The Rubbervine and Parthenium Control in Barambah Creek Project targeted invasive weed infestations across key riparian areas of the Barambah and Boonara Creeks, within both the Gympie and North Burnett Regional Council areas. The project focused on reducing the spread of Rubbervine and Parthenium, two highly invasive weeds that pose a significant threat to riparian health, biodiversity, and agricultural productivity.

In the lower Barambah Creek, control efforts focused on Rubbervine infestations across approximately 7 km of creek frontage, covering 64.6 hectares. Dense infestations and challenging access conditions required flexible control methods, with contractors using both foliar spraying and basal barking depending on terrain and access. During this work, additional invasive species such as Giant Rat’s Tail grass and Mother of Millions were also identified, mapped, and in many cases treated.

In the upper Barambah Creek and along sections of Moonda Waamba Creek and Wild Horse Creek, efforts shifted to Parthenium control. Covering a total of 543 hectares across at least 10 properties, this work required six days of treatment with a two-person team. While Parthenium presence was less abundant than anticipated, the large control area was successfully treated, reducing the risk of spread further downstream.

In the lower Boonara Creek, contractors managed both Rubbervine and Parthenium infestations across an estimated 152.5 hectares (27.5 ha Rubbervine and 125 ha Parthenium). Infestation density varied, with Parthenium dominating the upper sections, while Rubbervine became more prominent further downstream. Due to limited funds, the final 4 km of creek frontage—approximately 45 hectares—could not be completed. This section is believed to be heavily infested with mature Rubbervine and has been flagged as a high priority for urgent treatment in future works.

Overall, the project successfully treated more than 750 hectares of riparian land, protecting waterway health, reducing the spread of invasive weeds, and safeguarding agricultural productivity across the Burnett and Gympie regions.