Hymenachne Program

Progress Report for the period 01/02/2017 to 17/02/2017

Re-commenced follow-up control work on Hymenachne in the Annan and Endeavour

Catchments, as well as Normanby catchments. This work has been made possible by Cape York
NRM. We did not want to lose the achievements made last year with the assistance of Cape
York NRM.

This run was to continue the work that was restarted this financial year, as a part of a
systematic strategic control program.

Liaised with Local Land holders along all three catchments.

They were extremely pleased that we are continuing the program which has been
ongoing for many years. They were concerned about it coming to an end.
Over fifteen people days were used in conducting this control work.
We had received a great deal of rain during this time, so there was not a great deal
visible.

Endeavour Catchment Hazelmere Dam

The Endeavour catchment was commenced first. We started the control work in the dam
at Hazelmere which is the Endeavour Catchment Source of Hymenachne.
 As a result of previous control, late last year not much regrowth was visible
We followed the water course along, spraying a couple of isolated patches as we went.

Conducted control work on the Jensens crossing area where the threat of Hymenachne
being spread by human activities is high.

JensensCrossing site
We then moved to Keating's lagoon site in the Annan Catchments.
Because of the extended wet period, the water level had risen a fair bit.
We sprayed all the exposed area, the water line and the dry ground at the starting point
of Hymenachne.
We walked the whole water course and controlled what was found. Approx 0.4hectares.
 Keating' s Lagoon Photo Point

The next area was Mungumby creek, which runs into the Annan. We found that the
creek was in full flood.
Nothing was visible, so we photographed the area.
 Mungumby Creek photo point

We then moved on to the start of the Hymenachne in the Annan River, opposite the Ship
tons Flat Ranger base. Here we found none.
 We then commenced a survey of the Lakeland and Laura areas. We mapped some at
Goose swamp on the Lakeland Road.
The infestation had been controlled by cattle which had grazed the areas very short.
There seemed to be no seed as the Hymenachne had been grazed to practically nothing

Goose Swamp- Photo Point- Normanby Catchment

On moving to the Lakeland area, we surveyed at Honey dam and the Laura river as best
we could. We did not locate any.
We could not get through to the locations at upper Normanby river, Lilly lagoon, both
crossings of the Laura River, Lake Emma, and lower Normanby River.
The ring road had been closed by the Cook Shire Council, and Department Of Main Roads
 Laura River Road Crossing-Road Closed

The last section to be surveyed and controlled was Lilly Lagoon at Kings Plains in the
Normanby Catchment.
As the area was still very wet very little had been controlled by the Landholder with
CYWAFA_INCs assistance, due to access problems.
A further 26 ha was surveyed in the areas along the roadway. The extra survey and
control was done as natural progression of the project, especially in the threatened
wetland areas of the Normanby catchment.
Most of the work was conducted on the edges and drier areas of the lagoon, to try and
stop it from being spread into clean areas.
 Kings Plains Lakes Creek Photo Point
As our resources are limited, a more detailed survey needs to be carried out by air during
the growing season.
The Daintree catchment was not included in the project this time. The landholder at
the head of the Hymenachne infestation was given the resources to work on it
themselves.
Photos were taken including photo points along the various treatment sites.
All areas that were controlled were mapped.
All landholders, Traditional Owners, and Cape York involved in this project are to be
congratulated on a job well done.
All partners are make a real difference in restoring Healthy Ecosystems in all three
catchment areas.
There has been a significant re-establishment of native plants and animals in all areas