Landscaping and Native Open Space team leader Damian Doller said workers were pushing through with the clearing of eelgrass and potamogeton, which had grown during the past month in the lake.
“We are currently removing the eelgrass and the potamogeton for the next fortnight, basically giving the lake a haircut,” Mr Doller said.
“We know how important the lake is to lake users, and to do the harvest now is really important so the lake is safe for users.”
Mr Doller said the boat would operate every four months to control plant growth in the lake.
“We do cutting now and then the contractor will come back after Christmas to cut the plants again, it also really depends on the weather as well,” he said.
Mr Doller said after Shepparton’s recent flooding event the lake’s nutrients had built up to a point where the plant growth was too high.
“Plant growth has occurred due to high nutrients, which encourages growth, but by cutting the plant it takes away the nutrients out of the water, and keeps it clear for users of the lake,” he said.
Mr Doller said the lake’s external facilities were back in full use, and that while the lake itself remained closed regular water testing was being carried out.
“All surrounding footpaths and playgrounds are back but we want the public to keep an eye on water quality, and we are working with lake users if anything happens with the water quality,” he said.
For further updates regarding council maintenance, visit https://greatershepparton.com.au/animals-environment-and-waste
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