Wrestling alligator weed in the Riverina

Alligator weed (Alternanthera philoxeroides), one of Australia's worst weeds, currently infests over 4000 hectares of land and waterways in Australia, posing a serious threat to waterways, wetlands and floodplains throughout the country.

Key on-ground works are being carried out to contain and eradicate remaining infestations of alligator weed within the Murray-Darling Basin.

NSW DPI aquatic weeds project officer Melissa Freeman said alligator weed infestations in the Wah Wah and Murrumbidgee Irrigation districts and the Woomargama area were being targeted.

Ms Freeman said alligator weed was a highly invasive weed that grows both on land and in water.

Alligator weed has been classified as a Weed of National Significance because of its impacts, its invasiveness, its capacity to spread and regenerate from single plant fragments, and its ability to tolerate a range of control treatments, including herbicides.

The Australian Government's Defeating the Weed Menace program funded a project looking at Containment and Eradication of Alligator Weed in the Murray-Darling Basin.

“The project was an example of government agencies at all levels working with landholders and irrigation authorities to tackle the threat of alligator weed in the region,” said Ms Freeman.

An Alligator weed awareness television advertisement was launched by the Eastern

Riverina Noxious Weeds Advisory Group at the Henty Machinery Field Days.  Funds from this project contributed towards the development and airing of this advertisement, which ties in with the “NSW No Space for Weeds” campaign.

The advertisement aims to raise the awareness of residents and farmers on the risks of alligator weed in the Riverina and encourage them to act quickly if they suspect an infestation.

If you suspect an alligator weed infestation please contact your local council.