Meeting papers

Preventing advanced leafhopper infestation and plant decline and expanding pandanus
populations is the community’s and Council’s current two-pronged approach to saving Noosa’s
pandanus. Twice yearly inspections and immediate treatment if needed means that treatment
occurs before significant plant decline, leafhopper numbers are kept low, and predator wasp
populations are maintained at an effective level. Planting local pandanus tube-stock and direct
seeding are contributing to population increases while we wait for the numbers of mature and
healthy seed producing pandanus to increase. Planned increased regeneration will help improve
natural germination as understory health is regained.

During the survey in November 2022, only seven wasp re-introductions were needed and only 12
plants needed leaf stripping. No insecticide treatment was needed 15. This shows the health of the
population is significantly improving, alongside reduced impact on native insects.




Figure 14: After leaf stripping - the aim is not to improve how the plant looks, but rather reduce rotting material, reduce
leafhopper load, and allow the release of trapped stagnant water, whilst leaving the as many leaves as possible as
habitat and resources.




15 Ecosystem Management and Biosecurity Solutions. (2023). Pandanus Dieback Surveys and Mitigation -

Noosa Shire Council November 2022. Unpublished
Eastern Beaches Foreshore Reserves Management Plan 2023                                                             Page 41


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