22 August 2008
CALL FOR WEED SPOTTERS THIS AUGUST
Keen environmentalists can add ‘weed spotter’ to their resume by attending a weed identification training session at the Western Treatment Plant, in Werribee, on August 28.
A part of the Werribee Plains Waterwatch’s monthly River Health Information sessions, the workshop will be presented by the Department of Primary Industries. It will focus on aquatic weeds to complement valuable work like water quality monitoring that volunteers are already doing in the region.
The workshop will help people identify new and emerging weeds in Victoria, and will provide information on the DPI’s Weed Alert program, the role of a ‘Weed Spotter’; hygiene, health and safety; and prohibited weeds.
Melbourne Water’s Manager of Waterway Improvement for the region, David Ryan, said the session was part of the Werribee Plains Waterwatch program, to teach interested residents the types of aquatic weeds to look out for.
“Residents are the eyes and ears of local waterways, and early detection of weeds is one of the key control mechanisms.
“This session is designed to introduce residents to some of the weeds that could threaten their local waterway and how to manage them,” Mr Ryan said.
“It is also an opportunity for residents to expand their own knowledge and it’s a good fit with the water monitoring already happening at local waterways.”
Melbourne Water, which supports Werribee Plains Waterwatch, manages weeds at hundreds of locations at waterways across the Port Phillip and Westernport region. Its comprehensive weed management program ensures waterways are protected from potentially devastating effects of weeds, but because of the size of the task, volunteer weed spotters are needed.
Schools, community groups, community members and businesses interested in the free Melbourne Waterwatch education programs can contact their local Waterwatch co-ordinator online.
Melburnians can learn more about how they can to help to protect the health of our rivers, creeks, wetlands and bays by visiting Melbourne Water’s website.
The training session will be held 5-7pm at the Western Treatment Plant, New Farm Road, Werribee (Melway 205 E12).
Media Contact: Nicolas McGay +613 9235 2278 +61 (0)438 981 836