DRONES are fast becoming a part of life in regional and remote areas, shown in a new approach to tackling invasive weeds clogging Gunbower Creek.
North Central CMA and Goulburn-Murray Water are due to start trials using drone-spraying technology to tackle the invasive pale-yellow water lily in the waterway with an investment of $100,000 by the Victorian Government.
The invasive weed reduces creek capacity for irrigation and water for environment delivery as well as restricting sections of the creek for recreation such as boating, fishing and kayaking.
It is an innovative method of tackling invasive weeds clogging Gunbower Creek and is set to reap environmental, recreation, and agricultural benefits.
Pale-yellow water lily can also impact threatened native plant and fish species, including the critically endangered silver perch, the threatened golden perch and Murray cod.
North Central CMA and Goulburn-Murray Water have begun spraying about 80km of the creek between National Channel and Koondrook Weir, with the drone-spraying technology used in a trial area.
North Central CMA project manager Amy Russell said the drone could hold 40 litres of fish and frog-friendly product, enabling crews to spray weeds that are inaccessible from boats or the shore.
“The community is behind our goal to reduce the impact pale-yellow water lily has on the creek and prevent it from entering nearby wetlands such as Reedy Lagoon,” Ms Russell said.
“It’s a challenging weed to treat, and using a drone this year will be a big step forward.
“This technology could prove invaluable to the management of pale-yellow water lily in the coming years.
“Gunbower Forest is protected under the International Ramsar Convention, which makes the management of the bordering creek a key priority for us.”
The spraying program is part of a $248 million investment by the Victorian Government to improve the health of waterways and catchments across regional Victoria.
Gunbower Creek forms an important part of the economic, cultural and environmental health of the region, according to North Central CMA.
