River upstream awash with floating hyacinth

Published on 23 March 2021

Rockhampton Regional Council is encouraging boaties to keep an eye on the river, as beds of aquatic weeds begin to float downstream.

Planning and Regulatory Councillor Ellen Smith said that the hyacinth will once again make its way down the river following considerable rainfall in the upper catchment areas.

“We are already seeing quite a lot of build up above the barrage and there is a lot further upstream,” Cr Smith said.

“We encourage boat owners to be cautious while launching, and to ensure any boats moored in the river are monitored closely by their owners for the possible build-up of weeds.

“Hyacinth needs freshwater to survive and will eventually die off when it reaches the salt water, but it is important to be vigilant and watch your vessels closely.

“While Council is proactive in managing the weeds, there are limitations to controlling the amount that moves downstream.

“We do our absolute best to manage the hyacinth in our immediate local government area, but of course the challenge is that with such a long river system we can only do so much.

“Council manages the hyacinth using an approved chemical treatment spray as well as a successful biocontrol program which utilises a certain species of weevils to combat the growth of pest plants that are damaging native ecosystems and affecting water flow.”

Rockhampton Regional Council has a weevil farming program available to landholders that has shown success in controlling water hyacinth and other aquatic weeds. For further details on this free program, including how to trial the biocontrol method on your property, contact Council on 4932 9000.