The purpose behind the closure is to allow vegetation maintenance to take place both effectively and safely.
The process involves use of an aquatic harvester boat, which cuts the plant below the surface and through use of a conveyor, storing the materials on board for later disposal. The boat will be on the Lake for five days, limiting the amount of the plant growing near the surface and pieces breaking off, washing up on banks and floating on the surface within the recreational activity areas.
The works will continue from 10 to 14 October, and during this period the Lake will be closed between 6am and 6pm for all public use including boating and swimming. Other surrounding grassed areas will still be open and not affected by the works.
Council’s Manager Parks Sport and Recreation, Heath Chasemore said “the work is part of regular maintenance of the Lake and Council will ensure that it is completed with a high standard for the Challenge event.
“Ribbon weed will remain in the wetland and other areas for its water treatment properties and animal habitat.
“The fish and animals living in the lake won’t be harmed by the maintenance, the vibrations and sounds of the machine see the fish and animals scatter around,” he said.
