Greater Shepparton City Council has received reports from concerned community members about an increased number of water plants floating on the surface of the water and accumulating at the edges of Victoria Park Lake.
The native aquatic plant is Vallisneria Spiralis, commonly known as Tape Grass/Ribbon Weed. Vallisneria Spiralis is not a noxious weed and is beneficial to the lake's ecosystem. The plant acts as a nutrient filter, improving water quality and is an important habitat and food for the lake's wildlife.
Vallisneria Spiralis grows submerged on the lake floor and has a small root system, which means it can be easily dislodged, for example by birds grazing. However, Council recognises that there is likely another cause due to the scale of dislodged grasses.
Greater Shepparton City Council Director Infrastructure, Gary Randhawa said, "Victoria Park Lake provides social, recreational and aesthetic benefits for the community and is an important ecosystem for our native flora and fauna.
"Rest assured, Council is investigating the issue and seeking advice on any remedial action that can be taken."
