Phytophthora Control

"PHYTOPHTHORA IS DAMAGING OUR ENVIRONMENT AND WE AS BUSHWALKERS ARE IN A POSITION TO HELP REDUCE THE SPREAD OF THIS DISEASE."

What is Phytophthora?

Phytophthora is a fungal disease that causes damage to plants in areas we walk through. The disease is also common in your garden.

Phytophthora affected grass trees in the Otway Ranges.

What does it look like?

The most obvious signs of Phytophthora are:

• Autumnal colours in plants (not during autumn!)
• Collapsed grass trees (Xanthorrhoea spp.)
• Banksia leaves going yellow
• Eucalypts slowly dying back

What is the problem?

The disease is being spread throughout our bushland by infected soil being carried from one place to another. Our footwear and equipment contribute to the problem.

How can we help?

By cleaning and disinfecting our footwear at home each time we have walked in an infected area. Disinfectant can be methylated spirits (undiluted) or household bleach (one part bleach, four parts water).

By keeping to designated roads and walking trails, parking in designated car parks, and complying with track access restrictions in force within infected areas.

What areas are infected?

The Department of Natural Resources & Environment (DNRE) has advised that the fungus is present in the following areas:

• Large areas of forest in the southern foothills
• South and East Gippsland
• Grampians
• Lower Glenelg
• Brisbane Ranges
• Kinglake
• Point Nepean (Greens Bush)
• Wilsons Promontory
• Croajinglong National Park
• Angahook-Lorne
• Lake Tyers.

Walkers cleaning their boots at a phytophthora control point in Tasmania.

Thank you for your cooperation.