Weeds & land management
Land management
We support landcare groups, community groups, schools and landowners who are engaging in genuine revegetation projects.
We also run a native plant nursery (which is not open to public) to supply revegetation and restoration activities at sites including Cattana Wetlands and the Cairns Central Swamp, for Reef Rescue and River Improvement Trust projects, and Tropical Tree Day.
Fire management
Council’s Fire Risk Mitigation Program includes site-specific fire management plans for identified high priority sites, periodic assessment and management of fuel loads, the creation and maintenance of fire lines, access tracks and the coordination of fire management activities with external agencies.
It has been developed to reduce the number and severity of wildfires, provide protection for urban areas and conserve forest habitats.
Council works closely with other agencies that have responsibilities for managing fire, including rural fire brigades, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services.
Biosecurity and invasive weed control
All Queenslanders have a ‘general biosecurity obligation’ under Queensland's Biosecurity Act 2014, meaning they are responsible for managing biosecurity risks that are:
- under their control, and
- that they know about, or should reasonably be expected to know about
- take all reasonable and practical steps to prevent or minimise each biosecurity risk
Under the Queensland Biodiversity Act 2014, Council officers have powers to ensure pests are appropriately managed on both public and private property.
Electric ants are one of the world’s worst invasive species. Under the Biosecurity Act 2014, electric ants are category 1 restricted matter. The National Electric Ants Eradication Program is calling all to join the hunt and search for Electric Ants
Council has released the following biosecurity programs to support pest management in the region. The programs state Council's intentions to exercise its powers around treatment and surveillance of pests, property access and compliance with the Act.
Last Updated: 2 May 2024
Latest News > All News
Council highlights advocacy wins
Hundreds of millions of dollars for housing, water security and major infrastructure are among the significant advocacy outcomes secured for...
31 July 2026
Community donations help more than 100 joeys
More than $3,000 raised through Council's Free Green Waste campaign will help The Agile Project continue its work rescuing, rehabilitating...
31 July 2026
Council invests $8.9M in wastewater upgrades
Reliable wastewater infrastructure is essential for public health, environmental protection and the continued delivery of services to the Cairns community....
30 July 2026