Alligator weed has been spotted in the Barrington area, and MidCoast Council is currently working with the local community to find and remove it.
MidCoast 2 Tops Landcare raised the alert after spotting the aggressive weed in the Tibbuc area. This is the first time Alligator weed has been spotted in the MidCoast, with the source appearing to be Woko Creek, Tibbuc.
Alligator weed is a potentially devastating weed that grows in water and on land. It grows vigorously through waterways and can impact recreational activities like boating and fishing, and may also trap sediment in waterways, which can exacerbate flooding. It can invade pastures and impact crop yields as well. Cattle can develop photosensitivity from eating Alligator Weed, which can cause severe skin damage and pain, especially in non-pigmented areas such as the eyes.
Council's Manager of Natural Systems, Gerard Tuckerman said that because Alligator weed had been found high up in the catchment, the priority was to stop it spreading further down river.
"We're conducting property inspections in the Barrington area, focusing on high-risk properties where the weed may have spread," said Mr Tuckerman.
"But we really need more eyes on the ground, keeping a lookout for it on both public and private land."
Alligator weed is categorised as a biosecurity threat. That's why anyone who spots it should report it to Council. Members of Council's weeds team can provide advice and assistance. They can be contacted at [email protected] or call 7955 7777.
Landholders and interested community members are invited to join a Water Weeds Workshop sponsored by Landcare on Thursday 17 April, 9:30am – 3:30pm. The workshop includes morning tea and lunch, and a field visit to Tibbuc. For more details go to https://events.humanitix.com/water-weeds-workshop-thursday17th-april-barrington.
Weeds cost the economy billions of dollars annually. Local councils are on the front line, with a responsibility to respond to biosecurity threats.
"The last thing we want is for a biosecurity weed to escape control and become widespread in the landscape," explained Mr Tuckerman.
"As a community, we have a great opportunity now to combat Alligator weed and reduce its impact on our river system."
A great way to check whether you've spotted a biosecurity weed is to download the Weed Wise app Weed identification - MidCoast Council.
Alligator weed is among the MidCoast's most unwanted water weeds, others include Senegal Tea Plant, Kidney-leaf Mud Plantain, Cabomba, Frogbit, Water Lettuce, and Water Hyacinth.
Photo credit: Terry Inkson
