biodiversity priorities for widespread weeds Northern ...archive.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/... · CMA region Part J NSW Catchment ... Biodiversity priorities for

NSW Catchment Management AuthoritiesNSW National Parks & Wildlife Service

Australian Government

Part J

Northern Rivers CMA region

b i o d i v e r s i t y p r i o r i t i e s f o r w i d e s p r e a d w e e d s

NSW Department of Primary IndustriesOffice of Environment & Heritage


Northern Rivers CMA region

Part J

NSW Catchment Management Authorities

NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service

Australian Government

NSW Department of Primary IndustriesOffice of Environment & Heritage

Published by NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI). This project was developed by NSW DPI and the Office of Environment & Heritage (OEH) and in collaboration with the 13 Catchment Management Authorities (CMAs) in New South Wales.

© State of New South Wales 2011.

Disclaimer: While all care has been taken in the preparation of this publication, neither NSW DPI, OEH, or the key stakeholders accept any responsibility for loss or damage that may result from any inaccuracy or omission, or from use of the information contained herein.

For further information contact:Pest Management Unit NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service Office of Environment & Heritage 43 Bridge Street PO BOX 1967 Hurstville NSW 1481 Email: [email protected] Project weblink: www.environment.nsw.gov.au/cmaweeds

This document was prepared by:Leonie K. Whiffen, Moira C. Williams, Natalie Izquierdo, Paul O. Downey, Peter J. TurnerPest Management Unit NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service Office of Environment & Heritage PO Box 1967 Hurstville NSW 1481

Bruce A. Auld and Stephen B. JohnsonNSW Department of Primary Industries Locked Bag 21, Orange NSW 2800

This publication should be cited as:NSW DPI and OEH (2011). Biodiversity priorities for widespread weeds. Report prepared for the 13 Catchment Management Authorities (CMAs) by NSW Department of Primary Industries and Office of Environment & Heritage, Orange.

This material may be reproduced in whole or in part, provided the meaning is unchanged and the source is acknowledged.

ISBN: 978 1 74256 096 0

Part J: Northern Rivers CMA region | 3

J1. Introduction 5

J2. Regional context 6

J2.1 Catchment Action Plan 6

J2.2 Northern Rivers Invasive Plants Action Strategy

6

J2.3 Mid North Coast Weeds Advisory Committee Regional Weeds Strategy 2008–2012

7

J2.4 Regional weed management plans

7

J2.5 OEH Regional Pest Management Strategies

7

J2.6 Priorities Action Statement (PAS)

8

J2.7 Northern Rivers Biodiversity Management Plan

8

J3. Regional outputs 9

J3.1 Methodology used to develop the priorities

9

J3.1.1 Workshops in NRCMA region 9

J3.1.2 NRCMA specific webpages 9

J3.2 The process 10

J3.2.1 Stage 1. Identifying weeds that pose a threat in the NRCMA region

10

J3.2.2 Stage 2. Identifying biodiversity at risk from high priority weeds

12

J3.2.3 Stage 3. Selecting and prioritising sites for control

13

J3.2.4 Review and additional site nominations

13

J4. Summary for Northern Rivers CMA

29

J4.1 Meeting the NRC target for invasive species

29

J4.2 Biodiversity conservation and widespread weed management

29

J4.3 Capability for interrogation and review

30

J5. References 31

J6. Appendices 32

Appendix J1. Priority widespread weeds impacting on biodiversity for each of the six landscapes in the NRCMA region

33

Appendix J2. Template of letter sent to private landholders with voluntary conservation agreements or wildlife refuges on their properties

35

4 | Biodiversity priorities for widespread weeds


J1. IntroductIon

This is one of the 13 regional documents that sit under the Biodiversity priorities for widespread weeds – statewide framework. It provides information for the Northern Rivers Catchment Management Authority (NRCMA) region. The statewide framework should be read in conjunction with this document as it provides (i) background information, (ii) objectives of the project, (iii) the standardised methodology used to establish regional priorities, and (iv) guidance on implementing the priorities.

The overarching document to this report, the statewide framework, details the process used for identifying biodiversity (biological assets) at risk from widespread weeds in New South Wales, as well as prioritising sites for weed control in each CMA region. This sub‑report (Part J) establishes regional priorities, in the form of priority widespread weeds and priority sites for control, in the NRCMA region.

The NRCMA region extends over most of the New South Wales North Coast, from the Camden Haven River in the south to the Queensland border in the north, and west to the Northern Tablelands (NRCMA 2005). Landscapes in the region range from coastal dunes and estuarine wetlands to old growth eucalypt forests and dry temperate rainforests (NRCMA 2005). Approximately 450,000 people live in the region and much of the landscape has been altered for agricultural development. The NRCMA is home to much of Australia’s diverse native fauna and flora with biodiversity recognised as nationally and internationally significant.

