Saturated steam weeding takes off on Coochiemudlo Island
Coastcare’s saturated steam weeding project was launched on World Wetlands Day, Friday 2 February by the Member for Redlands, Kim Richards MP, representing the Hon Leeanne Enoch MP, Minister for the Environment and the Great Barrier Reef, Minister for Science and the Arts
The official ceremony was attended by the Deputy Mayor of Redland City, Councillor Wendy Boglary, Councillor Lance Hewlett and Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation rangers, Jacob Martin, Lorde Walker, Mark Jones, Brandon Martin and Jimmy Martin.
Ranger Supervisor, Jacob Martin welcomed attendees to Country at the entrance of the Melaleuca Wetlands, a 19.5 freshwater reserve which is part of the Moreton Bay RAMSAR site.
The project allows the purchase of a saturated steam weeder for the island funded by a Community Sustainability grant from the Queensland government.
It sees trained Coastcarers working with QYAC rangers to undertake chemical-free weed control around the foreshore, protecting the receiving waters of the Moreton Bay Marine Park and Ramsar wetlands. The grant also provides for 2500 native grasses, shrubs and trees to revegetate denuded zones maintained by Coastcare & Bushcare as well as supplies for the island’s native nursery.
Coastcare is grateful for the support from the state government who has previously funded saturated steam successfully in North Queensland. We are encouraged by the positive feedback from around Australia and overseas where councils, Landcarers and other organisations are utilising saturated steam weed control.
The previous evening over 40 people attended a presentation supported by Queensland Water and Landcarers at the Community Hall where Jeremy Winer, CEO of Weedtechnics Australia discussed “Reducing risk and cost through a non-chemical approach to vegetation management”
Jeremy offers 30 years of practical experience implementing an integrated holistic approach to weed management across urban landscapes, recreational parklands and wetlands. He specialises in providing chemical reduction and non-toxic weed control programs to local government and organisations both in Australia and overseas
