People are being urged to keep their pets on a leash while walking around Lake Benalla to protect any wildlife that may be stranded in pools during the current drawdown.
The Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority (CMA) is working with Benalla Rural City Council to drawdown Lake Benalla to control the noxious weed cabomba, which is a serious threat to water quality, human safety, lake aesthetics and plants and animals.
Australian Platypus Conservancy researchers have been monitoring the lake’s platypus population during the drawdown.
Generally platypus will move to other areas as the water level changes, however, if a member of the public notices a stranded platypus they should report it to 5157 5568 or www.platypus.asn.au; they should not attempt to move the platypus themselves as the males have very poisonous spurs.
The lake is being lowered to expose the cabomba to air and dry it out. This is the most effective and efficient way to get rid of the weed and is safer than using sprays or other chemicals.
Goulburn Broken CMA is working with Benalla Rural City Council and Goulburn-Murray Water on the project, which is funded by the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program.