The drawdown of Caseys Weir pool, to prevent cabomba moving to downstream reaches of the Broken River and Broken Creek, started last week (March 20).
The drawdown of Caseys Weir pool, to prevent cabomba moving to downstream reaches of the Broken River and Broken Creek, started last week (March 20).
Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority (CMA) Manager of Strategic River Health Wayne Tennant said cabomba was one of the most invasive aquatic weeds in Australia.
“The cabomba in Caseys Weir pool has the potential to impact on other waterways, water bodies and other water user should it be transported by either stream flow or unintentional human activities,” Mr Tennant said.
“Lowering the level of the water will wipeout cabomba by exposing it to sunlight, which would reduce its biomass and area of impact. This approach has been used in Lake Benalla over recent years, and has been shown to be very successful.”
Mr Tennant said inappropriate disposal of unwanted fish tanks (and their contents) was the most likely source of cabomba in Caseys Weir.
“The best way to dispose of pest plants like cabomba is to dry the material and dispose of it well away from any waterway or wetland,” he said. “However, I encourage people to always contact either the Goulburn Broken CMA or Goulburn Murray Water (GMW) for more information.”
The three-week drawdown of the weir should have limited impact on diverters.
Mr Tennant said the Goulburn Broken CMA and G-MW would continue to work with the Department of Environment and Primary Industries to monitor cabomba in Caseys Weir and Lake Benalla.
If you notice cabomba within local waterways please report it to the Goulburn Broken CMA on 5820 1100.