Enhancing Biodiversity Hotspots Along Western Queensland Stock ...

Plate 46. Water lettuce at Cunnamulla Weir (Photo: B. Walsh).
CURRENT MANAGEMENT: Access to the site is maintained by Murweh Shire
Council, and the monitoring of Murray cod is undertaken by CFRC and DEEDI.
RECOMMENDATIONS: As for the Ward River biodiversity hotspot (site 11), it would
be highly beneficial to control carp at this waterhole, as has been planned by South
West NRM who are attempting to initiate carp management projects in the Warrego
River and its tributaries.
It is important to support and maintain the current actions to conserve Murray cod
that are undertaken by the CFRC (with guidance from DEEDI).
Water lettuce occurs at the Cunnamulla Weir in Paroo Shire, where the Paroo Shire
Council is taking action to eradicate this weed. However, biological control has not
yet been introduced and should be considered and integrated with the current
mechanical work being undertaken.
The Cunnamulla Weir is an acknowledged fish barrier and careful consideration
should be given to the installation of a suitable fish ladder, which is supported by the
Paroo Shire Council. However, if implemented, care needs to be taken that it does
not become a harvest site by default. South West NRM has previously proposed
such a ladder for the Warrego and the Paroo Rivers (which has a similar barrier at
Eulo).
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