Water hyacinth alert in Warrnambool area

15 June 2023

Warrnambool residents are asked to be on high alert for the invasive weed water hyacinth, after its detection in a front yard pond.

Agriculture Victoria Leading Biosecurity Officer Kaitlin Wright said there were concerns people may have taken plants and given them away, leading to risk of further infestations.

‘Water hyacinth is a really vigorous grower and renowned as one of the world’s worst aquatic weeds with its ability to devastate rivers, dams, lakes and irrigation channels,’ Ms Wright said.

‘We’re concerned there could be more in the area, so we’re asking local residents to contact us via our website or the customer service centre on 136186 if they have it or have seen it.’

Water hyacinth has distinctive mauve flowers during summer, with a darker purple patch and yellow spot on the upper petal.

‘Water hyacinth is recognisable in winter without flowers, because it has unique round, bulbous stems that clump together on the water surface,’ Ms Wright said.

‘It can also spread very easily, so please don’t try to remove it yourself – we will do it for you.’

Water hyacinth is a State prohibited weed in Victoria – learn more via the Agriculture Victoria website.

Members of the public can make a report to Agriculture Victoria of State prohibited weeds to weed.spotters@agriculture.vic.gov.au or contact the customer service centre on 136 186">136 186, and an officer will contact you to offer assistance.

Media contact: Lucy Hayes

Phone: 0437762668