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Aquatic Weed Control Strategic Plan

BURNETT - KOLAN - BAFFLE -

ELLIOTT - GREGORY - ISIS CATCHMENTS

2010

AQUATIC WEED MANAGEMENT STRATEGIC PLAN – Burnett, Kolan, Baffle, Isis and Gregory Catchments July 2010

This strategic plan was developed through consultation with the following members of Burnett / Kolan / Baffle Catchments Aquatic Weed Working Group: Burnett Mary Regional Group

• Nora Brandli – Regional Weeds and Pest Management Coordinator Bundaberg Regional Council

• Eric Dyke – Land Protection Coordinator Gladstone Regional Council

• Darryl Saw – Coordinator Rural Lands Protection • Brett Cawthray – Rural Lands Protection Officer

North Burnett Regional Council

• Lee Dorahy – Natural Resources Officer South Burnett Regional Council

• Leanne Petersen – Manager of Natural Resource Management Sun Water

• Michelle Wegner – Senior Environmental Officer National Aquatic Weed Management Group

• Phillip Moran – Vice President Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation

• Bernie Shore – Biosecurity Officer • Jodie Sippel – Biosecurity Officer

Burnett Catchment Care Association

• Paul Davis – Water Coordinator • Peter Brightwell – Aquatic weed harvester operator

Department of Environment and Resource Management

• Duncan Limpus Components prepared under contract by Boyds Bay Environmental Services Pty Ltd

• John Bruun • Luke Marshall • Alisha Ousby

Funded through


TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................... 1

2. PURPOSE ......................................................................................................................................... 1

3. MISSION STATEMENT .................................................................................................................... 1

4. OBJECTIVES .................................................................................................................................... 1

5. CATCHMENT INFORMATION .......................................................................................................... 2

6. SUPPORT AND RESOURCES ......................................................................................................... 3

7. LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS ..................................................................................................... 4

8. TARGET SPECIES ........................................................................................................................... 6

8.1 TOP PRIORITY DECLARED SPECIES .................................................................................................................................6 8.2 ALERT SPECIES ............................................................................................................................................................7

9. AQUATIC WEED MANAGEMENT OPTIONS .................................................................................. 8

9.1 BIOLOGICAL CONTROL ..................................................................................................................................................8 9.2 MECHANICAL CONTROL .................................................................................................................................................8 9.3 PHYSICAL CONTROL .....................................................................................................................................................9 9.4 CHEMICAL CONTROL ...................................................................................................................................................10 9.5 SPREAD PREVENTION .................................................................................................................................................10

10. PRIORITISATION OF WORKS ....................................................................................................... 10

11. STRATEGIC ACTION PLAN ........................................................................................................... 12

11.1 TO ENSURE ONGOING COLLABORATION BETWEEN STAKEHOLDERS .................................................................................12 11.2 TO IMPLEMENT BEST PRACTICE AQUATIC WEED CONTROL .............................................................................................13 11.3 TO IMPLEMENT RAPID RESPONSE FOR INCURSIONS OF NEW AQUATIC WEED SPECIES AND NEW OUTBREAKS OF SPECIES

CURRENTLY WITHIN THE CATCHMENT ...........................................................................................................................14 11.4 TO PROMOTE COMMUNITY AWARENESS AND OWNERSHIP OF AQUATIC WEED ISSUES .......................................................15 11.5 TO CONDUCT ONGOING MONITORING & EVALUATION .....................................................................................................16

12. APPENDIX ...................................................................................................................................... 17

12.1 PROGRAM STAKEHOLDERS .........................................................................................................................................17 12.2 MAP OF BURNETT, KOLAN, BAFFLE, ELLIOTT, GREGORY & ISIS CATCHMENTS ...............................................................18 12.3 SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION .......................................................................................................................19


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1. Introduction The catchments of the Burnett, Kolan and Baffle waterways intersect the boundaries of Gladstone, North

Burnett, Bundaberg, South Burnett, Western Downs and Gympie Regional Councils.

The Burnett River, Kolan River and Baffle Creek catchments plus several smaller associated tributaries cover

an area of approximately 42,500 km²; with the length of the main rivers and creeks stretching

approximately 8,600 km. There are over 74 creeks and rivers flowing into the three main rivers of the

system with each of these fed by many other smaller tributaries.

