Update #11 Aquatic Weed Clearing, Hoods Lagoon, Clermont

The contracted aquatic harvester has removed more than 750 tonnes of Salvinia weed from Hoods Lagoon in Clermont as part of Council’s multi-faceted approach.

Registered herbicide spraying will continue over the next two weeks for the remainder of the weed where the harvester was unable to gather.

This includes around the lagoon’s edges and downstream where Salvinia has been contained in the downstream gully.

Council also has two manual aquatic skimmers to assist in the removal of smaller remaining sections of weed following the aquatic harvester.

Council will continue to monitor and conduct follow-up treatments over multiple years to remove this invasive species and monitor the lagoon and gully’s health and recovery.

As they cannot fly far between salvinia plants, Salvinia Weevil biocontrol will no longer be as effective on the small amount of salvinia remaining and the spraying removing their food source and shelter.

Bio-control measures will be ongoing for the St Lawrence weir and Clermont should the need arise.

Mesh fencing will remain installed near the causeway as a temporary control measure to contain salvinia in case of a sudden down pour.

Council encourages residents to not dispose home aquarium and pond plants into our waterways.

Property owners are reminded to be vigilant and if you suspect Salvinia on your property, contact Council’s Customer Service Centre on 1300 ISAACS (1300 47 22 27) for identification and advice on helping you control it on your property.

DARREN FETTELL

Acting Chief Executive Officer

Published: 19th December 2022