The North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) will be undertaking works in September to control large infestations of Tamarix species on lakes Meran and Murphy.  The works on these lakes, which connect with the Loddon River, will be done through the North Central CMA’s Loddon Stressed River project.

“These weeds have a major impact on the health of lakes and rivers, as they crowd out native riverside plants, consume water more quickly than native plants and provide very little habitat value for our native animals, compared to native plants.  They also restrict access for recreational activities on the two lakes, “said North Central CMA Jon Leevers, who manages the Loddon Stressed River project.

“Tamarix species were widely planted as ornamentals and as part of previous revegetation programs. However, they are sleeper weeds which have the potential to rapidly colonise waterways and water bodies,” said Mr Leevers.

“The Tamarix species that we’re targeting is Salt cedar (Tamarix ramosissima), which is related to Athel Pine and recognised as a weed posing a considerable threat to waterways in the National Athel Pine Strategic Plan 2001. Our efforts will hopefully halt the spread of these weeds in and around the lakes,” concluded Mr Leevers.

Aboriginal and European cultural heritage assessments have been conducted prior to these works commencing, with the North Central CMA working closely with the Department of Sustainability and Environment, Parks Victoria and the Committee of Management for the lakes. 

Mr Leevers reminded the community to be careful while the weed control works are being undertaken, as there could be limited access to the lakes. An Indigenous work crew of 16 trainees working with the Department of Sustainability and Environment as part of the North West Indigenous Natural Resource Management Traineeship Program will be undertaking the removal work using herbicides and chainsaws in these areas. 

The Loddon Stressed River project is a large scale river health project jointly delivered by the North Central CMA and the Department of Primary Industries, which work with landholders along the Loddon River between Cairn Curran and the Murray River.

In recent years the project has protected over 200 km of river through fencing and revegetation, undertaken willow management, controlled bank erosion and improved habitat conditions for native fish. Funding for the project is provided by the Victorian Government‘s Large Scale River Restoration program.

For further information, contact the North Central CMA on 5448 7124.

For further information please contact: 

Communications Officer, North Central CMA
PO Box 18, Huntly VIC 3551
t: 03 5448 7124
e: info@nccma.vic.gov.au