04/03/2026
A landholder in the Endeavour River Catchment recently contacted us requesting help to manage a salvinia outbreak in their dam. Salvinia molesta is a highly invasive aquatic w**d that rapidly chokes dams and wetlands, smothering other vegetation and disrupting oxygen levels in the water. This w**d can double in size in as little as four days, meaning a small infestation can quickly take over an entire waterbody.
Last week we conducted a first control treatment. Airborne AG sprayed the dam by drone, and then we followed with manual spraying around the edges. We’ll return in the coming weeks for a follow-up spray, and then ongoing monitoring and hand-picking will continue for several years.
Controlling salvinia is a long-term commitment. Even the smallest fragment of the plant can regrow, so permanently clearing a dam can take up to five years of regular follow-up work. We’ve successfully cleared dams in the past, but it requires persistence!
The effort is well worth it. Salvinia spreads easily between waterbodies via water birds, pigs, cattle and other animals, putting the magnificent wetlands across our region at risk.
Salvinia is a Category 3 Restricted Invasive Plant in Queensland, meaning it is illegal to release it into the environment, sell it, or give it away. We can help!
If you have salvinia in a dam or wetland — we can assist with control.
If you have salvinia in a pond or aquarium — we can help dispose of it safely and suggest some beautiful native aquatic plants to replace it.
A big thank you to this landholder who came to us for assistance!
If you see this w**d anywhere in the region, please let us know:
📧 [email protected]
📞 0493 622 666
