Help save waratahs, says parks service

The National Parks and Wildlife Service has warned that waratahs are close to extinction on Patonga Dr near Warrah Trig and has called for community assistance.

It is encouraging Peninsula residents to report waratah thieves, following a string of thefts in Brisbane Water National Park.

Acting NPWS regional manager Ms Jenni Farrell said that the waratah bloom's "beautiful appearance meant that some people would go to extraordinary lengths to pick them, even resorting to poaching the blooms from National Parks".

"Picking flowers in a National Park is illegal and can be detrimental to the long-term survival of a species, not to mention the removal of an important food source for birds and small mammals," Ms Farrell said.

"Waratah blooms in the Brisbane Water National Park have long been targeted by flower thieves.

"Unfortunately, this practice seems to be increasing and could lead to the complete loss of the species from the area."

In an effort to save the waratahs, NPWS are encouraging locals to report any suspicious behaviour, particularly near the well-known waratah patch on Patonga Dr.

Local businesses will also be asked to display posters in an effort to curb the thefts.

"We want would-be thieves to know that we take the theft of waratah blooms seriously and fines of $300 per bloom apply," Ms Farrell said.

"Past monitoring programs have revealed that over one quarter of the flowers was illegally picked and that only 35 per cent of the flowers remaining produced seed.

"There are serious concerns about the long-term viability of the waratahs at Warrah Trig, located in Brisbane Water National Park, due to illegal flower picking."

Ms Farrell said the seeds of the waratah plant form at the flower head, after the bloom has died. "By picking the bloom, people are removing the seeds and the reproductive material of the plant," Ms Farrell said.

"No reproduction means no more plants, no more blooms for people to view, no more nectar for honeyeaters to feed on."

People are encouraged to report any suspicious activity regarding the waratahs to the local NPWS office on 4320 4200.

Press release, 22 Aug 2008 Susan Davis, National Parks and Wildlife Service