A surveillance operation targeting alligator weed in the Wah Wah irrigation system this March 1 to 3 confirms COVID and climate can't stop NSW's biosecurity warriors in their quest to manage the invasive water weed.
NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) State Priority Weeds co-ordinator, Charles Mifsud, said up to 20 biosecurity specialists on foot, in all terrain and 4x4 vehicles and watercraft will reinvestigate old infestations, which occurred when the weed spread from Barren Box Swamp.
"Surveillance was postponed due to drought, as plants weren't growing in the dry, and COVID restrictions," Mr Mifsud said.
"Now there's been good seasonal rainfall any remnant alligator weed should be easier to find and we have a head start thanks to satellite technology."
Using drones and GPS coordinates to track known infestations, teams from Riverina, Murray and Western Local Land Services, Murrumbidgee, Griffith City, Leeton Shire, Hay Shire and Carrathool Shire Councils and Murrumbidgee Irrigation will be led by NSW DPI in their mission to find and control the weed.
Recent finds of alligator weed in Barren Box Swamp and nearby irrigation channels which flow into the Carrathool local government area through the Wah Wah irrigation system are starting points for the surveillance operation.
Alligator weed was first found in Barren Box Swamp in 1994 and spread through the irrigation system. Flood has been the main pathway of spread for alligator weed in the Riverina.
NSW DPI has funded the surveillance operation to help stop the spread of alligator weed and ensure it doesn't reach the Murray-Darling River system during a flood event.
Huge efforts from Murrumbidgee Irrigation, Griffith City Council and Carrathool Shire Council brought the initial infestation under control and ongoing surveillance and management is still required.
