FLOODING across the Mid North Coast area has resulted in a bloom of the aquatic noxious weed Salvinia (Salvinia molesta), which has moved throughout the wetlands into Connection Creek and the Maria River near Kempsey.
Salvinia, a class three noxious weed, is a floating aquatic plant which has the potential to completely choke the freshwater wetlands and streams with major impacts on their natural ecosystems.
This will have a severe impact on the native fish population throughout the Maria River system.
Development and Environment director Matt Rogers said that, as part of an integrated control approach by Roads and Maritime Services, Kempsey Shire Council and Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, three floating booms would be placed across Connection Creek 1.5kms upstream from the junction with the Maria River to block the movement of Salvinia up and down the waterway.
“This will allow the targeted treatment of the infestation by containing it within a limited stretch of the stream where it can be accessed by weed control operators using a combination of physical removal, herbicide application and biological control measures,” Mr Rogers said.
As these booms will prevent boat access along Connection Creek, Roads and Maritime Services has closed a section of the creek to all boating until the Salvinia outbreak is controlled.
This closure to boating enables the placement of the booms and prevents the accidental spread of Salvinia to other areas by the movement of boats or fishing gear that has the weed attached to it.
Weed control operators will be carrying out regular inspection and control works over the next year or two to remove the Salvinia from the affected areas
The assistance of local landowners is essential to allow this weed outbreak to be controlled.
Please assist by remaining out of the closed areas by advising the local council of any damage to the booms and of any new Salvinia infestations.
