A major problem in the Northern Gulf and other regions is the pest plant ‘cryptostegia giandiflora’
commonly known as Rubber Vine. When the seed pods open a tuft of long white silky hairs containing up to 450 brown seeds are distributed by wind and water over huge areas.

Control has proved extremely difficult as it often grows in inaccessible regions and the only access to it is by air. The Northern Gulf Resource management Group through the Etheridge Shire Council
recently brought experienced staff from Tasmania Forestry to conduct the training of 3 three local
helicopter pilots giving them the skills required to control their helicopters while starting fires in
Rubber Vine growing along river and creek beds.

Trial fires were ignited by a Heli-torch designed by Tasmania Forestry that ejects a flammable gel
directly onto the problem area. The gel is electronically ignited as it emerges from its container.

The helicopters fly close to the Rubber Vine and drip the gel through the most affected area.
The outcome of this method depends on the moisture content of the Rubber Vine. The area
selected for burning needs to be dry enough to ignite the Rubber Vine but wet enough to stop the

The Staaten River Wild river rangers answered the call for help recently following the devastation of Cyclone Yasi. The rangers provided assistance not only closer to home but also in the worse affected areas around Cardwell. Tully Heads The new Senior Ranger, Steven Wargent was employed in early February and his skills were tested early in his role when he had to coordinate the rangers’ response and quickly prioritised work tasks.

The Girringun Aboriginal Corporation provided a much needed camp ground and despite the last of electricity and water the young rangers set up camp and coordinate their activities. 25 Rangers from Burketown, Cooktown, Girringun and Ewamian all worked together in providing much needed help and back-breaking labour for 3 weeks. Much of the work involved cleaning up debris, chain sawing fallen trees and generally cleaning up. Ranger Coordinator, Mr Jimmy Richards said “it was an incredible feeling that we were really helping people”.

The Queensland Landcare Conference will run from Thursday 15 to Saturday 17 October 2009 in Longreach and will showcase land and water management practices involving everything from water wise gardens, the control of woody and exotic weeds, to feral animal control and the rehabilitation of our natural water courses.

Registrations have now closed.

For further details see www.iceaustralia.com/qldlandcare09/
 

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