Salvinia Weed eradication efforts praised for reducing weed in Dogwood Creek


Recently representatives from Western Downs Regional Council, Biosecurity Queensland, and the Queensland Murray-Darling Committee (QMDC), met to discuss and re-evaluate ongoing management efforts to eradicate Salvinia weed from Dogwood Creek, Miles after dedicated work from all stakeholders has led to a significant reduction in weed.  

Council Spokesperson for Environmental Health Councillor Greg Olm has praised Council's Rural Service staff who have worked alongside QMDC Rangers, Biosecurity Officers, and the local community to achieve the substantial reduction in the weed.

"Our Rural Service Staff in Miles, in conjunction with Biosecurity Queensland, QMDC Rangers, landholders, and Murilla Landcare, have diligently worked together to coordinate the roll-out of control methods that combine biological, mechanical and chemical management strategies, and which have led to a significant reduction in weed," he said.

"The development of a long-term Salvinia Eradication Strategy has also enabled the effective coordination of available resources and ensures the work done by all parties involved in controlling and treating the weed is working together to successfully implement the Strategy."

Cr Olm said the action plan outlined in the Eradication Strategy will now be updated to account for the major reduction in weed.

"The representatives from Council, Biosecurity Queensland and QMDC are currently re-evaluating future management strategies so that the action plan can be re-orientated towards getting more 'manpower' to Dogwood Creek to hand-remove and spot-spray the weed," he said.

"The bulk removal of the Salvinia weed in Dogwood Creek now means that we no longer need the Aquatic Weed Harvester to assist in eradication efforts, and it's our aim that it never needs to return.” 

"This significant reduction in Salvinia weed is a great result for our local environment and community, however we must remain vigilant and continue to work towards eradicating Salvinia from our region, especially in Miles, not just controlling it."

Landholders living downstream from the Gil Weir are asked to report any new sightings of Salvinia weed infestations outside of containment areas to Council on 1300 COUNCIL or via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  

For more information on Salvinia weed, and for information on ways that landholders can assist in the fight against this weed, contact Council's Rural Services team on 1300 COUNCIL or visit Biosecurity Queensland's website www.daff.qld.gov.au/biosecurity.

For more information visit Western Downs Regional Council