For the first time in six years Ballarat City Council is preparing to undertake aquatic weed harvesting in Lake Wendouree.

With the Lake now full to capacity, there has been a prolific return of aquatic plants to the Lake. This is indicative of the health of the Lake however the emergence of this plant life is restricting recreational lake users from rowing, canoeing and boating freely.

Council worked closely with freshwater ecologist Dr Peter Breen to determine a suitable amount of weed to be harvested in order to maintain the best water quality. An assessment completed by Dr Breen determined it would be an acceptable risk to harvest the aquatic plants (Water Ribbons and Water Milfoil) from the northern and western sectors of the Lake. The assessment identified that the balance of the weed cutting should be left until next summer.

Portfolio Councillor for Growth and Development Judy Verlin said the commencement of weed harvesting was another significant milestone in the complete rejuvenation of Lake Wendouree.

“A lot of hard work has gone into the refilling of the Lake so it’s great to see weed harvesting activities resume after all these years.

“The harvesting will not only assist the aquatic users of the lake but will also assist with the aesthetics of the Lake, particularly leading up to this year’s Begonia Festival.”

This growing season 34 hectares of the Lake will be harvested in the northern and western sections which will provide rowers and other aquatic users with clear areas to freely operate and train in. Once harvesting works are complete vessels will be able to manoeuvre the entire way around the lake. The western side of the Lake along the promenade will also be harvested to improve public safety.

Aquatic weed harvesting operations will be undertaken in accordance with ecological assessments to ensure the water quality of the Lake is protected during this project.

Subject to weather conditions, harvesting activities are expected to take 30 days to complete. Once harvested the Lake weed will be removed and recycled for compost.

Council is no longer able to recycle lake weed at the Ballarat Livestock Selling Centre site for collection by residents due to EPA and planning requirements.