Aquatic weed infestations cause a number of detrimental impacts on economic development, social

wellbeing and environmental processes; impacts include:

• Reducing water quality

• Reducing aquatic biodiversity

• Limiting fisheries and agricultural production

• Limiting recreational activities

• Creating disease vectors

• Reduction of water quantity through increased evaporation

• Damage to infrastructure

• Increased vegetative mass and nutrient loads in marine environments

• Reduced aesthetic value

This strategic plan has been developed based on consultations with members of the Burnett, Kolan, Baffle

Aquatic Weed Working Group, discussions and site inspections with the operational works team and

detailed review of government and industry research.

2. Purpose The aquatic weed strategic plan provides direction for the coordinated management of aquatic weeds in

the Burnett, Kolan and Baffle catchments. It identifies key stakeholders and priority actions to be

undertaken over the next five (5) years to achieve the project objectives.

The aquatic weed strategic plan builds on previous activities initiated through the joint efforts of members

of the Burnett, Kolan, Baffle Aquatic Weed Working Group.

3. Mission Statement To enhance the ecological, economic and social values within the Burnett, Kolan and Baffle catchments, by

reducing the number of outbreaks and size of infestations of aquatic weeds.

4. Objectives To achieve the goals for the strategic plan the following objectives have been identified:

• To ensure ongoing collaboration between stakeholders

• To implement best practice aquatic weed control

• To implement rapid response for incursions of new aquatic weed species and new outbreaks of

species currently within the catchment

• To promote community awareness and ownership of aquatic weed issues

• To conduct ongoing monitoring & evaluation

• Background


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5. Catchment information The occurrence of aquatic weeds in the Burnett, Kolan and Baffle catchments is a major concern which

continues to impact ecosystems, water quality, economic growth and the aesthetic appeal of the region’s

waterways.

The date when aquatic weed infestations were introduced into the river systems within the Burnett Mary

region is unknown. A Queensland Government Fact Sheet from 1973, entitled “Salvinia is a Plant to Watch”

makes reference to Salvinia being located from Julatten in North Queensland to the New South Wales

border. From this it is thought Salvinia at least, was probably in the Burnett area prior to 1973.

The first release of Salvinia weevils into the area took place around 1984-85 in the Kolan River, and

continued with spray programmes in the Lower Burnett and Kolan.

Salvinia, Water hyacinth and Water lettuce were present in the Bundaberg area prior to the construction of

any dams according to local knowledge.

Jeff Cummings advised that water weeds were recorded in Brisbane as early as 1896, and Salvinia was

declared in 1978, and Water Hyacinth was declared in 1973 for Waggamba and Fitzroy Shires, and then

declared state-wide in 1986. He advised that Water Hyacinth and Salvinia would have been in these river

systems during the earlier years.

Best management practices were developed in the late 1990’s to manage these heavy infestations through

a top-of-the-catchment-down approach within the local government area/s.

All the major aquatic weeds within the strategy area are either Class 1 or Class 2 declared species with

responsibility for their control resting with landowners (more details in section 7 on Legislative

Requirements page Error! Bookmark not defined.). There are many difficulties associated with the uptake

of control by the landholders:

• the mobility of most of the species

• difficulties associated with access (e.g. steep, heavily vegetated banks and snags)

• the infestation size and difficulty of management (e.g. the need for specialised equipment)

• lack of landholder understanding of their responsibilities.

The latter is particularly relevant given the issue of aquatic weed mobility: what is one landholder’s

responsibility today may move overnight due to flooding to be another landholder’s responsibility

tomorrow. Additionally, the harvester can’t always be used because the creeks are too small, shallow or

too many barriers and snags.

Table 1 Subcatchments in which weed infestations have to date been recorded by members of the working group

Subcatchment Species present Comments

Auburn River Nil known

Baffle Creek Alligator weed

Cabomba

Salvinia

Water hyacinth

Alligator Weed and Cabomba found, controlled

and area under constant surveillance in Miriam

Vale Showgrounds dam.

Salvinia and Water hyacinth scattered along

Baffle Creek, heaviest in Three Mile and Lagoon

Creeks.

