Three harvesters arrived at Lake Wendouree today, ready to begin removing lake weed next week.

Tricor Australia and Aquatic Plant Harvesters were recently awarded contracts for lake weed harvesting and up to four harvesters will begin clearing the entire 123 hectare area of the lake next week.

“As a condition of the tender to commence work on Lake Wendouree, the successful contractors are presently in the process of obtaining the specific licence from Maritime Safety Victoria that is required for the operators to begin the harvesting project,” said City of Ballarat Director of Growth and Development Eric Braslis.

“During this process, Council identified that one of the existing contractors did not have a closed water licence and they have joined the new contractors in obtaining the necessary qualification.”

“Maritime Safety Victoria was out on the lake today conducting training with the contractors.”

“The new vessels and operators are expected on the lake by next week.”

Weed harvesting on Lake Wendouree will be completed by September, in time for the start of the aquatic sports season.

With up to three harvesters on the lake at any given time, contractors will cut around 300 cubic metres of weed a day, which weighs in at around 40 tonnes once it has been compacted for removal.

Lake Weed will continue to be available at Victoria Park, (Gillies St opposite Council’s Transfer Station) free to members of the public wanting to use it for composting.

Tricor Aust, which is currently cutting lake weed, was awarded a contract to cut a further 31 hectare area on the lake’s north shore.  Aquatic Plant Harvester has been contracted to cut 22 ha on the western section of the lake and 70 ha on the lake’s southern side.