Plan to flush out killer
ONE of the biggest threats to the waterways and wetlands of the Mid North Coast has been given increased priority for management.
Water Hyacinth, an aggressive aquatic weed that can quickly take over lakes, lagoons and swamps, has been identified as one of 12 new problematic weeds added to the list of Weeds of National Significance (WONS).
WONS are declared due to their broad distribution, potential for spread, and their environmental, economic and social impacts.
Mid North Coast Regional Project Officer with WetlandCare Australia, Kirralee Donovan, said that Water Hyacinth has the potential to completely choke water bodies in a very short time.
"It poses a great threat to the health of aquatic ecosystems as well as farm productivity and agriculture," Ms Donovan said.
The declaration of Water Hyacinth will increase the focus on this species.
A range of management strategies, educational materials, mapping and coordination will assist landholders, councils and organisations like WetlandCare Australia in tackling this serious issue.
Also joining the existing WoNS list with well-known weeds like lantana, blackberry and salvinia are cat's claw creeper and madeira vine both of which are major threats to riverbanks and bushland areas across the Coffs Coast.
WetlandCare Australia Can be contacted on 6652 5589 or coffsharbour@wetlandcare.com.au.
