Noxious weed to be eradicated at Kerrs Reach

The stretch of river at Kerrs Reach will be closed on Tuesday December 2
as Council staff spray the river to eradicate an introduced noxious pond
weed.

The Egeria pond weed has an aggressive growth habit and could threaten
recreational boating and rowing activities unless it is promptly
eradicated. It would have a major consequence to river users if it were
to take hold and spread to other areas throughout the city.

City Environment General Manager Jane Parfitt says "Eradication will
strictly follow consent conditions, and will have little impact on the
public. It will be done at low tide and be quickly diluted and
dispersed.''

Council staff have been working with boat and rowing clubs, warning
river users to be vigilant and ensuring they wash their boats. However
now is the optimum time for spraying to eradicate the weed.

The introduced weed species which roots on the bottom of the river, has
dark-green leaves and white conspicuous flowers which emerge above the
water.

In 2001, Council staff eradicated a similar outbreak of Egeria at Kerr's
Reach by a vigorous campaign of public awareness and through spraying.

"On that occasion we were successful at removing the weed,'' says Mrs
Parfitt. "This time we need make sure that the public are aware of steps
they can take to stop the spread of this weed which was probably
re-introduced by a river user who has not been vigilant.''

ends

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