Weed removal underway, under budget on Kirwan lakes

Date: Wednesday, 26th August 2009

A carefully managed environmental project is underway to clear a weed infestation in the recreational lakes system in Kirwan and the work is coming in under budget.

Townsville City Council has contracted Environment Asset Services to remove aquatic weed choking the two Golf Links Drive Lakes and turn it into compost.

The operation is following stringent conditions developed by the council and the contractor to retain native lilies and minimise impacts on the local residential area.

Work will also include an upgrade of the electricity supply to the lakes fountain to improve the aeration of the water.

Environment and Sustainability Committee Chairman Cr Vern Veitch said the project was on target to come in $20,000 under the original budget of $120,000.

”This is a great outcome for everyone involved. We get to resolve the weed problems in the Lakes with a cost-effective solution that will be good for the environment” Cr Veitch said.

Cr Natalie Marr, who represents the local area, said the council and the contractor had come up with a creative approach to the weed problem.

”I’ve made strong representations to council on behalf of residents in the area to clear the weeds out of the lakes and I’m delighted the work is now underway,” Cr Marr said.

“The weeds were having a harmful effect on the lakes and this work will do wonders to improve water quality and the health of the system.

“Turning the weeds into compost is a great idea. It means plant material that is otherwise unwanted will be recycled and put to good use as fertiliser.

“The lakes area is beautiful and we want to make sure it stays that way.

“The council is also working on a longer-term maintenance program for the lakes to control the weed.”

Weeds removed from the lakes will be composted and used to fertilise trees and shrubs on the approaches to the city near the Information Centre at Stuart.

Work on the lakes is expected to take six to seven weeks.