Mimosa pigra (Mimosa) is a leguminous thorny shrub up to 7m that originates from tropical America. This aggressive weed forms dense stands that could affect the recreational fishing industry by preventing access to rivers and dams.
Mature Mimosa pigra plant
Dense stands of Mimosa restricting water access
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Pink flowers on a Mimosa plant, which develop into a thick hairy pod in groups of about 7 axils. |
The pod breaks into one-seeded segments that can attach to clothing and
animals fur or contained in mud that attaches to boats.
The Mimosa infestation at Peter Faust Dam is currently the only infestation outside of the N.T.
Mimosa threatens the Mackay/Whitsunday region’s $723 Million/year tourism industry.
It will impact upon:
- Proserpine catchment
- Water storage areas
- The Goorganga plains wetland
- Reduced access to recreational fishing
Aerial view of Mimosa in Northern Territory
There are specific rules for Peter Faust Dam visitors to prevent the Northern Territory scenario where Mimosa has infested an estimated 80,000ha of flood plains. To prevent the spread of Mimosa, there can be:
- No grounding of boats around the 73km of foreshore other than at the designated boat ramp.
- No camping or access to the dam bank at PFD
- No pig hunting is permitted
Following its initial identification in 2001, an on-going team effort by officers from Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries, Sunwater, Whitsunday Regional Council and landholders have slashed the Mimosa detections to just 45 plants in 2008.
For further information contact Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries on 13 25 23 or visit their website.
The control and eradication of Mimosa pigra at Peter Faust Dam would not be possible without all the following stakeholders.
   
 
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