Barambah Creek Salvinia

Water hyacinth

Salvinia is in the Murgon Weir, however very

small infestations have appeared in other parts

of the creek from time to time.


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Water hyacinth is present in small, scattered

infestations, and in some private dams.

Barker Creek Nil known

Baywulla Creek Nil known

Boonara Creek Nil known

Boyne River Nil known

Burnett River Hymenachne

Salvinia

Water hyacinth

Water lettuce

Hymenachne is mainly within the central and

upper reaches of the Burnett however there are

still scattered infestation within the Lower

Burnett.

Salvinia and Water Hyacinth scattered

throughout, with Salvinia being the most

widespread.

Water Lettuce is in found Ned Churchwood Weir

in isolated infestations.

Cadarga Creek Nil known

Cherwell Creek Salvinia Scattered infestations

Degilbo Creek Salvinia Salvinia is also present in Paradise, Tawah and

Yarrabil Creeks.

Elliott River Salvinia Present in scattered infestations along the length

of the River.

Gin Gin Creek

Salvinia

Water hyacinth

Infestations of both species have only occurred

in the lower reaches near the confluence of the

Kolan River.

Gregory River Salvinia Present in scattered infestations along the length

of the River.

Isis River Salvinia Present in scattered infestations along the length

of the River.

Kolan River

Water hyacinth

Water lettuce

Salvinia

All three species are present downstream from

Monduran Dam.

Nogo River Nil known Reid Creek Nil known St John Creek Nil known Stuart River Salvinia Salvinia is present halfway between the

Gordonbrook Dam and the Stuart River crossing

on the Chinchilla/Wondai road. Populations are

periodically reduced through river runs and

continuous release of the biocontrol weevil.

Three Moon Creek Nil known

6. Support and resources The control of aquatic weeds within the catchments has been coordinated and funded in the past through

collaborated actions between state and local government, Burnett Catchment Care Association (BCCA),

SunWater and the community with financial support from Burnett Mary Regional Group (BMRG), the


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Commonwealth Government’s Natural Heritage Trust, the Queensland Government and SunWater. The

collaborated weed management activities have achieved effective results within the catchment areas with

measurable reductions to infestation size, frequency and associated impacts.

Resources for the management of aquatic weeds in the region include an aquatic weed harvester, a wash-

down trailer and six boats which can be equipped with spray units. This equipment is currently housed and

managed by Bundaberg, Gladstone, North Burnett and South Burnett Regional Councils and SunWater. .

The wash down trailer is available for recreational and community events within the catchment area to

help remove water weeds from boats and trailers and reduce the spread of weeds through contamination

between water bodies.

The harvester craft and two of the spray boats were purchased by BCCA with funding from SunWater, the

Queensland State Government’s Burnett Program of Actions, Natural Heritage Trust and BMRG. The

operation including employment of an operator and coordinators was managed through the Councils (pre-

amalgamation) and BCCA with ongoing assistance and support from Biosecurity Queensland Officers. In

2009 BCCA handed the harvester over to the Bundaberg Regional Council. Current plans are to sell the

harvester and purchase a Truxor with the proceeds. See page 9 for information on the Truxor.

Breeding facilities for Cyrtobagous salviniae (Salvinia weevil) have been established in Bundaberg, Miriam

Vale and Gympie with temporary in-stream facilities utilised within the South Burnett. Prior to the

establishment of these facilities, weevils were obtained from Brisbane City Council.

To promote community awareness of aquatic weeds interpretative signage has been erected at Grey’s

Waterhole, Claude Wharton Weir boat ramp, Jones Weir, Fred Haigh Dam, Paradise Dam, Mingo Crossing

and Sandy Hook.

7. Legislative Requirements The priorities of the strategic plan must align with the principles and objectives of a number of legislative

acts, management strategies and planning documents.

