The Gold Coast Catchment Association launched ‘Bug on creepy creeper’ this year in hope of saving the green behind the gold from Cat’s claw creeper
Cat’s claw creeper is a target declared weed across south-east Queensland and northern New South Wales.
It is a prolific pest plant that causes dramatic landscape impacts by smothering native vegetation, and degrades the health of waterways.
‘Bug on creepy creeper’ involves biocontrol community action to release an approved agent, the jewel beetle, in partnership with Biosecurity Queensland, the City of Gold Coast and South East Queensland Catchments.
“The first part of the program has involved running community workshops about biocontrol and Cat’s claw creeper, which were well received and attended by community groups and private landholders,” said Naomi Edwards from the Gold Coast Catchment Association.
“Since then, Nerang Riverkeepers, a local Landcare group, have become champions of the program with propagating Cat’s claw creeper to replenish stocks for Biosecurity Queensland.”
The community element has been an important aspect to build awareness and program sustainability, which is evolving to support a school education program. Volunteers are needed to help drive the cause to reduce the spread and impacts caused by Cat’s claw creeper.
