Weeds threaten Fraser Island

CONSERVATIONISTS waged war on Fraser Island weeds last week in an effort to protect the world heritage site.

FIDO clearing an area of Fraser Island they had done just eight weeks earlier. Picture: Contributed

CONSERVATIONISTS waged war on Fraser Island weeds last week in an effort to protect the world heritage site.

It was the third time a group from Fraser Island Defenders Organisation, as part of the Fraser Island Natural Integrity Alliance, has travelled to the island and removed introduced plant species in recent months.

FIDO project officer John Sinclair said weeds were harming the island's natural environment and claimed better protection methods were needed.

"People are happy to wash their vehicle after visiting the island and we would like to see them also wash down their vehicles before coming to the island," Mr Sinclair said.

"What we're finding is weeds from the mainland are hitching a ride on cars (and spreading to Fraser Island)."

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service Great Sandy regional manager Ross Belcher said more than 100 species of weeds had been recorded on Fraser Island.

He said the most common types were mile a minute, Singapore daisy, bitou bush, sisal hemp and the umbrella tree.

He said current potential options for vehicle wash down facilities could not cater for the large numbers of vehicles that visit the island.

Originally published as Weeds threaten Fraser Island