all reasonable and practical steps to contain it.

Redland City Council is available to assist by providing advice or identification. The Redlands Coast Biosecurity Plan 2018-2023 lists this particular species as a containment target.