Table 2 Acts, Plans and Strategies

Acts / Legislation Details/examples of relevance

Land Protection (Pest and Stock

Route Management) Act 2002

Development of local government pest management plans;

classification of declared species

Local Government Act 1993 Local declaration of pest species

Vegetation Management Act 1999 Permits for clearing native vegetation to control weeds

Nature Conservation Act 1992 Protection of native wildlife and conservation areas

Water Act 2000 Management activities in watercourses

Environmental Protection and

Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

Protection of species listed within the Act (i.e. lungfish

Neoceratodus fosteri)

Agricultural and Veterinary

Chemicals (Queensland) Act 1994

Correct use of pesticides

Plans and Strategies Details/examples of relevance

Regional statutory plans These are statutory plans that include regulatory processes where

required, as set out in the new Sustainable Planning Act 2009 which

has replaced the Integrated Planning Act 1997. Their legal nature

ensures that they are more effective than other local plans, policies,


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schemes and non-statutory plans. An example of regional statutory

plans is the South East Queensland regional plan 2009–2031. The

Wide Bay Burnett Regional Plan is under development as at June

2010. NOTE: Regional NRM Group Plans sit under these Statutory Plans

but are not statutory in their own right.

State agency pest management

plans

Includes Queensland Weeds Strategy are plans under the Land

Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act that assist in the

management of declared pests on state-controlled land. These plans

provide the basis for the development of locally or regionally

relevant state agency implementation plans. These plans can also

provide valuable input to the development of a Local Government

Pest Management Plan.

Regional vegetation management

plans

These plans provide for the management of vegetation at a

bioregional level, and include statutory codes for assessment.

Relevance to aquatic weed control in relation to the removal of

riparian vegetation to reduce Salvinia proliferation or to gain access

for chemical control.

Regional pest management plans

These are non-statutory plans prepared by some regional pest

management groups. These plans provide a communication forum,

standardise activities and enable the sharing of resources (e.g. the

Fitzroy Basin Weed Management Strategy and the Coopers Creek

and Georgina Cross-catchments Weed Initiative).

Regional natural resource

management (NRM) plans

These are non-statutory plans prepared by regional stakeholders

including regional bodies and councils, state agencies, community

and industry groups. They cover natural resource management

issues, sit under the Regional Statutory Plans but are not statutory

in their own right.

National Strategies & Manuals Details/examples of relevance

National Cabomba (Cabomba

caroliniana) Strategic Plan

National Hymenachne Strategy

National Salvinia (Salvinia molesta)

Strategic Plan (National)

National Weeds Strategy

Queensland Weed Spread

Prevention Strategy

Queensland Weeds Strategy 2002-

2006


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8. Target Species 8.1 Top priority declared species

The strategic plan targets the following aquatic weed species which have been identified within the

Burnett, Kolan and Baffle catchments:

Eichhornia crassipes (Water Hyacinth) - Declared Class 2 (QLD)

Hymenachne amplexicaulis (Hymenachne) - Declared Class 2

(QLD) & Weed of National Significance (WONS)

Pistia stratiotes (Water Lettuce) - Declared Class 2 (QLD)

Salvinia molesta (Salvinia) - Declared Class 2 (QLD) & WONS


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8.2 Alert species

The strategic plan also targets the following ‘alert’ aquatic weed species. These aquatic weeds are either

not currently present or have only been found (and controlled) as isolated infestations within the Burnett,

Kolan or Baffle Catchments.

Alternanthera philoxeroides (Alligator Weed) – Declared Class 1 (QLD) &

WONS

Isolated outbreak found and controlled in the Miriam Vale area.

Cabomba spp. (Cabomba) – All Species Declared Class 2 (QLD) & WONS

Hygrophila costata (Glush Weed) – Declared Class 1 (QLD)

Present in the neighbouring Mary catchment

Myriophyllum spicatum (Eurasian Milfoil) – Declared Class 1 (QLD)

Egeria densa (Dense Waterweed) – Not declared under QLD legislation,

but control is recommended for environmental purposes.


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9. Aquatic Weed Management Options A range of management options is available to control aquatic weeds found within the strategy area.

Aquatic weed management is best achieved through implementing a combination of control options.

Ongoing monitoring and follow-up control play an essential role in the long-term reduction of aquatic weed

infestations

Technology is not static, and as new innovations become available these new techniques should be

incorporated where appropriate.

9.1 Biological control

Salvinia

The Salvinia weevil (Cyrtobagous salviniae) has proven to be the most cost and result effective control

option for Salvinia, particularly in the warmer months. It is the prominent control method for Salvinia used

by Bundaberg, Gladstone, North Burnett and South Burnett Regional Councils and SunWater. The

effectiveness of biocontrol is sometimes limited by low winter water temperatures and dense riparian

shading. Information on the best management practice of the Salvinia weevil control is available through

each of the biocontrol facilities or their managing Regional Council.

