The Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority (CMA) and the Benalla Rural City Council (BRCC) are encouraging the local community and visitors to the region to prevent the spread of one of the most invasive aquatic weeds in Australia.
The Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority (CMA) and the Benalla Rural City Council (BRCC) are encouraging the local community and visitors to the region to prevent the spread of one of the most invasive aquatic weeds in Australia.
Cabomba, which is located within Lake Benalla and immediately downstream in the Broken River to Casey’s Weir, has potential to impact on other waterways and water bodies should it be transported by either stream flow or unintentional human activities.
As part of this process, surveys of Lake Benalla and the Broken River and Broken Creek will be conducted over December 2011 and January 2012. The Goulburn Broken CMA has engaged Water Technology to survey the extent and presence of Cabomba in the Broken River and Broken Creek.
In some instances, it will be necessary for surveyors to cross private property to gain access to the Broken Creek and Broken River. Surveyors will have a letter to introduce themselves and asking for assistance in providing access through properties. This will assist surveyors to efficiently assess the presence and possible spread of the Cabomba population.
Cabomba has been present in the mid Broken River for some time, however with recent floods it has had the potential to disperse into lower reaches of the Broken River, Upper Broken Creek and their associated floodplain wetlands, and even farm dams.
Cabomba is frequently used in fish tanks and aquariums, as an attractive leaved water plant that is fast-growing. It is most likely that the Lake Benalla incursion is a result of inappropriate disposal of an unwanted fish tank (and its components). Both authorities encourage appropriate disposal of unwanted pest plants and animals, as their impact on the environment can be significant.
“The Goulburn Broken CMA and BRCC have been working in partnership with the Department of Primary Industries, Goulburn Murray Water and the Federal Government’s Caring for Our Country initiative to reduce the spread and impact of the Lake Benalla incursion over a number of years” said Goulburn Broken CMA Manager of River Health, WayneTennant. “But we also need to reduce the potential for its movement by human activity. ”
For more information please contact Goulburn Broken CMA on 5820 1100.
For further information please contact:
Amanda McClaren, Communications and Marketing Manager
t: 03 5820 1117 m: 0459 023 640 e: amandam@gbcma.vic.gov.au