Residents of the Rockhampton Region may have noticed some aquatic weeds and debris being washed down the Fitzroy over the weekend as a result of recent heavy rainfall throughout the catchment areas.
Planning and Regulation Councillor Grant Mathers said that while this may be creating an eyesore it’s nothing to be overly concerned about.
“It has been absolutely wonderful to see the rainfall we’ve been receiving recently, but one of the effects of all this rain, is that the flowing river is bringing debris and weeds from upstream,” Cr Mathers said.
“Our pest management team have been proactively spraying the weeds all year round in order to protect the health of our river system.
“While the weeds that we’re seeing at the moment certainly aren’t the most attractive, they are expected given the recent rainfall.
“Boat owners should be aware that the hyacinth that has been washed downstream may make it difficult to launch boats and may affect motors.
“We encourage boat owners to be cautious while launching, and to ensure any boats moored in the river are monitored closely by their owners for the possible build-up of weeds
“There is still more hyacinth upstream, so this is an issue that is likely to continue for the next little while.
“Hyacinth does not survive in salt water, so we can be confident the weeds aren’t going to continue to spread downstream of the Barrage.”
