Program overview
Landcare Victoria is partnering with CSIRO on a new national project to help manage sea spurge (Euphorbia paralias) — a highly invasive coastal weed that threatens dunes and sensitive coastal ecosystems across Victoria and Australia.
This collaboration forms part of a broader project led by CSIRO and funded by the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. The project focuses on the coordinated release and monitoring of a safe, rigorously tested biological control agent — the fungus Venturia paralias.
As part of this project, coastal community groups in Victoria are invited to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to host a workshop or on-ground learning event in their community.
About the biocontrol agent
Venturia paralias is a naturally occurring fungus sourced from sea spurge’s native European range. It is highly host-specific, meaning it only affects sea spurge and does not harm native plants or other vegetation.
Over time, the fungus helps to:
Reduce sea spurge plant growth and density
Limit seed production
Support the recovery of native flora and fauna in coastal and dune environments
The biocontrol agent has been extensively tested by CSIRO in high-security quarantine facilities and has shown strong results at initial release sites in Tasmania and Victoria. The project is now moving into a national release phase.
The role of Landcare and community groups
Participating groups have the opportunity to:
Host a local workshop or on-ground learning event (Victoria only)
Build local knowledge and skills in biocontrol and coastal weed management
Take part in the coordinated release and monitoring of the sea spurge biocontrol agent
Why is Sandy Point joining this project?
Sea Spurge infestations are impacting the shore line of Waratah Bay, Sandy Point and the Shallow Inlet Spit. These infestations are having a detrimental effect on the flora and fauna. Large areas are now covered with both established and young Sea Spurge plants.
The infestations are having a significant impact on the nesting habits of shore birds including the Hooded Plover, Red Capped Plover, and Australian Pied Oyster-catcher. Nesting sites used in previous years are no longer able to be used due to the spread of Sea Spurge. Learn more about Sea Spurge on the SPCG’s Guide to Local Plants
Project activities …
A community information workshop
On Friday 16 October 2026 WiSP Habitat, Tarwin Landcare Group and South Gippsland Conservation Society hosted a workshop at Tarwin Lower, funded by Landcare Victoria, and attended by about 50 people from South Gippsland and Bass Coast areas.
Ben Gooden from CSIRO spoke about the history of biocontrol agents in Australia from the control of Prickly Pear 100 years ago to the present, highlighting the fact that all biocontrols go through a rigorous scientific process that may take years of research before agents are released
This current release of the sea spurge biocontrol agent is the second phase of the release, the first being 2021-2024. Ben spoke about the successes of phase one in Tasmania and along the coast of Victoria.
The fungus infects the sea spurge plant, firstly growing on the leaves and then transferring to the stem, which causes dieback and interferes with its ability to flower and form seeds. The fungus is spread to nearby plants by the wind or rain drops. This process is gradual (over years) and during this time native plants that are present would be able to recover and take over the role of dune stabilisation on the fore dunes.
At a convenient site in Walkerville, Ben demonstrated the preparation of the fungal suspension and the spraying of that suspension on some nearby sea spurge plants. This activity was attended by those interested in helping with the release of the biocontrol fungus at their group's target sites. Our release of the fungus will occur in the coming weeks when we get our kits from the CSIRO.
Thanks to Ben (CSIRO), Ana (Landcare Victoria), Kirby (Tarwin Landcare Group) and John (South Gippsland Conservation Society) for a successful day.
Thanks also go to SPCG and our local foreshore committee for their support.
Cherry and Henri (WiSP Habitat) [email protected]
2. The application of the biocontrol agent along Waratah Bay
This will occur on another date following the workshop - to be advised
Please get involved.
The SPCG Committee would be happy to receive your input regarding this project. Use this form to offer your feedback, suggestions, or assistance.
