ALLIGATOR weed has been spotted in the Barrington area, and MidCoast Council is currently working with the local community to find and remove it.
MidCoast 2 Tops Landcare raised the alert after spotting the aggressive weed in the Tibbuc area.
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This is the first time Alligator weed has been spotted in the MidCoast, with the source appearing to be Woko Creek, Tibbuc.
Alligator weed is a potentially devastating weed that grows in water and on land.
It grows vigorously through waterways and can impact recreational activities like boating and fishing, and may also trap sediment in waterways, which can exacerbate flooding.
It can invade pastures and impact crop yields as well.
Cattle can develop photosensitivity from eating Alligator Weed, which can cause severe skin damage and pain, especially in non-pigmented areas such as the eyes.
Council’s Manager of Natural Systems, Gerard Tuckerman said that because Alligator weed had been found high up in the catchment, the priority was to stop it spreading further down river.
“We’re conducting property inspections in the Barrington area, focusing on high-risk properties where the weed may have spread,” said Mr Tuckerman.
“But we really need more eyes on the ground, keeping a lookout for it on both public and private land.”
Alligator weed is categorised as a biosecurity threat.
Anyone who spots it should report it to Council.
Members of the Council’s weeds team can provide advice and assistance.
They can be contacted at weeds@midcoast.nsw.gov.au or call 7955 7777.