Bundaberg, Gladstone and Gympie Regional Councils manage the breeding facilities at Bundaberg, Miriam

Vale and Gympie respectively, to produce the large volume of weevils for release when the climatic

conditions are suitable (warmer). In addition to their own use, the three Regional Councils also make

Salvinia weevils available to landholders.

Water Hyacinth

Two weevil species, Neochetina eichhorniae (favouring warmer temperatures) and Neochetina bruchi

(favouring cooler temperatures) have been released within the Burnett, Kolan and Baffle catchments. They

are considered to have achieved limited success in reducing infestations through inhibiting the plants’

flowering ability. Both weevils remain within the Burnett. As it is believed that maximum results are being

achieved, the current populations are thought to be ample. While they are not high achievers, they are

seen as being beneficial, provided there is no major cost involved. This form of control needs to be used in

conjunction with other methods of control.

Water Lettuce

Biological control using two weevils, Neohydromonus pulchellus and Orchetina bruchi, has proved the most

successful option in reducing Water Lettuce infestations in the Burnett, Kolan and Baffle. These agents

were introduced in the late 1980’s and quickly established viable, self-generating populations which

continue to offer suitable control. Periodic increases in Water Lettuce occurrences are normally quickly

reduced by the weevils without the need of any other form of control.

9.2 Mechanical control

Harvester

A harvester is an aquatic vehicle equipped with elevators to mechanically remove and load aquatic weeds.

Its advantage is that its impact is immediate, however it must be used in conjunction with other control

methods, such as chemical or other mechanical methods. If it is used to remove anchored species such as

Hymenachne which can reproduce vegetatively, plant sections will almost certainly escape capture and

float away to propagate in another area.


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It’s an efficient option for removal of non-anchored species if removal and dumping take place in close

proximity.

The harvester provides effective physical weed removal in areas where infestations occur in deep broad

waters and where access and dumping areas are available. The harvester is limited in its use due to its

requirements for suitable access to watercourses and water depth, its running costs and the time required

removing infestations. There is some thinking that smaller, more mobile vehicles would be more efficient

in time, costs and results.

Truxor

The Truxor is an amphibious machine which operates on tracks. It has a diverse range of applications, with

the ability to physically remove aquatic weeds using either a scoop or a screen, or provide a platform for

portable spray equipment. The Truxor enables access to areas inaccessible with traditional boats or

vehicles.

The use of a Truxor for aquatic weed management activities within the Burnett, Kolan and Baffle

catchments is restricted to hire of the machine from private contractors. The need to consider use of a

larger aquatic vehicle without the limitations of the existing harvester may make the Truxor a

consideration. Daily hire rates have been expensive, however purchase costs are also high.

Excavators

Excavators can be used for physical removal of aquatic weeds where access from the banks of water bodies

is possible. An expensive option if utilised for large scale removal, better applied to property dams and

smaller water bodies to reduce weed biomass prior to spray operations.

The excavator may be used in conjunction with a harvester or two boats dragging a rope or booms

between them to move the weed mass within reach of the excavator.

9.3 Physical control

Floating booms

Floating booms can be used to contain aquatic weeds within one section of a water body to prevent spread

of weeds and allow control activities to be focused within a smaller contained area. Booms are not as

effective in streams as they are in still water bodies and are time consuming to install and maintain. Flood

events can result in flow over booms or boom damage. Booms can also be used to create in situ biocontrol

breeding ‘farms’. Permits to install booms may also be required.

Hand Removal

Physical removal by hand can be effective for controlling small infestations where access by other means is

not possible such as along the edges of waterways and in shallow waters. This method can be difficult and

labour intensive and is best utilised in coordination with other aquatic weed control activities. Physical

removal is a good hands-on educational activity to raise community awareness and engage community

involvement in aquatic weed management.


