Rangers ramp up fight against plant disease in the Glass House Mountains – and ask visitors to do the same

Issued: 12 December 2024

New footwear cleaning stations have been installed at the entrance to the Glass House Mountains National Park to help combat the spread of phytophthora [fightoff-thra]– a plant disease that’s spread through infected soil, including on contaminated shoes.

After discovering the disease in an area of the park during routine checks this year, rangers set to work to contain it, including taking samples of affected vegetation to confirm its presence, closing a high-risk area, installing signage, and hosting local community education sessions about managing the disease.

Now, with the installation of the temporary footwear cleaning stations at the main entrance of the Tibrogargan summit walk, Senior Ranger Donna Haslam says they’re taking the fight against phytophthora to the next level to protect the beloved Sunshine Coast National Park.

“The name Phytophthora derives from a Greek word that means ‘plant destroyer’ – and as the name suggests, it can be devastating for susceptible plants,” Ms Haslam said.

“That’s why we’re taking the fight against phytophthora seriously and ask any park-goers to do the same. We simply can’t risk the impact on native plants that grow here, or the potential impacts on protected wildlife including the common dunnart and yellow-footed antechinus that live and breed in this habitat.”

Visitors can do their bit by always arriving and leaving the park with clean footwear, hiking poles, backpacks, and other gear, and using the new footwear cleaning stations.

For visitors leaving the site and unable to clean their shoes on-site, visitors can place their shoes in a plastic bag for cleaning later and keep a spare pair in the car.

Ms Haslam said it’s also vital park goers avoid going off track, particularly during wet conditions.

“As it takes some time for infected plants to show symptoms of disease, it’s important visitors never assume anywhere is disease-free and always take the appropriate precautions.

“We all have a role to play in containing phytophthora, and these simple steps will go a long way to prevent the disease from spreading to unaffected areas of the park, or beyond.”