Yanung Badu on the River (Credit – Natalie James, HRCC)
As Greater Western Sydney gears up for one of the hottest summers on record, boating and fishing activity along the Hawkesbury-Nepean River is expected to increase. However, Hawkesbury River County Council (HRCC) is urging recreational boating enthusiasts to understand their biosecurity obligations and help them protect of New South Wales’s most treasured waterways.
According to the Bureau of Meteorology, this summer is set to be one of the top five hottest summers on record – with average temperatures sitting at 1.5 degrees above average, coupled with strong rainfall and a high risk of dangerous heatwaves. These sweltering conditions are expected to dramatically increase visitation to the Hawkesbury-Nepean River, which already attracts thousands of boaters, sailors, water-skiers, fishers, swimmers and kayakers – contributing an estimated $32.2 million to the region’s economy each year.
HRCC cautions that the high volume of people navigating the 120-kilometre Hawkesbury-Nepean River poses a biosecurity threat, with the increased risk of spreading aquatic weeds.
“This summer will bring record-breaking heat along with wet, rainy conditions, effectively super-charging the growth of weeds,” said HRCC’s General Manager, Chris Dewhurst.
“A lot of people don’t realise that aquatic weeds can inhibit recreation in the river. They can form dense mats on the water’s surface that can hinder boaters’ navigation, ruin fishing spots by displacing native fish species, and can even increase the risk of swimmers drowning,” said Mr. Dewhurst.
“Aquatic weeds are great hitchhikers, and it only takes a small amount of plant matter for them to be able to rapidly populate new areas. Boat propellers and anchors can shred weeds into fragments that attach to the hulls, deck fittings and trailers of boats, subsequently spreading them over long distances.”
Many aquatic species like Salvinia, Water hyacinth, Alligator weed and Frogbit are deemed priority weeds under the NSW Biosecurity Act, meaning that they need to be appropriately controlled under State legislation. As the Local Control Authority for priority weeds, HRCC is responsible for treating these species within the Hawkesbury, Blacktown, Penrith and Hills Shire areas.
Salvinia and Water hyacinth can double in size every seven to 10 days, so if a boat carries these species, they can spread exponentially within a matter of weeks.
Under the NSW Biosecurity Act 2015, all recreational waterway users have a general biosecurity duty that they must meet. If you knowingly carry a priority weed into the Hawkesbury region, you could face a penalty – including a maximum fine of $22,000. Luckily, HRCC has shared some tips to help them keep the Hawkesbury-Nepean River safe.
This summer, HRCC’s weed control staff will set sail on a new vessel, Yanung Badu – or ‘Watching Water’ in the local Dharug language – which will help them to access weed infestations along the river.
After a trip down the Hawkesbury, the vessel is cleared of plant matter and sprayed down with clean water, while any organic debris is swiftly binned.
“We constantly come face-to-face with weeds when we’re out on the water – so once we’re back on land, cleaning the punt is essential,” said HRCC’s Weed Control Coordinator, Natalie James.
“We know it’ll be a record hot summer, so we hope that anyone who plans to enjoy the Hawkesbury-Nepean River this year takes the same approach that we do. Everyone has a role to play in biosecurity – whether you’re part of local government, industry, the community, or just visiting from out of town.”
For more information about your general biosecurity duty, visit the NSW Department of Primary Industries website.
If you’ve spotted Salvinia, Water hyacinth, Alligator weed or Frogbit on the river, contact HRCC at council@hrcc.nsw.gov.au.
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