Visitors to Queensland’s Bunya Mountains National Park are now being asked to clean their boots as they enter all walking tracks in a bid to protect the ecosystem from devastating impact of phytophthora.
Phytophthora – which in Greek means ‘plant destroyer’ – is a group of soil-borne pathogens that have caused environmental ecosystem damage worldwide.
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) says boot cleaning stations have been installed at the entrance of all walking tracks in the Bunya Mountains National Park, and it is now a requirement that all park visitors use them.
“In the past we have been educating visitors about the risk phytophthora poses to this fragile ecosystem, and now, by installing these stations, we are making it even easier for visitors to the park to play their part,” said South Burnett Senior Ranger Mark Casey.
Boot cleaning stations have been installed at the entrance to walking trails. PIC: QPWS
“The stations make a big difference in helping us reduce the spread of this pathogen and will soon be complemented by signage to help visitors understand their obligations.”
The parks service says that without action to reduce the spread of phytophthora, the ancient Bunya Pines and the species that depend on them could be at risk.
“This is about preserving one of Queensland’s most iconic natural landscapes for future generations,” Mr Casy said. “We’re taking an educate-and-enforce approach – raising awareness while also ensuring visitors do their part.”
Visitors are also strongly urged to clean boots before arriving and after leaving the park to minimise the risk of spreading pathogens between natural areas.
Fines can apply should it become clear people are still accessing the park without using the boot cleaning stations.
“We need your help to ensure the Bunya Mountains’ incredible biodiversity is preserved,” Mr Casey said. “Please play your part protecting Bunya Mountains National Park by staying on designated walking tracks, ensuring your gear is clean and free of dirt before entering and exiting the park, use the boot cleaning stations provided, and avoid walking during wet, muddy conditions.”
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The way we are being slowly but surely restricted and banned from many places, including many supposed National Parks, they won’t have to worry about people cleaning their boots soon, no one will be allowed into the parks, except ‘special’ people, of course!
Also, I hope all the renewable’s workers bulldozing tracks and demolishing so much of our environment, including National Parks, are busily cleaning their boots, trucks, bulldozers and all the other items they are demolishing our environment with as they destroy so much as Labor smother our country with Chinese windmills, solar panels, towers and cables?
I hope all the feral animals..cats, wild dogs, horses, donkeys, deer, pigs, foxes etc are going to clean their feet, hooves etc before crossing the park boundaries.