The wetlands have been found to be infested with Alternanthera Philoxerides, more commonly known as alligator weed. Alligator weed is listed as potentially devastating, and is known as a 'Weed of National Significance.'

The notorious pest is considered one of the world's worst weeds to deal with, because of it's devastating impacts on it's surrounding environment. It's also known to be unusually tolerant of most normal control measures.

The swamp's closure is hoped to limit or prevent the weed from spreading into the wider area by people, machinery or livestock as well as aiming to prevent the possibility of the weed being carried away by water.

Council's Biosecurity Officer, Mr Peter McGrath made the announcement earlier today.

"Under the Biosecurity Act, the Barren Box Storage and Wetlands is closed in order to contain the infestation and to avoid Alligator Weed from being taken inadvertently to other areas both in and around our LGA," Mr McGrath said.

The closure is the first of several efforts to minimise the possible risks to the region, along with installation of quarantine signs, and work being undertaken to eradicate the Alligator Weed or destroy it as much as practical and suppress the spread.

The wetlands have been the source of much controversy, with accusations of mismanagement plaguing the swamp as much as the frequent algae outbreaks, along with concern over the water quality.

Failure to comply with the conditions of the direction can result in a on the spot penalty notice of $1,000 per person or a category 2 offence which can incur further substantial fines of up to $1,100,000 for individuals, and $2,200,000 for corporations.

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