AN AMPHIBIOUS APPROACH TO WEEDING OUT THAT ALLIGATOR
The Regional Post Flood Aquatic Weeds Project is funded by Hunter Councils, the Department of Primary Industries and the Hunter Central-Rivers Catchment Management Authority.
As part of the Regional Post Flood Alligator Weed project, Hunter Councils together with the Upper Hunter Weeds Authority (UHWA) and Maitland City Council (MCC) are currently implementing a comprehensive inspection and control program targeting Alligator Weed infestations along approximately 54 kilometres of the Hunter River, Anvil and Black Creeks. This work is part of a wider regional project which also covers Cessnock, Port Stephens, Dungog, Lake Macquarie and Newcastle council areas.
Due to the difficult nature of the Hunter River, an amphibious vehicle or Argo is being utilised to tackle both terrestrial and aquatic situations. This allows for thorough inspection and also immediate control of Alligator Weed. Use of such a vehicle is a first for our region, and its success is a pointer for other regions on how to approach this incredibly resilient environmental pest.
Prior to the 2007 Flood an infestation was recorded along a small section of Anvil and Black Creek at Branxton, while the next known infestation was recorded on the Hunter River at Maitland Vale. The substantial infestations now in place between these areas on the Hunter River are presumed to have been spread by the June 2007 flood and, if unchecked, could become a regionally significant environmental issue.
According to Eva Twarkowski, Regional Aquatic Weeds Coordinator, at Hunter Councils, Alligator Weed needs to be controlled in its early stages of growth and establishment.
She said, “Alligator Weed infestation is impossible to eradicate once it has become fully established and containment becomes the only optimal control method.
Regular and systematic inspection and control of Alligator Weed is therefore crucial in preventing further spread as well as ensuring that there is no further development of widespread core infestations in our region. Our current program is intended to indeed ‘get in first’ and the Argo gives us access and manoeuvrability to really make a difference.”
She added, “Alligator Weed really is a major problem. Once established it is is capable of outcompeting desirable native and terrestrial species. It can also smother creek and river systems thus depleting oxygen essential for aquatic animals.”
The Regional Post Flood Aquatic Weeds Project has achieved effective identification and control of new infestations predominantly on the Hunter River. There has been enormous success in working closely with all participating Local councils and it is anticipated that this important work will continue into the future on a regional and strategic basis.
Media Release: Hunter Councils