Invasive plants and animals are recognised as a key threat to the sustainability of the NRCMA region’s natural resources. Weeds pose a significant threat to biodiversity by directly impacting the growth and survival of native flora and fauna and via indirect effects on other aspects of landscape health, e.g. water quality. A review of the impact of weeds on threatened biodiversity in New South Wales (i.e. species, populations and ecological communities listed under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (TSC Act)) indicated that 100 weed species in the NRCMA region were threatening biodiversity, including 166 threatened plant and animal species (Coutts‑Smith and Downey 2006).

This project builds on the existing regional weed strategies by considering the impact of all widespread weeds present in the NRCMA region on biodiversity, regardless of their legislative listing. Given many widespread weeds are unlikely to be extensively controlled or eradicated, this project provides strategic management options for protection of biological assets by identifying the priority widespread weeds, the biodiversity impacted and priority sites for control.

To reduce the impact of widespread weeds on biological assets, control programs need to be prioritised to areas where control is both achievable and likely to have the greatest benefit to native biodiversity, independent of land tenure. Such a site‑led approach will ensure maximum benefit from limited resources available for management of widespread weeds. Therefore, specific information on management sites was compiled to assist in strategic decisions relating to investment aimed at protecting biological assets from widespread weeds. This project will enable all stakeholders in the NRCMA region to target on‑ground works to those locations where weed control will have the greatest benefits for biodiversity. In addition, implementation of monitoring using the Monitoring manual for bitou bush control and native plant recovery (Hughes et al. 2009) will allow NRCMA to measure progress towards relevant targets, including the Natural Resource Commission (NRC) target for invasive species (NRC 2005) and Catchment Action Plan (CAP) targets (NRCMA 2005).


J2. regIonal context

This section summarises the strategies, policies and programs relevant to weed management in the NRCMA region and outlines how they relate to the development and outputs of this project. Relevant statewide strategies, targets and legislation are addressed in the statewide framework.

J2.1 catchment action Plan

Under the Catchment Management Authorities Act 2003, each CMA is required to prepare a Catchment Action Plan (CAP) that outlines future priorities for the specific CMA and provides a co‑ordinated plan for natural resource work in the region over a 10‑year period. The NRCMA CAP (NRCMA 2005) outlines a series of catchment targets based on 7 themes: (i) community, (ii) landuse planning, (iii) biodiversity, (iv) water, (v) coastal management, (vi) marine, and (vii) soil/land resource. This project will primarily contribute to the Resource Condition Target for Biodiversity (B):

» By 2016 improve the condition of native terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

Within this catchment target, two specific management targets will be addressed:

» Biodiversity Threat Mitigation (B3)

Aim: reduce impacts of threats (invasive weeds, pests, disturbance on natural systems) on biodiversity/habitat quality.

» Threatened Species (B4)

By 2016 implement priority actions of recovery programs for threatened species, populations and endangered ecological communities.

J2.2 northern rivers Invasive Plants action Strategy

The overall aim of the Northern Rivers Invasive Plants Action Strategy (NRIPAS) (Oakwood 2009) is to provide a regional framework for the entire NRCMA area, to reduce the economic, environmental and social impact of weeds. The NRIPAS outlines a series of management actions under six broad goals:

» Prevent new weed problems (early detection)

» Reduce the impact of existing weeds

» Increase awareness, education and training

» Improve weed management co‑ordination

» Enhance the use of legislation and enforcement

» Improve monitoring and evaluation.

Randall’s process (Randall 2000) and noxious weed listings were used to prioritise weeds within seven landscapes types: (i) aquatic, (ii) agricultural, (iii) coastal, (iv) forest, (v) riparian, (vi) tablelands, and (vii) urban. For each landscape, each weed species is given one of six ranks (from A–F) within each of the relevant Local Government Areas (LGAs). The weed ranking reflects impact, invasiveness, distribution and rate of spread of the weed and also whether the species could, within five years, feasibly be eradicated. Highest priority is allocated to category A weeds (Noxious weeds class 1 and 2 and species with limited distribution within the LGA). Lowest priority is allocated to weeds that are already widespread (D–F).

The NRIPAS has a clear emphasis on the importance of preventing new weeds from establishing and the need to respond quickly to incursions as these are the most cost‑effective techniques for managing weeds. This project will complement the NRIPAS by providing a strategic framework for managing the current impacts of widespread weeds.


More specifically this project will help achieve one of the key goals of the NRIPAS:

Goal 2f: Develop projects and seek funding to strategically manage category D and E weeds in the region.

The weeds identified as widespread in the NRIPAS (Oakwood 2009) were used to direct site nominations for this project.

J2.3 Mid north coast Weeds advisory committee regional Weeds Strategy 2008–2012

The Mid North Coast Weeds Advisory Committee Regional Weeds Strategy provides landholders and land managers with a set of standards and guidelines for implementing effective and co‑ordinated weed control programs in the mid‑north coast region which includes both the Hunter–Central Rivers and Northern Rivers CMAs (Kempsey, Port Macquarie Hastings, Greater Taree, Gloucester and Great Lakes LGAs).

