Check park alerts for the latest on access, closures and conditions, following recent severe weather events in Queensland. Rangers are working hard to safely reopen affected parks.
Phytophthora dieback
Phytophthora has been found in some of Queensland’s national parks.
It is spread by the movement of infested soil, including on footwear.
We encourage visitors to help reduce the risk of spreading Phytophthora by adopting footwear cleaning practices before entering and leaving the park.
About phytophthora
Phytophthora is a microscopic plant pathogen that kills important species of native plants and fruit trees.
It lives and spreads through movement of infested soil and attacks plant roots, causing severe root rot or dieback.
Plants can be infected for years before they start to show symptoms, making it challenging to detect early and prevent it spreading.
Once an area is infected with Phytophthora, eradication is not possible. Containment and prevention of further spread is key to effective management of this pathogen.
Phytophthora is tough. It can survive for years in the soil, on footwear and on equipment.
Phytophthora is ‘smart’. When the soil is wet, it can sense plant roots and swim towards them through the soil, spreading rapidly.
Phytophthora kills. It stops plant roots from absorbing water and nutrients. Above ground, leaves wilt and die off, shoots blacken and die.
The disease is known to infect thousands of plant species worldwide.
Hundreds of Australian species are known to be susceptible including bunya pines and many species of Grevillea, Banksia, Xanthorrhoea (grass tree) and Eucalyptus .
Important horticultural species such as avocado, pineapple, macadamia and stone fruit, as well as ornamental garden plants, such as lilies, camellias, hibiscuses and rhododendrons are also affected.
Phytophthora can infect non-susceptible species that remain symptomless but provide a reservoir for the spread of infection to other susceptible species. Considered a ‘biological bulldozer’, it can change entire ecosystems.
The loss of native plants affects animals that depend on them for food and habitat. Birds and small mammals are particularly vulnerable.
Some of Queensland’s critically endangered species are threatened by Phytophthora. With so few remaining in the wild, this disease could wipe them out.
What can you do?
Arrive clean and leave clean
Clean all soil off footwear, hiking poles, backpacks and other gear every time you enter and leave a natural area.
Use footwear cleaning stations where provided when you enter and leave a location.
Keep a spare pair of shoes in your car. Use plastic bags for shoes and gear that can’t be cleaned on-site.
Avoid going off track
Keep to tracks and formed roads to limit the spread of soil.
Avoid accessing areas that are wet
Phytophthora is spread easily through soil and water.
Never assume anywhere is disease free
Phytophthora cannot be seen with the naked eye, and infected plants take some time to show symptoms of dieback.
If an area is closed, do not enter
Areas may need to be closed (temporarily or permanently) where the risk of spreading the disease from or to an area is high, or where branches of unhealthy/dying trees are a risk to visitor safety.
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service is working with Biosecurity Queensland to minimise the spread of this disease.
More information
For more information visit:
- Notification of planned burn – Glass House Mountains National Park 18 March to 19 May 2025
- Temporary partial closure - Coochin Hills section 9 April to 9 May 2025