The water level in Casey’s Weir on the Broken River has been lowered to allow work to prevent the spread of
the aquatic weed cabomba.
Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority (CMA) Ecological Projects Officer Tim Barlow said as well as
smothering native aquatic vegetation that provided valuable habitat for birds, fish and waterbugs, cabomba also
clogged pumps and filters.
“In addition, it seriously compromises the aesthetic and recreational value of waterways and wetlands and
poses a real safety hazard to people and animals,” Mr Barlow said.
“We are keen to control the weed to protect irrigators’ interests, and the ecological values of significant
wetlands such as the nearby Winton Wetlands, and the Barmah National Park downstream on the Broken Creek.
“Lowering the level of the weir pool will expose the plants to air and allows excavators to remove as much of the
plant as possible.
“This approach has been used in Lake Benalla and other parts of the river in recent years, and has been shown
to be successful, although on-going diligence is required to prevent re-establishment.”
Popular as an aquarium plant, cabomba has fan-shaped, ferny leaves that sit mostly underwater, with
a white flower floating on the surface.
To prevent further infestations, it is essential that aquarium plants be composted, and not disposed of in or near
waterways.
“It is important that we act quickly to control the weed,” Mr Barlow said. “Any observations of the plant should
be reported to the Goulburn Broken CMA immediately.”
Goulburn Broken CMA is working with Goulburn Murray Water on the project, which is funded by the Australian
Government’s National Landcare Programme.