Meeting papers

Several predator wasps from NQ were trialled in 1996 and 1997. This was successful, with wasp
populations of one species (Aphanomerus nr. pusillus) widely established, although populations
were observed to drop during cold winters and very wet weather, with a subsequent upsurge in
leafhopper numbers. Treatment was usually on an as needed, as reported basis.

Since 2016, specialist contractors, funded with a combination of community grant and Council
budget (later fully funded by Council) twice yearly inspect, and report on, all Noosa’s natural areas
pandanus for health, leaf hopper levels and wasp levels. Trees are treated at the annual inspection
if required, primarily with dead leaf stripping (often assisted by community groups) and wasp
reintroduction, with foliar spraying and stem injection reserved for advanced cases. Pandanus
numbers are supplemented by pandanus planting, using locally collected and raised seed.


Invasive species
The Noosa Biosecurity Plan 2020 identifies several priority pest species that directly apply to
foreshore reserves, including glory lily, asparagus fern, Singapore daisy and foxes. Many other
invasive species occurring in our foreshore reserves. Invasive plant species are a significant threat
to biodiversity, displacing native species, simplifying species and structure diversity, and reducing
habitat values. Foxes are a particular threat to coastal ground egg laying species, such as sea
turtles and the Eastern Ground Parrot.

Glory lily
Glory lily has been described as a significant weed that we don’t know how to effectively control it
in the field. It is a major threat to coastal ecological values and poses a particular impact on
erosion mitigation due to weak stems and absence during part of the year. Other invasive species
occur in the EBFRs, and are included in condition mapping, restoration planning and works.

Glory lily (Gloriosa superba) is recognised as a serious ecological weed in Queensland and
northern New South Wales, especially in dunes and other sandy coastal areas. Forming dense
thickets and with twining leaf tips that allows it to climb over existing vegetation, glory lily smothers
and dominates vegetation, replacing structurally and species diverse coastal vegetation with a
monoculture of an introduced plant 13.

Glory lily also poses significant risks to coastal landforms and climate change resilience. Glory lily
only grows above ground during the warmer months, leaving large areas of erosion-prone sand
dunes largely bare for over half of the year. During above ground months, fine, simple, above
ground stems and no fibrous or surface roots provide for little resistance to wind and water erosion
for fragile dunes.

Large, persistent tubers and fragile underground stems mean that glory lily is hard to control, with
no mechanical control found effective, and an effective and sustainable chemical control method
for naturalised populations has not been confirmed.

Recent Bushland Operational Assessment (BOA) condition mapping found that many areas in our
EBFRs are dominated by glory lily, with some areas found to have over 75% glory lily in the
understory. Ideally, BOA mapping in coastal areas should only be undertaken in summer and
autumn, when the glory lily is showing above ground.

Coastal fox control program
One of the primary threats to sea turtles are foxes and dogs digging up turtle nests and eating the
eggs. Council’s pests and land protection officers conduct fox control in the Coastal Fox Control
Program as part of Council’s sea turtle conservation efforts. The Coastal Fox Control Program is
13 Weeds Australia. (2019). Weed profile: Glory Lily, Gloriosa, Gloriosa Lily, Flame Lily, Rhodesian Flame

Lily, Climbing Lily, Gloriosa superba. L.https://weeds.org.au/profiles/glory-lily-gloriosa-gloriosa-lily-flame-lily-
rhodesian-flame-lily-climbing-lily/

Eastern Beaches Foreshore Reserves Management Plan 2023                                                    Page 35

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