There is a record infestation of weeds across Lake Moondarra and the Mount Isa Water Board is struggling to keep on top of the problem.
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The problem has worsened after summer rains and nearly all the foreshore is now covered in weeds.
After complaints from members of the public, the Mount Isa Water Board CEO Stephen Farrelly said it has been a record growing season for weeds on the Lake.
"We continue to use the weed harvester to cut weed the the main recreation areas but there is simply no capacity to extend the activity across the whole 2200 hectares of the lake," Mr Farrelly said.
"Hundreds of hours have gone into the harvesting this year but you can barely tell.
"The weed has had a record growing season, and we have had a record harvesting season but we agree that there is a crazy amount of weed this year."
The harvester has a cutter box at the front end with scissor-like cutting blades that cut and collect the weeds, a conveyor belt to collect, drain and store the weed and a discharge boom at the back to unload onto shore.
The harvester is driven by two paddle wheels to minimise the chance of fouling a propeller with weeds.
The weeds had comparatively small nutrient value and were comprised mainly of water.
In the past Mount Isa Water Board had investigated the feasibility of using it as a composting material but it was unviable,
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Derek Barry
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
