CSIRO and Landcare Victoria Sea Spurge Biocontrol Collaboration

Landcare Victoria is partnering with CSIRO on a new national project to help manage sea spurge (Euphorbia paralias), a damaging invasive coastal weed impacting dunes and sensitive coastal ecosystems across Victoria.

This collaboration forms part of a broader project funded by the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and led by CSIRO. The project focuses on the coordinated release and monitoring of a safe, rigorously tested biocontrol agent - the fungus Venturia paralias.

About the biocontrol

Venturia paralias is a naturally occurring fungus sourced from sea spurge’s native European range and is highly host-specific. This means it only affects sea spurge and does not harm native plants or other vegetation. Over time, the fungus helps reduce sea spurge plant growth, population density, and the production of seed. This supports the recovery of native flora and fauna in dune and coastal habitats.

The biocontrol agent has been extensively tested by CSIRO in high-security quarantine facilities and has shown strong results in reducing sea spurge populations at initial release sites across Tasmania and Victoria. The project is now moving into a national release phase.

Role of Landcare Victoria

Landcare Victoria is contributing to this project by:

• Promoting the sea spurge biocontrol program
• Supporting and coordinating participation by local Landcare and community groups in Victoria
• Delivering communications, engagement activities and information sharing
• Organising workshops, field days and local events in partnership with CSIRO

Through this role, Landcare Victoria helps connect national scientific research with local knowledge and community-led action, strengthening long-term capacity for weed management and ecological restoration.

Events

Project Launch Webinar

To launch and promote the project, Landcare Victoria Inc. will be hosting a webinar with CSIRO on Thursday, 19 February at 5.30pm.

The webinar will:

• Introduce the sea spurge biocontrol project
• Explain sea spurge impacts on coastal environments
• Provide an overview of the biocontrol fungus and how it works
• Outline how Landcare and community groups can get involved
• Explain the EOI process
• Provide an opportunity to ask questions

Register via Humantix.

How community groups can get involved

As part of this project, coastal Landcare and community groups will be able to:

• Host workshops and on-ground learning events in their community (in Victoria)
• Build local knowledge and skills in biocontrol and coastal weed management
• Participate in the coordinated release and monitoring of the sea spurge biocontrol agent

Opportunities to host local workshops and events will be made available through an Expression of Interest (EOI) process with Landcare Victoria, which will enable community groups to apply for funding to help cover the costs of running workshops, such as venue hire, catering and related expenses. CSIRO may be able to present at some workshops, subject to availability, and will provide all the information and resources needed for groups to host a workshop locally. This process allows groups to play an active role in delivering the program in their community.

Want to host a sea spurge biocontrol workshop in your community?

By completing the Expression of Interest (EOI) form, your group can apply for funding support to run a local workshop and be part of a coordinated, community-led approach to managing sea spurge along Victoria’s coast.

This is a great opportunity to:

• Access expert information and support from CSIRO
• Build skills and confidence within your group
• Strengthen local action while contributing to a nationally coordinated program

Complete the EOI form to get involved and bring this project to your community.

Find out more

For more information:

• Visit the CSIRO website
• Contact Ana Pimenta at Landcare Victoria via email or phone (03) 9034 1944
• Contact CSIRO: (02) 6218 3525 or 0477 986 165 or send them an email