A pest manager in Queensland's Lockyer Valley has discovered rubber vine, a highly invasive weed not seen in the area for over 50 years. Kyal Grant, a pasture-management consultant, was researching another weed in Forest Hill, near Gatton, when he stumbled upon approximately 20 rubber vine plants. "We definitely weren't expecting it," Grant said. He noted that the plant's prolific nature suggests there could be more in the vicinity.

Grant, who describes himself as having an "obsessive personality" regarding weeds, expressed concern about the potential spread of rubber vine. "I'm pretty pedantic about and passionate about weeds, especially woody weeds," he said. He highlighted the risk of rubber vine taking over local creek systems, which could have severe consequences for the Lockyer Valley's riparian ecosystems.

Rubber vine, native to Madagascar, was introduced to Australia as an ornamental plant in 1875. It can grow as a climbing vine or as a shrub, reaching heights of one to two meters. The plant features dark green leaves and large white to light-purple flowers. Its invasive nature allows it to kill native plants and animals, damage agricultural land, and obstruct waterways across Queensland and Western Australia. Although it is toxic to livestock, it is rarely consumed. Due to its rapid spread and ability to dominate large areas, rubber vine is classified among 32 weeds of national significance. "As far as weeds that get into those riparian systems, it's about the worst one," Grant stated. "It can be a real mongrel to control."

The discovery has prompted an immediate response from local council and biosecurity teams, who are working to eliminate the infestation before it spreads further. Cheryl Steinhardt, a councillor for the Lockyer Valley Regional Council, confirmed that the outbreak was located at the Queensland Rail reserve in Forest Hill. "The team has put plans into action immediately," Steinhardt said. "Council is always concerned when they find something that shouldn't be there, so they have contacted Biosecurity Queensland immediately and they are working with them. The goal is to eradicate. We don't want it to go anywhere else."

This incident marks the first sighting of rubber vine in the Lockyer Valley since 1971, when a small outbreak near Gatton was successfully eradicated. Grant mentioned that rubber vine seeds can be dispersed by wind and water, but the current plants may have arrived via rail transport. Steinhardt noted that the council is unsure of the plant's exact origin.

Scott Cornish, regional head of Queensland Rail, stated that the organization conducts regular maintenance in its rail corridors to monitor and manage invasive weeds. "We are working with Lockyer Valley Regional Council and Biosecurity Queensland to ensure the eradication of rubber vine in the rail corridor," Cornish said.

To assist in the eradication efforts, the council is distributing information to nearby properties, updating outdoor staff, and utilizing social media to help residents identify rubber vine. "It was eradicated then [in the 70s], and that will be our aim — we want to ensure it doesn't take hold again," Steinhardt said.