Invasive, poisonous weed rubber vine detected in the Lockyer Valley region for first time in 50 years

An invasive and poisonous weed has reared its ugly head in a regional southeast Queensland community, with a local council warning residents to be on the look out.

Invasive weed rubber vine has been detected in the Lockyer Valley area as council warns residents of its spread.

Lockyer Valley Regional Council has issued a warning to residents after a poisonous weed not seen in the area for more than four decades was discovered in the region.

A council contractor raised the alarm when they stumbled across the infestation of rubber vine in the rail reserve at Forest Hill.

Prior to this discovery, the invasive weed hasn’t been seen in the area since a sighting in Gatton in 1971.

Councillor Cheryl Steinhardt, who holds the Pest Management Portfolio, said the discovery was quite concerning given the invasive weed hasn’t been spotted in the area for so long.

“We are taking this discovery very seriously,” she said.

“Rubber vine is poisonous to stock and spreads via water and wind, and due to its ability to quickly spread and colonise areas, it’s listed as a weed of national significance.

“It invades waterways, smothering riparian vegetation and expands outwards to form dense thickets in pasture.”

Ms Steinhardt said council was working with Biosecurity Queensland to have the Forest Hill infestation managed and is organising a letterbox drop to surrounding properties to notify them of the infestation and ask them to be on the lookout.

“Council’s goal is to eradicate all infestations, and we are urging the community to report any suspected sightings to our Pest Management Team immediately on 1300 005 872,” she said.

“We’re hoping this is a small infestation only and we can get on top of it and it doesn’t take hold.

“However, due to the invasive nature of rubber vine, it could have already spread to surrounding areas or further afield, which is why we’ve issued an alert and are seeking the community’s help.”

Rubber vine can be mistaken as a climbing vine in trees, or appear as an untidy shrub around one to two metres high with dark green glossy leaves and pods that grow in opposite pairs.

The invasive weed also presents large flowers which consist of five white to light purple petals.

“Rubber vine normally likes moisture, so the best places to look are near dams or waterways or along drainage lines,” Ms Steinhardt said.

“We are asking the community to be aware, and if they spot what they think is rubber vine, to please report it immediately.”