Lake weed is an important part of our beautiful lake, it cleanses the lake water and is the feeding ground for our swans, other wildlife and fish population. It is the life blood of the lake, however, we need to manage it.
The fact the water quality is improving every year means weeds are growing quicker and the task of harvesting it and keeping the lake usable for aquatic activity is ever increasing.
Today, the Lake Wendouree is so pristine you can run an event on the water any time of the year. That’s because the City of Ballarat is cutting weeds more than ever before.
However, we’re currently reliant on one small weed harvester with a one tonne capacity, which has meant we’ve also had to rely on a contractor to assist during peak times.
Over the previous two to three years we have been planning what the most efficient way forward is for our ratepayers and the many event organisers who use the lake every day.
The most cost-effective solution is to have a second harvester on the lake, giving us the flexibility to cut more weeds more often.
The City of Ballarat recently went out to tender for a new weed harvester. This tender has now closed and we are currently evaluating the responses.
We asked tenderers to make innovative suggestions around the harvester’s construction that could save us more money in the long-term, such as lighter building material that will ensure the machine is more fuel efficient.
The new machine will be three times the size of the current harvester, with a capacity to cut approximately 3.5 tonne of weed.
A new machine also ensures we’re reducing our reliance on a contractor.
We will announce the outcome of the tender in the next month or so, with the construction of the harvester expected to take 4-6 months.
Over the coming weeks we will also announce the outcome of the tender for a new weed harvester contractor to assist prepare the lake for special events and during peak times.
– Terry Demeo, Director Infrastructure and Environment
