Salvinia Weevil Release, St Lawrence Creek, St Lawrence

Isaac Regional Council would like to advise the St Lawrence community of preparations to release salvinia weevil - Cyrtobagous salviniae - to assist in the control of salvinia in St Lawrence Creek.

A suitable release site has been located up stream of the towns raw water intake where salvinia is again establishing under favourable conditions. Releases of the salvinia weevil aim to establish the weevil permanently in St Lawrence Creek and protect St Lawrence’s raw water supply from any further salvinia outbreaks. 

Salvinia weevils were initially released by the CSIRO in the 1980’s after comprehensive biosecurity testing and have proven to be an effective and eco-friendly solution to the aquatic weed infestation. They have a singular diet of only salvinia, which makes them safe to use in our waterways and around plants and animals.

Currently the weevils are at their most active with the warmer weather and will eat large quantities of the weed whilst breeding and spreading the population. Depending on the extent and movement of the salvinia within the creek, the infestation may take between one and three years to control.

Council encourages residents to not dispose home aquarium and pond plants into our waterways and asks property owners to be vigilant if you suspect salvinia on your property.

If you have seen the aquatic weed Salvinia molesta in your waterways or if you have any concerns about the upcoming weevil release, please don’t hesitate to contact Council’s Customer Service Centre on 1300 ISAACS (1300 47 22 27) for advice, or visit https://profiles.ala.org.au/opus/weeds-australia/profile/Salvinia%20molesta for more information.

Darren Fettell Acting Chief Executive Officer

Published: 5th January 2023