: News Article

War on Woody Weed in Dam Catchment

17/11/1999

NQ Water will contribute $134,000 to an employment project that declares war on noxious weed in the Ross River Dam catchment area.

The $450,000 exercise creates jobs for 22 long-term unemployed people for 24 weeks and is funded by NQ Water in partnership with the Queensland Government, Citiwater and Townsville City Council.

Water Supply NQ Water Chairman, Ian Hamilton, said heavy infestations of woody weed occur over much of the Ross River Dam catchment, especially in the eastern sector around Toonpan Lagoon and Antill Plains.

"Of most concern are chinee apple, prickly acacia and rubber vine, which run riot over other vegetation, provide a habitat for feral pigs and cause erosion. Lantana is also becoming a problem.

"Controlled burn-offs have kept some weeds in check and helped maintain the bio- diversity of flora, however careful application of herbicide is seen as the most effective way of killing the most hardy weeds such as chinee apple.

"The herbicide to be used is approved for application within catchment areas as recommended by the Department of Natural Resources.

"Small quantities of herbicide will be administered from backpacks and introduced directly into the stumps of weeds for rapid and effective eradication," Mr Hamilton said.

"The trainees taking part will be allocated protective clothing and other materials and be taken to and from their work sites each day by Citiwater, which will also provide the workers with a supervisor.

"Not only is this operation a major step in NQ Water's Catchment Management Strategy, it will help raise the self-esteem and improve the skills of people who had previously found employment very difficult to obtain," Mr Hamilton said.

More information:
Ian Hamilton
Telephone: 4772 1166
Mobile: 0418 777 284

Media contact:
Harry Landman
Telephone: 4779 6619
Mobile: 0418 743 37

© 2004 NQ Water