K'gari's traditional owners are calling for vehicles to be washed before entering the island, following Landcare Australia recognition of a Butchulla-led biosecurity strategy. The ABC reported on Wednesday (14 October) that the proposal aims to prevent invasive species threatening the island's World Heritage values.
The strategy was launched earlier this year and its delivery depends on securing funding. It is a stakeholder-developed plan rather than government-endorsed policy. Queensland Environment Minister Andrew Powell told the ABC there were currently no plans to introduce mandatory biosecurity checkpoints.
Butchulla Aboriginal Corporation director Chris Royan told the broadcaster that urgent action was needed to prevent more pests reaching K'gari. She called for vehicle wash-downs and measures to stop visitors bringing foreign material to the island, linking the proposal to protection of its heritage values.
The K'gari Biosecurity Strategy 2026–46 sets out a broader programme to prevent and manage invasive weeds, pests and diseases. Its stated purpose includes protecting biodiversity, cultural heritage and human health, with action extending to threats already established on the island as well as new arrivals.
Prevention and Education
Washdown bays and boot-cleaning stations are among the practical measures described in the document, alongside pre-border inspections and clear visitor guidance. It identifies ferry terminals, loading areas, boat-access sites and vehicle entry points as places where quarantine measures could reduce the likelihood of invasive species being introduced.
A Queensland University of Technology analysis included in the strategy used expert estimates and structured models to assess biosecurity options. It estimated risk reductions of 36% to 77%, depending on the ecosystem and level of investment. The analysis covered rainforest, heath, perched lakes and fens; the reductions are modelled outcomes, not results from an operating checkpoint system.
The experts prioritised education as the highest-value investment across the budget scenarios. The strategy describes long-term community engagement, school-based programmes, targeted visitor messages, better reporting pathways and staff training. QUT's project description likewise places community engagement alongside measures to prevent pests, weeds and diseases establishing if detected.
The document also retains a role for surveillance and removal after pests arrive, noting that education and quarantine cannot be infallible. Its risk assessment identifies invasive freshwater fish, including tilapia and mosquitofish, and ants such as red imported fire ants and yellow crazy ants among the significant threats.
To coordinate work across K'gari's different land tenures, the strategy proposes the Butchulla Aboriginal Corporation as a backbone organisation, supported by a land-managers group and the K'gari Biosecurity Advisory Group. It prioritises high-priority, low-cost activities initially while dedicated implementation funding is sought, and records existing commitment from land managers and advisory-group members to delivering the programme.