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9.4 Chemical control

Boat with Spray Unit

Spray boats enable the application of herbicides at a close range to spray aquatic weed within waterways

and along vegetated edges where harvesters and bank spraying are not possible. Their use can be limited

at times by shallow water, heavy infestations, snags, overhanging vegetation and steep embankments

where launching is unsafe. Spray techniques from boats will use edge or strip spraying to limit the extent

of weed biomass decay in waterways at one time and hence usually require repeat applications.

4WD with Spray Unit

4WD vehicles provide an optional method of access where spray boats and harvesters have restricted or no

access. A long hose may allow the best method of accessing infestations through timbered or rough

riparian areas. It is also the most used method of control where access is easy and the watercourse is

narrow and/or shallow. The unit can be utilised in coordination with boat spraying activities.

Aerial Spraying

It is an expensive form of chemical application with inherent difficulties. As the majority of aquatic weeds

accumulate along the edges of the waterways, access to allow correct flying height and application rates

can be difficult. Overspray and drift of chemicals onto native riparian vegetation are additional problems

with this application method. Aerial spraying of aquatic weeds has been trialled within the Burnett and the

Kolan catchments with mixed results. The only chemical registered for aerial spraying in an aquatic

situation was considered at that time to be less effective than other chemical control applications.

9.5 Spread prevention

Wash down facilities

Although not a direct control option the prevention of weed spread (via seed or vegetation), wash down

facilities play an integral role in the prevention of reinfestation via boats and machinery. Washdown

facilities, permanent or mobile, can be used to remove seed and vegetation material from both work and

recreational equipment.

10. Prioritisation of works Prioritising aquatic weed control activities needs to be based on recognised ecological management

principles featuring a top of catchment down approach. When prioritising control activities, a number of

factors need to be considered, including:

• Existing infestations of declared aquatic weeds

• Location of infestations within the catchment

• Size of infestations

• Potential for further spread and infestation

• Season/timing for efficient control

• Access to the waterway

• Access within the waterway

• Landholder participation and contributions

• Locations with community/recreational access


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• Slow moving and ponded streams

• Nutrient loads

• Availability of resources, staff/financial and in-kind

Figure 1 (below) is an example of how identified ecological factors and the knowledge of local and state

government technical and operational staff can be implemented to identify priorities for aquatic weed

management within the catchment.

Figure 1: Allocation of priority

Increasing risk of infestation

Limited community

access to stream,

Moderate community

access (bridge

crossings, parks, boat

ramps) and use of

streams.

High community access

to and use of stream

(bridge crossings, parks

boat ramps, irrigation

pumps)

Incr

ea

sin

g r

isk o

f e

sta

blish

me

nt

Fast flowing

Few if any ponded

areas.

Low priority Low priority Medium priority

Slow moving and

ponded streams

Moderately degraded

streams

Low priority Medium priority High priority

Highly degraded

streams

High nutrient loads

Slow moving and

ponded

Medium priority High priority High priority


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11. Strategic Action Plan 11.1 To ensure ongoing collaboration between stakeholders

ACTION RESPONSIBILITIES TIMING SUCCESS INDICATORS PRIORITY Endorsement of the Burnett, Kolan, Baffle

Catchment Aquatic Weed Management

Strategic Plan

− Biosecurity Queensland

− BMRG

− Regional Councils

− SunWater

August 2010 Endorsement from Gladstone,

Bundaberg, North Burnett and South

Burnett Regional Councils, SunWater,

BMRG, Biosecurity Queensland.

High

Establishment and maintenance of the

Burnett, Kolan, Baffle Catchment Aquatic

Weed Management Group



− BMRG

− SunWater

Established

September

2010.

Maintenance

ongoing

Group formed

Inaugural meeting held

Regular meetings held

High

Conduct annual reviews of this plan − The Working Group October

annually

Review carried out

Revised plan developed if required.

High

Linkages initiated between this plan and

Regional Pest Management Plan and Wide

Bay Burnett NRM Plan


− BMRG

July 2011 Actions identified in this plan are

incorporated into Regional Council Pest

Management Plans and the Wide Bay

Burnett NRM Plan.

High

Coordinate the strategic prioritisation of

locations and timing of aquatic weed

control works between the participating

stakeholders.

