WEEDS on Coochimemudlo Island are being killed by steam rather than herbicides.
The saturated steam weeding machine was tested at Coochie today as part of World Wetlands Day, with the event MC’d by councillor Lance Hewlett.
Coochiemudlo Coastcare president Vivienne Roberts-Thomson said species like mother-of-millions, asparagus fern and Singapore daisy would all be targeted using the technique.
She said the steam was heated to more than 115 degrees, meaning it could kill any pest flora in its path.
“The water pressure is (delivered) via a petrol engine and the water heated by a diesel heater,” she said.
“The patented delivery nozzle delivers saturated steam at the same temperature that it leaves the heater regardless of the length of hose. That is the crucial factor in killing the weeds.”
Ms Roberts-Thomson said the approach was better for the environment, as it meant chemical sprays were not used.
She said chemicals sprayed on natural areas could leach into waterways, adding to environmental toxins.
“We hope it will be a game-changer,” she said.
“The movement is being led by European countries. There is a big push coming from litigation against (chemical companies).”
The weed machine was bought by the group using some of a $28,000 state government grant.
Ms Roberts-Thomson said the money would help their work in boosting the island’s vegetation management and ecosystem resilience.
While Coastcare will continue to rehabilitate about one kilometre of foreshore, they have also used the funds to support the island’s propagation nursery and buy plants for Bushcare.
Ms Roberts-Thomson said QYAC rangers would also help the island-wide conservation effort, with use of the saturated steam weed killing machine at their disposal.
Cr Hewlett said interest in the steam weed killer had also piqued the interest of the Point Lookout Bushcare group.
He said World Wetlands Day was celebrated by Redland City Council, whose predecessors had acted on the RAMSAR convention.
“In 1992, the then Redland Shire Council nominated Coochie’s Melaleuca Wetlands for listing under the RAMSAR convention ... as part of the Moreton Bay Wetlands system,” he said.
