Most drivers wash their vehicles after leaving K’gari to remove salt and sand, but many arrive with remnants of their last adventure still clinging to tyres and mudguards.

That’s why the Butchulla Land & Sea Rangers, the Queensland Department of Primary Industries (DPI), and CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, are launching a research project in mid-February to investigate what’s hitchhiking on vehicles to K’gari.

As part of this study, we’ll be collecting mud and dirt samples from vehicle tyres and mudguards and asking drivers three quick, non-identifying questions about their recent travel history. This data, combined with analysis of the samples, will help us understand how to prevent the introduction of harmful plant pests and diseases. The mud samples will be analysed for traces of seeds, plant pathogens, and insect pests. Importantly, all results will remain anonymous and cannot be traced back to individual drivers or vehicles. By taking part, you’ll be helping to protect K’gari’s forests and unique ecosystems.

This research will help determine whether vehicle wash-down stations or other biosecurity measures are needed to prevent the spread of weeds, plant diseases like Phytophthora, and invasive pests via vehicles.

While we encourage everyone in future to Arrive Clean to Protect K’gari, for the purpose of this study, please continue your normal travel plans to the island in February—we’ll need some mud to sample! Our findings will help protect K’gari for all who visit or call this beautiful island home.

Contributed by Dr Tracey Steinrucken, CSIRO