General News
10 June, 2026
Frogbit bites the dust
MAREEBA Shire Council has led the way with its work in declaring Amazon frogbit a pest, with the State Government now also banning its sale, trade or release under its biosecurity laws.
Amazon frogbit is one of the most notorious aquarium and pond plants to invade local waterways.
If released, it can turn up in rivers and streams and quickly forms dense mats that smother native aquatic plants, reduces oxygenation of water and impacts agricultural and recreational activities.
The Barron River catchment endured a major infestation several years ago but removal programs now kept the weed at bay.
In discussing the March 2026 Pest Management Advisory Committee (PMAC) Report at last month’s ordinary meeting, committee chair Ross Cardillo paid tribute to council’s Land Protection Coordinator, Graham Wienert, who had “worked tirelessly” across the frogbit weed area.
“We declared (frogbit) a year ago, but it has now gone statewide,” Cr Cardillo said.
Mr Wienert had spread the message about the dangers of frogbit at neighbouring councils and on the Cape, “holding workshops about how we declared it, and how we have been managing and controlling outbreaks”.
“We’re still grappling with infestations, but it is great to see this happen,” Deputy Mayor Lenore Wyatt added.
Council members also agreed to a motion put by Cr Cardillo to write to the Federal Government regarding biosecurity concerns in relation to screwworm fly and lumpy skin disease.
Cr Cardillo told the meeting the issue was raised by local property owner and former councillor Alan Pedersen, following reports of increasing numbers of illegal fishers coming to shore and the “potential of those crafts and people to bring disease into our country”.
He said the PMAC requested that council writes to the Australian Government, highlighting biosecurity concerns for Northern Australia and requesting information on contingency plans should screwworm fly, or lumpy skin disease be introduced.
While Australia is currently free from both, they are considered high-risk, particularly in Far North Queensland.
Screwworm fly is an exotic insect that preys on warm-blooded animals, including humans. It is found in Papua New Guinea and Indonesia and is considered the most serious exotic pest threatening Australia’s livestock industries.
Screwworm fly can be spread through infested live animals (including humans), or through live adult flies or pupae.
It would have a major impact on domestic animals, wildlife and human health. The potential economic impact on the livestock industry includes production losses, animal deaths and control costs.
Lumpy skin disease is an acute to chronic, highly infectious skin disease of cattle and water buffalo. While not found in Australia, it has, since 2019, spread throughout Asia and was detected in Indonesia for the first time in March 2022.
It would also have serious economic impacts on the region by causing stock losses and reduced production, including reduced milk yield, loss of animal body condition and rejection or reduced value of the hide.
Lumpy skin disease and screwworm fly are prohibited matter under Queensland biosecurity legislation.
The Australian Government constantly monitors the lumpy skin disease status of trading partners and established the National Lumpy Skin Disease Action Plan in 2022. There is also an AUSVETPLAN Response Strategy to respond to a suspected incident of lumpy skin disease in Australia.
Animal Health Australia manages the Screwworm Fly Surveillance and Preparedness Program for the Australian Government. There is also an AUSVETPLAN Response Strategy.
