The Healthy Land and Water weed control programs manage invasive weed species like the cat’s claw creeper, Madeira vine and the Chinese celtis across targeted locations in SEQ that have been identified by Seqwater as critical to maintaining high water quality.

Read more about the invasive weeds we manage:

Cat’s claw creeper

Exotic and destructive, the cat’s claw creeper is a vine weed that has been making its mark on Queensland’s natural environment since it was first introduced to the state from tropical America in the 1950s. With its vigorous root and tuber system, the aggressive vine has the ability to smother native vegetation to the point of complete canopy coverage along waterways and in rainforests. As the creeper spreads, it wreaks havoc on riverbanks causing bank erosion and poor water quality. Due to the warmer conditions and tropical climate between far north Queensland and parts of New South Wales, attempts to eradicate the well-established weed in SEQ has been a battle for environmental groups and organisations for decades.

Madeira vine

Originally haling from South American countries, and now thriving in various parts of Queensland, particularly along SEQ’s urban waterways, rainforests and in tall open forests, the Madeira vine is notorious for blanketing and smothering native trees, shrubs and understory species. Growing at rates of up to one metre per week, the weight of this invasive vine can cause canopy collapse of mature trees and can lead to irreversible damage to our precious ecosystems.

Chinese celtis

The Chinese celtis tree, native to eastern Asia, is well-established throughout most of SEQ and in north-eastern New South Wales. The fast-growing tree forms dense infestations along waterways and prevents the regeneration of native riverbank vegetation. Known for absorbing large amounts of water and vital nutrients, the Chinese celtis destroys habitats and impacts native wildlife populations.