FIDO, Butchulla Rangers and local partners join forces on weed control

A week of hands-on collaboration at Happy Valley and Eurong has strengthened the long-running effort to protect K’gari’s coastal communities and natural landscapes from invasive weeds.

From 12–18 July 2026, FIDO volunteers worked alongside Butchulla Aboriginal Corporation Rangers and local community members on a targeted weed control program across priority areas at Eurong and Happy Valley. The trip brought together the local knowledge, persistence and practical skills needed to tackle problem species including coral creeper, crab’s eye creeper, Easter cassia, lantana, beach almond, morning glory and Brazilian nightshade.

At Eurong, the team worked under the direction of David Anderson from the Eurong Community Association, who had carefully scoped two blocks of Aboriginal Freehold Land ahead of the trip. These areas, along with nearby land tenures, are affected by coral creeper. Building on a successful one-day blitz in May, David mapped the most heavily infested areas and coordinated small groups to treat the target plant. The earlier work had shown a strong kill rate, giving the team confidence that steady follow-up is making a difference.

The Happy Valley program continued FIDO’s long-term work across Unallocated State Land, Education Department land and other key sites. Volunteers revisited areas treated on previous trips, removing emerging seedlings before they could mature and set seed. In several places, the results of years of follow-up were clear: mature weed plants are now rare, and previously heavily infested sites are much improved.

Collaboration was central to the week’s success. FIDO volunteers brought continuity and experience from many years of weed control on K’gari, while Butchulla Rangers contributed on-ground capability and cultural connection to Country. Residents and community partners helped guide priorities, identify problem areas and keep the work focused where it will have the greatest long-term benefit.

Despite severe weather that cost the team a day of field work, the group made important progress. At Happy Valley, ongoing follow-up remains essential as seedlings continue to emerge, particularly crab’s eye, Easter cassia and lantana. One area north of the ambulance station is now so thick following the 2020 bushfire that a carefully planned burn may be needed before effective weed control can resume.

Further collaborative work is already planned. A FIDO crew will return to Eurong from 11–17 October to focus on Coral Creeper, with David Anderson providing local oversight. Another Happy Valley trip is scheduled for 1–7 November and will include further work at Eurong.

The July trip showed what can be achieved when volunteers, Butchulla Rangers and local community members work together with shared purpose. Protecting K’gari’s landscapes is a long-term commitment, but each follow-up trip builds on the last — and strong partnerships are helping keep that momentum going.

Article contributed by Peter Shooter, FIDO and Jodie Rainbow, Butchulla Aboriginal Corporation