Making suitable

GP1639786

Focus on water hyacinth

GIPPSLAND residents are being encouraged to keep a lookout for the state prohibited weed, water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), following a recent detection in the Bairnsdale area. Water hyacinth is a highly invasive declared State prohibited weed (SPW) in Victoria, the highest category of noxious weed. Leading biosecurity officer Kaitlin Wright said investigations of a recent detection at the East Gippsland property has indicated there could be more water hyacinth infestations in the area. “We’re calling on residents to report any sightings of water hyacinth immediately to Agriculture Victoria and not to attempt to remove or dispose of it themselves,” Ms Wright said. “Gardeners are often unaware of the invasive and destructive nature of the plant and sometimes include it in their gardens because of the pretty flowers it displays. “Water hyacinths can smother waterways, choke dam infrastructure, displace native plants and animals and reduce oxygen levels in waterways. “Gardeners may think water hyacinth is harmless, but all it takes is a single plant to enter a waterbody such as a dam or river to cause a whole range of problems. “They also provide ideal mosquito habitat for breeding, which are prevalent given the high rainfall and high humidity we’ve experienced over summer. Water hyacinth can be identified by its purple flower spikes in summer and thick, fleshy round leaves that sit on the water’s surface. A single plant can produce up to 3000 seeds each

Gippsland residents are being encouraged to keep a lookout for water hyacinth following a recent detection in the Bairnsdale area.

season, with infestations doubling in size every two weeks. Ms Wright said there have been a total of 38 water hyacinth infestations in the Gippsland region, most of which have been eradicated. However, Agriculture Victoria are currently managing seven infestations. Ms Wright said if an infestation of water hyacinth is detected, Agriculture Victoria will treat, remove and/or dispose of the weed at no cost to the landowner. All sightings of water hyacinth should be reported to Agriculture Victoria by calling 136 186 or by emailing weed.spotters@agriculture.vic.gov.au. More information on how to report a state prohibited weed is available on the Agriculture Victoria website.

GP1637049

Council reminder to keep your property clear of fire hazards

WELLINGTON Shire Council is reminding landowners that they must maintain their properties in a fire-safe condition throughout the entire current Fire Danger Period. The region is experiencing fast re-growth of vegetation due to high rainfall, meaning property owners might need to slash several more times during the Fire Danger Period to ensure blocks are maintained. Council has issued more than 1000 Fire Prevention Notices to property owners during the 2021/22 fire season, an unusually high number. Follow-up inspections on these properties resulted in 49 fines for non-compliance. Wellington Shire Council Mayor Ian Bye said these figures were disappointing. "Unfortunately many property owners, rather than being proactive and clearing their properties before the fire season inspections, waited until they received Fire Prevention Notices," Cr Bye said. "Council officers then spent many hours in a short period following up these Fire Prevention Notices to ensure the required clearing was done. "The most common reason given for not clearing blocks before fire inspections was COVID restrictions, however non-residential property owners were able to apply for exemptions to travel for fire preparation from October, and council offered no-fee green waste disposal for the entire month of November. "Council staff will be continuing fire inspections to make sure blocks are being maintained in a safe condition and will issue further notices if needed, particularly if we continue to get high re-growth of grass." Wellington Shire Council is also reminding people that they cannot burn off during the Fire Danger Period without a permit from Country Fire Authority (CFA). Burning off should be considered a last resort for people clearing their blocks. Visit www.wellington.vic.gov.au/fires for information about fire preparation and www.cfa. vic.gov.au to find out what can and cannot be done during the Fire Danger Period.