Prompt action from a Mudgee landholder has been applauded by the NSW Department of Primary Industries, eradicating one of the great threats to waterways and wetlands.
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On Monday the department released a statement that said Alligator weed was found and eradicated for the first time in Central West NSW this summer.
NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) agronomist, Jenene Kidston, said the discovery in a farm dam near Mudgee highlights the importance of keeping a lookout for new weeds.
“The prompt and responsible action of the landholder, who brought the plant to the NSW DPI Mudgee office for identification, has allowed local weeds officers to work with him and the local community to treat and eradicate the infestation,” Ms Kidston said.
“Early intervention has prevented alligator weed, one of the greatest threats to our waterways and wetlands, from spreading downstream to Lake Windamere, Lake Burrendong and the Macquarie River.
“In controlling the infestation we have protected irrigation areas and the iconic Macquarie marshes from this incursion of alligator weed, which can grow in water and on land.”
Ms Kidston said that NSW DPI provides a key service where producers, land managers and members of the public can bring new or unfamiliar plants to their local NSW DPI office for identification.
Council staff, landholders and the local community are continuing to monitor farm dams, wetlands and waterways.
“Cool, wet summers and flood conditions have brought new plants onto properties across NSW - in dams, along roadsides, in gardens and on farms,” she said.
“We work closely with local councils to keep on top of weeds and Mid-Western Regional Council chief noxious weeds officer, Vince Forgione, was brought on board to combat the alligator weed incursion.”
Mr Forgione and his team put into action a rapid response plan to eradicate alligator weed in the area and alert the local community.
The site and 60 surrounding properties in the Cudgegong catchment were inspected; 10 additional sites with alligator weed were identified and treated, and five barriers were installed to prevent any new or escaping plants from moving downstream.
A detailed inspection of the first downstream waterway, Lake Windamere, by Mid-Western Regional Council and State Water staff found the dam to be free of alligator weed.
Council staff, landholders and the local community are continuing to monitor farm dams, wetlands and waterways to ensure the initial treatment has been effective and that no plants have been missed or survived.
