Month: September 2025

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Weedoo Launch Marks Strong Start in Burdekin Waterways

Worker on yellow aquatic weed harvester

Weedoo Launch Marks Strong Start in Burdekin Waterways

Burdekin Shire Council is pleased to announce the successful launch of its new Weedoo aquatic weed harvester at the recently upgraded ramp at Sheepstation Creek.

A Weedoo machine is a specialised piece of equipment designed for aquatic vegetation management.

The vessel, imported from the United States, is purpose-built for use in aquatic weed environments and provides Council with an innovative tool to improve the health of local waterways.

During its first outing, the Weedoo completed four hours of operation, removing an estimated two tonnes of weed in just the first 30 minutes.

Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort said the launch was a milestone moment in Council’s ongoing environmental efforts.

“This new Weedoo aquatic weed harvester is a game changer for our region,” Mayor Dalle Cort said.

“To see two tonnes of weed removed in just half an hour shows the enormous potential of this technology to protect our waterways and, ultimately, the Great Barrier Reef.

“It’s a smart investment in the future health of our environment and our community. Council will be working alongside local landholders to restore our creeks and wetlands, creating healthier habitats for both people and wildlife.”

“Burdekin Shire Council is proud to be one of only three Councils in Australia operating a Weedoo harvester, made possible through the support of the Reef Guardian Councils Program.”

The acquisition of the Weedoo was supported through funding under the Reef Guardian Councils Program, which partners with local governments to deliver projects that protect the health of the Great Barrier Reef.

The Weedoo harvester is an efficient solution for the removal of aquatic weeds and will be actively used to physically remove declared aquatic weeds, which landholders can then repurpose as mulch, contributing to a more sustainable and efficient management of local waterways.

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Fall Cleanup, Not Chemical Cleanup

Person spraying chemicals from boat "Chemical Queen

The Season of Change


As the days grow shorter and the air turns cooler, many think of fall as a season of slowing down. But for aquatic weeds, autumn is a hidden window of opportunity. If left unchecked, they continue spreading seeds and roots, setting the stage for bigger problems in spring. Fall isn’t just about raking leaves — it’s about giving your waterways a final cleanup before winter sets in.

  • Many invasive plants — hydrilla, water hyacinth, cattails — establish strong root systems in fall. By spring, they return with even greater density.
  • Untouched weeds break down under ice and cold, fueling nutrient loads that drive algae blooms next season.
  • Canals, stormwater ponds, and retention areas can clog, raising flood risks during fall rains.

Why Not Chemicals?

Herbicides may seem like a quick fix, but fall applications have drawbacks:

  • Plants may die back slowly, while roots remain intact underground.
  • Runoff during storm season can carry chemicals into lawns, wetlands, or even drinking water supplies.

Instead of spraying, Weedoo boats tackle the problem at the root:

  • Mechanical Removal: Weedoo harvesters pull weeds, silt, and debris directly out of the water.
  • Eco-Safe: No chemicals, no waiting — just immediate results you can see.
  • Compact and Rugged: Perfect for tight canals, retention ponds, or between docks where larger machines can’t operate.

Conclusion: Put Fall to Work

Autumn cleanup isn’t optional — it’s the final defense before winter. By choosing Weedoo’s mechanical harvesting over chemicals, you protect your water, your community, and your budget.