‘Tsunami’ of weeds puts bushland at risk, says expert

Residents concerned about the future of Maleny’s natural landscape are urged to attend a special presentation on Saturday, April 5, focusing on the alarming spread of the invasive weed morning glory.

Held at the Maleny RSL Hall from 10am to midday, the free event will feature leading local weed consultant Jeanette Nobes, who will share eye-opening data and insights gathered over two decades of on-the-ground work.

“The spread of morning glory is now at tsunami level,” Ms Nobes said. “There are many sites where it’s already beyond recovery. If action isn’t taken, it will wipe out much of the work already done by the local tree-planting community.”

Despite the warning, Ms Nobes says there’s still hope — and practical solutions. “It is possible to stop the spread. There are answers, and it starts with prevention.”

With more than 45 years of conservation work in local rainforest areas, Ms Nobes has received two prestigious awards for biodiversity protection and has been a tireless advocate for change. She produced the first and only Invasive Weed Poster for the Blackall Range and founded the Blackall Range Invasive Weed Task Force.

She has run free audits for residents, advised Council staff, led field trips, and even hosted an industry-wide conference on morning glory on the Sunshine Coast.

Ms Nobes welcomes everyone, especially landholders, property managers and mowing contractors. “The few hours of talk will be invaluable to you,” she said.

The presentation is free, with a coin donation appreciated to help cover costs. It will be held Saturday, April 5, 10am to midday at the Maleny RSL Hall.

Pic courtesy Jeanette Nobes