LAKE Wendouree’s new weed cutter got off to a bumpy start on the water yesterday afternoon.
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Emptied of fuel for the trip to Ballarat, the harvester stalled shortly after launching and had to drift back to shore.
The aquatic plant harvester, nicknamed “Chopper Weed”, will operate all year round once it’s filled with petrol.
The machine, along with a waste compactor truck to process its cuttings, set the City of Ballarat back $472,000.
Councillor Judy Verlin said the purchase was one of the final parts of the city’s plan to restore Lake Wendouree.
“With the harvester, we’re able to have flexibility and confidence to address issues straight away without having to rely on external contractors,” she said.
Cr Verlin said it was important to strike the right balance of weed growth in the lake.
“People ask – why weren’t the weeds in the lake cleared out when it was dry? But it’s critically important for the lake to have weeds,” she said.
“This is what’s best for the ecology of the lake.”
The soon-to-be primary operator of Chopper Weed, Jeff McKenna, said he was looking forward to his new job.