− Burnett, Kolan, Baffle

Aquatic Weed

Management Working

Group


Ongoing A coordinated response to prioritise &

implement aquatic weed control

activities has been achieved

High


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11.2 To implement best practice aquatic weed control

ACTION RESPONSIBILITIES TIMING SUCCESS INDICATORS PRIORITY

Capture and record data of aquatic weed

infestations; spatial data, presence,

extents and control



− SunWater

− BMRG

Ongoing A standard data collection format and

database has been developed (Pest

Central)

Data has been collected and

integrated into a central database

Data is accessible by all stakeholders

High

Use the networked central database (Pest

Central) for storage and analysis of data



− BMRG

Ongoing On going and effective use of the

central database program

High

Source up to date aquatic weed

management information and

technological advances.



− BMRG

− SunWater

Ongoing State of the art technologies and

management strategies are utilised to

control aquatic weed invasion

High

Conduct expertise training for operational

staff to capitalise on passive surveillance

opportunities

− BMRG



− SunWater

Ongoing Training provided to relevant staff

High

Conduct on ground trials to determine

better operational outcomes and

improved control/treatment regimes



Ongoing Trials/research programs undertaken

Improved success rates in control

programs

Medium


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11.3 To implement rapid response for incursions of new aquatic weed species and new outbreaks of species currently within the catchment

ACTION RESPONSIBILITIES TIMING SUCCESS INDICATORS PRIORITY Instigate immediate spread prevention and

control activities



− SunWater

Ongoing Neighbouring councils informed

Control carried out

Monitoring for additional outbreaks

undertaken

Public Awareness campaign carried out

High

Upgrade and maintain biological control

facilities

Bundaberg, Gladstone and

Gympie Regional Councils

August 2009 -

Ongoing

The facilities are fully operational and

have adequate stock to meet demands.

High

Maintain effective communication methods − Regional Councils


− SunWater

− BMRG

July 2010 -

Ongoing

Communication has been clear and

effective

Medium


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11.4 To promote community awareness and ownership of aquatic weed issues

ACTION RESPONSIBILITIES TIMING SUCCESS INDICATORS PRIORITY Ensure up to date information is available for

distribution to the community and is suitable

for use at recreational and community events.



− BMRG

October 2009

and ongoing Attendance at the designated

community events

High.

Conduct education programs targeted at

landholders and community groups.



− BMRG

August 2009 -

Ongoing Educational programs undertaken

Number of attendees has been

recorded

Medium

Develop and conduct field days and working

bees.



− BMRG

August 2009 -

Ongoing Field days have been held

Working bees have been conducted

Medium

Construct permanent information signage at

major recreational water bodies



− BMRG

− SunWater

August 2009 /

2011 Signs have been constructed at the

major recreational water bodies.

Medium

Develop and promote aquatic weed control

information on the existing web sites



− BMRG

August 2009 -

Ongoing Increased hits on web sites and

associated links

Medium

Investigate the potential to include an aquatic

weed information in addition to the current

information provided on SunWater’s website

for recreational storages

− SunWater December

2010 SunWater to investigate supplying

weed information on the web site.

Medium

Utilise the incentive programs and compliance

laws



Agreed action

if funding

available

Increased community participation in

incentive programs and recordings of

compliance issues

Medium

Approach schools to include a program on the

impacts of aquatic weeds



− BMRG

Agreed action

if funding

available

Participation from schools in programs

such as Weed Warriors

Medium


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11.5 To conduct ongoing monitoring & evaluation

ACTION RESPONSIBILITIES TIMING SUCCESS INDICATORS PRIORITY Design an easily interpreted monitoring

form for community use for inclusion on

the existing BMRG and Regional Council

websites


− BMRG

Agreed action

if funding

available

A tick and submit computer based

monitoring form has been developed

and is accessible through the existing

websites

Low

Engage community groups and landholders

to assist in monitoring



− BMRG

August 2009 -

Ongoing

Increased participation from a number

of community groups and landholders

Low

Conduct annual reviews of the

effectiveness of control activities on

infestation extent

The Working Group October

annually from

2010

Review carried out

Report developed and distributed to

stakeholders.

