GOT ideas on how carp can best be controlled in our waterways?
Hawkesbury residents are invited to have their say on carp control at a community briefing session on Thursday, November 23 at Penrith Panthers.
Hosted by National Carp Control Plan (NCCP) and Greater Sydney Local Land Services, the session will give participants the chance to hear details of the proposed control approach and contribute feedback.
The NCCP is investigating ways to control carp using a species-specific virus known as Cyprinid herpesvirus 3 (the carp virus) as a biocontrol agent, while ensuring risks associated with its use are identified and mitigated.
Operating through the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) on behalf of the Federal Government, the $15 million initiative will provide detailed information to enable governments make a well-informed decision on the best approach for carp control at the end of 2018.
NCCP National Coordinator Matt Barwick said waterways were the lifeblood of many rural and regional communities and needed to be rehabilitated.
“While these community briefing sessions are important for us to share the background, context and desired outcomes of the NCCP, they also provide an opportunity to hear from community members about how the prevalence of carp impact on them, their lifestyle or business,” Mr Barwick said.
“We value the opinions of the Penrith community and we want to understand the ecological values of the affected river systems and waterways and any likely direct or indirect impacts, be it social, environmental, economic or cultural.”
Greater Sydney Local Land Services is working with the NCCP to ensure local issues are considered in the plan.
The session is in the Woodriff Room, at Panthers on Mulgoa Road, Penrith, from 6-8pm.
Enquiries: Vanessa Keyzer on 4724 2118.
The session is one of more than 40 being held nationally in coming months.