Controlling pest plants - 2008

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Environmental Weeds

There are many weeds in the Shoalhaven that are not listed as noxious for control under NSW Government Legalisation, but which are considered as posing a significant threat to natural areas. Known as Environmental Weeds, these weeds are to varying extents tackled by Council on public lands and reserves, as well as through advice and assistance where possible to private owners.

The most significant environmental weeds in the Shoalhaven during 2006/07 include

Madeira Vine
Moth Vine
Coral Trees in certain locations
Camphor laurel trees
Honeysuckle
Turkey Rhubarb
Cassia, or Senna
Asparagus Fern
Formosa Lily
Coastal morning glory
Mother of Millions

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Noxious Weed Removal Program

Council is making an ongoing commitment to controlling pest plant species. Council is responsible for noxious weed control on, all roadside areas, Council owned land, land under the control of Council and Crown Land. Under the Noxious Weeds Act 1993, Council is also required ensure that private landowners and occupiers within the City area are taking reasonable and effective measures to control noxious weeds on privately owned land.

Council undertakes a substantial amount of spraying to eradicate noxious weeds each year. It is also has bio control programs in place for some weeds. The following table shows a list of Noxious Weeds with control programs in place, and the worst affected areas for each weed.

Noxious Weed	Council Control Program	Worst Affected Areas	Control Expenditure 03/04 ($)	Control Exp. 04/05 ($)	Control Exp. 05/06 ($)	Control Exp. 06/07 ($)	Control Exp. 07/08 ($)
Blackberry	Spraying	Whole LGA	10 000*	26,363	15,000	22,753	1,477
Crofton Weed	Spraying				25	172	47
African Lovegrass	Spraying	Nowra, Berry, Cambewarra, Shoalhaven Heads	13 600	0	450	4,960	6,999
Serrated Tussock	Spraying	Sassafras, Kangaroo Valley	10 800	1,965	2,331	10,739	8,522
Broom	Spraying			900	2,866	1,977	3,176
Gorse & Broom	Spraying	Berry Mountain	300	910	2,000		3,176
Giant Parramatta Grass	Spraying	Berry to Wandandian	7 500*	6,943	10,011	12,548	3,038
Lantana	Spraying, Bio	Whole LGA	3 000*	4,229	5,230 2,018	37,269	17,187
Groundsel Bush	Spraying And inpections			1,109	608	1,906	0
Fireweed	Spraying	Southern Shoalhaven, Kangaroo Valley	14 000*	24,673	10,867	15,875	26,598
Aquatic Weeds (mainly Salvinia and Water Hyacinth)	Spraying	Flood Mitigation Drains Inspection and spraying Kangaroo River and Lake Yarrunga	23 000	2,337	14,441	793	44,642
St John�s Wort	Spraying			0	0	895	0
African Box Thorn	Spraying			911	239	1,429	726
Bitou Bush	Spraying, Bio	Sussex Inlet to Lake Conjola, Culburra	22 000	11,512	10,885	47,171,	9,580
Privet	Spraying	Urban Centres	350*	2,685	6,729	1,598	2,099
Bridal Creeper	Bio			0	0	0	0
Pampas Grass	Spraying			0	0	1,607	0
Rhus Tree	Spraying			0	0	0	0

* Figure significantly less than expected due to smaller infestations as a result of drought conditions.

The return of good seasonal rainfall during the 06/07 period has allowed council to significantly increase the control of noxious weeds through out the City.

In 2006/2007 Council spent a total of $302,156 conducting inspections, spraying and undertaking education to increase awareness about noxious weeds. Council�s Bushcare groups are very involved in the eradication of all weeds in their bush care areas.

Find out more about Bushcare in the Coastal Restoration and Land Restoration indicators or on Councils web site http://shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au/Environment/weeds/index_bushcare.asp

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