High


17

12. Appendix 12.1 Program Stakeholders

Bundaberg Regional Council

Burnett Catchment Care Association (BCCA)

Burnett Mary Regional Group (BMRG)

Western Downs Regional Council

Department of Employment, Economic Development & Innovation (DEEDI)

Department of Environment and Resource Management

Gladstone Regional Council

Gympie Regional Council

Landowners

North Burnett Regional Council

South Burnett Regional Council

SunWater

AQUATIC WEED MANAGEMENT STRATEGIC PLAN – Burnett, Kolan, Baffle, Isis and Gregory CatchmentsJuly 2010

18

12.2 Map of Burnett, Kolan, Baffle, Elliott, Gregory & Isis Catchments

Burnett, Kolan, Baffle, Isis and Gregory Catchments

Map of Burnett, Kolan, Baffle, Elliott, Gregory & Isis Catchments

Map of Burnett, Kolan, Baffle, Elliott, Gregory & Isis Catchments


19

12.3 Sources of additional information

BCCA Water Weeds Steering Committee, 2005, ‘Strategic Plan; Burnett Catchment Care Association Water

Weeds Initiative, ‘BCCA Water Weeds Steering Committee.

Burnett Mary Regional Group for Natural Resource Management Inc, 10

th February 2009, ‘Activity

Agreement A09031.2, Review and update of aquatic weed strategy plan for the Burnett/Kolan catchment;

Burnett Mary Regional Group for Natural Management Inc and Boyds Bay Environmental Services’, Burnett

Mary Regional Group for Natural Resource Management Inc.

Commonwealth of Australia and the National Weeds Strategy Executive Committee, 2000, ‘Weeds of

National Significance; Salvinia (Salvinia molesta) Strategic Plan’, National Weeds Strategy Executive

Committee, Launceston.

CRC Weed Management, 2003, ‘Weed Management Guide; Hymenachne or Olive Hymenachne-

Hymenachne amplexicaulis, ‘Department of Environment and Heritage.

Department of Natural Resources and Water, 2006, ‘Cabomba distribution 2006 South East Region’, Pest

Information Management, Land Protection Section.

Department of Natural Resources and Water, 2006, ‘Hymenachne distribution 2006 South East Region’,

Pest Information Management, Land Protection Section.

Department of Natural Resources and Water, 2006, ‘Salvinia distribution 2006 South East Region’, Pest

Information Management, Land Protection Section.

Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, March 2009, ‘Declared plants of Queensland’, Invasive

plants and animals fact sheet, Biosecurity Queensland.

Land Protection, 2001, ‘Pest Series; Water Hyacinth - Eichhornia crassipes’,

Queensland Government Natural Resources and Mines.

Land Protection (Invasive Plants and Animals), 2007, ‘Fact Sheet; Water Lettuce-Pistia stratiotes’,

Queensland Government Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries.

Mary River Pest Management Group, July 2007,’Strategic Action Plan Mary River Catchment waterweeds

project, ‘Mary Local Government Strategic Direction Group.

National Aquatic Weeds Management Group, 27th

March 2009, ‘Hymenachne (Hymenachne amplexicaulis)

weed spread and management actions 2009,’National Aquatic Weeds Management Group.

National Hymenachne Management Group, 2006, ‘Control methods and case study; Hymenachne

amplexicaulis, ‘Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Water.

Natural Resource Management Ministerial Council, April 2003, ‘National framework for natural resource

management standards and targets’, Natural Resource Management Ministerial Council.

New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, November 2008, ‘Aquatic weed management in

waterways and dams’, Prime facts 30.


20

Noosa and District Landcare Group Inc, n.d ‘Conservation and Sustainability’, Noosa Landcare (Brochure).

Noosa and District Landcare Group, n.d, ‘A photographic guide to identification of aquatic plants in South

East Queensland,’ Queensland Department of Primary Industries (Brochure).

Price, C, Haigh, S & Kelly, A 2008, ‘Burnett/Mary wetland inventory; wetland inventory and prioritisation in

the Burnett Mary Region project’, Wetland Care Australia.

Stephens, K 2006, ‘Benchmark sites for riparian vegetation in the Burnett River Catchment, ‘Queensland

Herbarium.

Waterwatch Sunshine Coast, n.d, ‘Waterwatch on the Sunshine Coast’, Waterwatch Sunshine Coast

(Brochure).

aquatic weed control strategic plan - burnett plants...aquatic weed management strategic plan –...

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