City of Palmerston has released 4000 salvinia weevils into Durack lakes system, to assist in the management of salvinia weed.

Council has been working closely with the Djurrubu Rangers and Department of Environment, Parks and Water Security, to transport the weevils from their rearing tanks in Kakadu, and for them to be re-homed in Palmerston. 

Last month, City of Palmerston finalised its Lakes Management Plan which provides a coordinated and sustainable approach to the management of Palmerston’s lakes. This includes the development of a new weed management program that provides a combined approach with the use of weevils as a biological control, with mechanical removal and herbicide treatments.

The weevils (Cyrtobagous salviniae) feed on the salvinia weed, providing an environmentally friendly mechanism for its management. They eat only salvinia, meaning there is no other impact on the lake’s ecosystem. By reducing the salvinia across the lake network, the ecosystem the lakes support is improved, creating a better habitat for fish and birds.

City of Palmerston Mayor, Athina Pascoe-Bell applauds this innovative and sustainable approach to weed management. 

“Council in partnership with the Malak Malak rangers released approximately 1800 weevils into Sanctuary Lakes back in November 2020. We saw a large improvement in weed coverage and believe these insects are an effective method of lake management. 

“The lakes are a popular meeting place for the community and play an important part of the local environment, so implementing a natural means to combat the weed was very important to us.

“Our Council is extremely pleased to be able to work with Djurrubu Rangers to release a further 4000 weevils into the Durack lakes system,” she said.

For additional information on lakes throughout City of Palmerston, visit www.palmerston.nt.gov.au

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