Aquatic weed management did not fit neatly within the jurisdiction of any particular organisation and as a result infestations of weeds such as salvinia and water hyacinth were out of control in the Burnett and Kolan river systems. To overcome the legislative limitations that had prevented any one organisation from taking ‘ownership’ of the aquatic weed problem, BCCA took responsibility and secured on-going funding through the Australian and state governments, Burnett Mary Regional Group (BMRG), Bundaberg Regional Council (BRC) and other local governments and Sunwater until June 2009.

A pilot study was developed to identify a catchment-based integrated approach to the problem. An aquatic weeds harvester and spray boat were hired, and used along with biological control agents, to control aquatic weeds. Based on the success of this pilot study the DEH, using NHT-approved funding, purchased an aquatic weeds harvester costing $300,000, and Sunwater funded BCCA to purchase a fully-equipped spray boat.

DNR&W funded herbicide purchases and provided in-kind support with their expertise in weed management. The Kolan Shire Council administered the operations and maintenance of the spray boat and the supply of the chemical, the Burnett Shire Council housed the harvester and other councils throughout the catchment provided financial and in-kind support.

BCCA recognises the effort and costs that BRC incurs in operating the salvinia weevil-raising facility at Baldwin Swamp. BRC is to be commended on this project and the benefit the weevil provides in controlling salvinia.

This project was extremely successful, reducing large infestations to a more manageable level. Control work then went on to centre on the application of herbicides and the release and spread of the salvinia biocontrol agent.

BCCA continued to support BRC in education and awareness programs pertaining to aquatic weed management in the Burnett and Kolan catchments.