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Community bulletin

Spartina Control works on Bass River

November 2017

Melbourne Water is continuing to control, with the aim of eradicating, the declared noxious aquatic weed species Spartina across Westernport Bay.

Spraying will be done by helicopter & Ground spraying

This project is located along the lower Bass River, from the Westernport Bay estuary upstream to the Bass High at Bass township.

Why are these works necessary?

Spartina is an introduced grass originally planted in the 1920’s to stabilise shorelines and reclaim mud flats. Spartina is now known to be a major environmental threat to estuaries, causing siltation and impacts on the biodiversity of native salt marsh and seagrass. It also affects the habitats of migratory bird species and near shore marine animals.

The control program is helping to re-establish the indigenous Salt Marsh which provides habitat for the Orange Bellied Parrot and other flora and fauna.

Local impacts

The spraying method is very targeted with the use of a snorkel attachment on the helicopter, which reduces spray drift significantly, therefore minimising impact on important native vegetation.

Ground spraying will be undertaken by quick spray units or by Knapsack

During spraying it is advisable to keep clear of the aircraft, ground crews and the areas that are to be treated.

Timing of works

The works will commence on 8 November 2017. It is anticipated that the program will run for approximately 3- 4 days (aerial) in total; however due to tidal and weather influences, the program is unlikely to run for consecutive days.

Ground Spraying will follow shortly after the aerial control.

All works will be carried out in accordance with EPA guidelines.

We will make every effort to minimise the impact of these essential works on the local community, businesses and the environment, and we thank you for your patience and cooperation as we strive to complete these works as quickly as possible.

Work area for Spartina control

How are these works funded?

These works are funded by the Waterways and Drainage Charge collected through Melburnians’ water bills. We work to deliver river health projects efficiently and responsibly.

Keep up to date with what’s happening
For more information about this project or our other activities please call 131 722 or visit melbournewater.com.au/what-we-are-doing/works-and-projects-near-me
For an interpreter, please call the Translating and Interpreting Service
(TIS National) on 13 14 50 /

Melbourne Water is owned by the Victorian Government. We manage Melbourne’s watersupply catchments, remove and treat most of Melbourne’s sewage, and manage rivers andcreeks and major drainage systems throughout the Port Phillip and Westernport region.