A NEW City reed-cutter is in action, aiming to keep Lake Wendouree\u2019s underwater growth controlled and ever-ready for sporting and community use.<\/p>\n
The aquatic plant harvester, number 458119, has the capacity to gather and hold three times more reeds in one load than a cutter which has been operational on the Lake since 2012.<\/p>\n
The machine has been on the water for the last two weeks and is expected to be more time efficient, especially during the unloading process, due to its larger size.<\/p>\n
City of Ballarat interim CEO Janet Dore said the $720,000 addition to the municipality\u2019s aqua fleet will ensure the Lake remains in \u201cpeak condition\u201d throughout all seasons.<\/p>\n
\u201cLake Wendouree plays an important role in the life of our city,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith the new harvester, we now have the flexibility and the confidence to address issues straight away, without having to rely on external contractors.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe two weed harvesters will improve the ecology of the lake and will ensure it continues to play host to a hive of activity and water sports, including rowing, kayaking, sailing and fishing.\u201d<\/p>\n
The cutter was designed by Aurora Marine Design in Coomera, Queensland and manufactured by PFG Group in Hobart, Tasmania.<\/p>\n
A City of Ballarat statement said local businesses were employed, where possible, by PFG Group during the construction period, and the harvester was bought via a public tender process.<\/p>\n
About 40,000 cubic metres of weeds are taken out of Lake Wendouree annually.<\/p>\n
The first Rowing Victoria regatta post-pandemic lockdown was held on the Lake last Saturday, welcoming regional schools into a COVID-safe racing environment.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
A NEW City reed-cutter is in action, aiming to keep Lake Wendouree\u2019s underwater growth controlled and ever-ready for sporting and community use. The aquatic plant harvester, number 458119, has the capacity to gather and hold three times more reeds in one load than a cutter which has been operational on the Lake since 2012. The […]<\/p>\n