Blue Lagoon Weed Management Plan
Update January 2026
Blue Lagoon Weed Management Works – Starting 2 February 2026
Weed management works will begin at Blue Lagoon in February, in line with Council’s approved Blue Lagoon Weed Management Plan 2025–2035.
The works will include:
Cumbungi Removal
The first stage of the works will involve cumbungi removal. Excavators will dig out cumbungi plants, including rhizomes and above-ground biomass. Material will be stockpiled on site for several days to drain and allow wildlife to move away safely, before being transported offsite for disposal at a waste management facility.
Pine Removal
Pines will be progressively removed, starting from the Kannah Street end and staged over time toward the dunes. Smaller branches will be chipped and reused on site as mulch to support future revegetation, while larger trunks will be retained on site to act as a barrier and provide habitat for wildlife.
Revegetation
Planting is planned for late winter or early spring 2026, subject to weather and plant availability. Council also intends to revegetate the dune area this year and welcomes support from community groups or volunteers through activities such as planting, sourcing or propagating plants, and assisting with guards or staking.
Click here to view Weed Management Works map
Update September 2025
Blue Lagoon Weed Management Plan (2025–2035)
Click here for the Blue Lagoon Weed Management Plan
Blue Lagoon is a treasured wetland and dune system in Dodges Ferry. Council’s 10-year Weed Management Plan sets out how we’ll restore the site’s natural values, improve biodiversity, and protect community amenity.
What’s happening?
Priority weeds: Tackle declared weeds (African boxthorn, blackberry, boneseed, Montpellier broom, Californian thistle) and other invasive species found on site.
Biggest tasks: Stage the mechanical removal of cumbungi (Typha latifolia) and radiata pine in zones to minimise disturbance, boost lagoon water storage, and open space for native vegetation to return. Follow-up weeding and targeted herbicide (where appropriate and water-safe) will prevent regrowth.
Revegetation: Replant promptly with local native species suited to foredunes and wet edges (e.g., coastal wattle, silver tussock grass, pigface, seaberry saltbush) to stabilise soils and out-compete weeds.
Protecting values: Works support habitat for birds, frogs and rare plants recorded in the lagoon, and enhance a much-loved community open space.
How it will be delivered
Staged works over three years for the heaviest infestations, then ongoing maintenance (Years 4–10) with biannual checks and working bees.
Clean-down and hygiene protocols for all machinery to stop new weed introductions.
Clear communications: Regular updates, on-site educational signage, and opportunities for residents and Landcare volunteers to get involved.
Governance & resourcing: Long-term funding is built into Council planning, with a recommendation to formalise Blue Lagoon as a Council reserve to secure its protection. The plan will be reviewed every five years.
Click below for further information and details of actions planned.
Blue Lagoon Weed Management Plan
Update August 2025
After the community consultations with Council and our Consultants, North Barker. A Blue Lagoon Weed Management Plan has been finalised and has been put up for approval at the next Council meeting.
Blue Lagoon Weed Management Plan Final July 2025
Update – January 2025
Whilst our Blue Lagoon Management Plan (BLMP) is still under development, one of the high priority areas identified during its development was weed management.
You can read about the development of the BLMP below. Council has provided funding to investigate management of the weeds at Blue Lagoon and have engaged North Barker Ecosystems Services to develop a Weed Management Plan.
We are holding a community workshop with the consultants to discuss the way forward to managing the weeds at Blue Lagoon. We invite key stakeholders and the local community to attend and have your say!
Details of workshop:
Thursday 20 February 2025
5pm to 7pm
Okines Community House
The workshop will discuss some of the focus activities from the BLMP plan:
- Protecting the lagoon from invasive weeds
- Planning for the staged removal of Pine trees and Cumbungi
- Community engagement in conservation and restoration activities for improved health and wellbeing
Plus any other issues raised at the workshop.
Next steps
The Consultants will provide a draft report based upon the workshop feedback and their onsite survey. The draft weed management plan will be published for stakeholder feedback, before being presented to Council for endorsement.
Please RSVP your attendance to the workshop by 10 February 2025 to sorell@sorell.tas.gov.au / or by phone 6269 0000.