Randall’s ranking process (Randall 2000) was used to prioritise weeds within six landscapes (coastal, riparian, agricultural, forests, urban and tablelands) in order to guide future allocation of resources. Weeds are placed in four categories (A, B, C, or D) with greatest priority allocated to category A – weeds not currently present in the region, and least priority allocated to category D – weeds that are widespread throughout the region.

Priorities identified in the Mid North Coast Weeds Advisory Committee Regional Weeds Strategy were accounted for in the NRIPAS and therefore considered in this project.

J2.4 regional weed management plans

Regional weed advisory committees support the communication of best practice amongst neighbouring councils, or local control authorities, who are responsible for implementing the NSW Noxious Weed Act 1993 (NW Act). Membership includes NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI), regional councils and public land managers (e.g. National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS)). The committees relevant to NR include (note: their boundaries do not align with those of the CMA):

» Northern Inland Weeds Advisory Committee;

» Mid North Coast Weeds Advisory Committee; and

» NSW North Coast Weeds Advisory Committee.

Regional weed management plans are developed by these regional weeds advisory committees and target specific noxious weed species for control within a defined area. They outline the biology of the weed and its impacts as well as overall objectives and actions required to coordinate an effective control program. The Northern Inland and North Coasts Weeds Advisory Committees and Mid North Coast Weed Coordination committee are responsible for coordinating a number of regional management plans in the NRCMA region. Current plans include: African boxthorn (Lycium ferocissimum), alligator weed (Alternanthera philoxeroides), asparagus fern (Asparagus aethiopicus), blackberry (Rubus fruticosus agg.), celtis (Celtis sinensis), Chilean needle grass (Nassella neesiana), broad leaf pepper tree (Schinus terebinthifolius), green cestrum (Cestrum parqui), groundsel bush (Baccharis halimifolia), honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos), kudzu (Pueraria lobata), mysore thorn (Caesalpinia decapetala), red lantana (Lantana camara), salvinia (Salvinia molesta) and water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes).

J2.5 office of environment & Heritage (oeH) regional Pest Management Strategies

Within the NRCMA region, the NPWS (part of OEH) administers significant land for conservation purposes. Weed management priorities on NPWS estate are established within 18 Regional Pest Management Strategies (RPMS), based on NPWS regions. In 2010, the number of regions was reduced to 14. However, revision of these strategies are not due until 2011.


As the NPWS regional boundaries do not align with those of the CMA, there are four strategies relevant to the NRCMA region: (i) Mid‑North Coast, (ii) North Coast, (iii) Northern Tablelands, and (iv) Northern Rivers strategies (see www.environment.nsw.gov.au/pestsweeds/regionPestManagement.htm). During 2009–10, NPWS undertook a comprehensive survey of NPWS estate to establish biodiversity priorities for widespread weeds. Relevant priorities from these surveys, including those priority widespread weeds and biological assets at risk, are incorporated into this project (see Section 1.6.1 of the statewide framework).

J2.6 Priorities action Statement (PaS)

In accordance with the TSC Act, the PAS was developed to ensure that conservation actions were established for all biodiversity listed under the Act. The PAS outlines the broad strategies and detailed priority actions to be undertaken in New South Wales to promote the recovery of threatened species, populations and ecological communities and manage key threatening processes (KTPs).

There are 1,057 actions in the PAS relevant to weed management in the NRCMA region. Details of these priority actions can be accessed online at www.threatenedspecies.environment.nsw.gov.au/tsprofile/pas_cma_recovery_details.aspx?cma=northern%20rivers&type=habitat+management:+weed+control.

This project incorporates information from the PAS to identify priority weeds posing a threat to threatened species and ecological communities as well as priority sites for weed control.

J2.7 northern rivers Biodiversity Management Plan

The Northern Rivers Biodiversity Management Plan (NRBMP) will support conservation planning and decision making in the NRCMA region by directing priorities for threatened species and biodiversity more broadly. The primary aim of the NRBMP is to develop a regional recovery and threat abatement plan for species, populations and ecological communities listed as threatened under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), as well as the TSC Act and NSW Fisheries Management Act 1994. The NRBMP prioritises activities threatening the region’s biodiversity and provides regional, landscape and species‑specific actions to ameliorate these threats. For more information go to: www.environment.nsw.gov.au/biodiversity/nrrbiomanagemntplan.htm

The outputs of this project complement the NRBMP by collating site‑level information on the biodiversity at risk from weeds and the nature of the weed threat. Priority sites for weed control identified in this strategy will help target on‑ground works within larger priority areas identified in the NRBMP.

http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/pestsweeds/RegionPestManagement.htm

http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/pestsweeds/RegionPestManagement.htm

http://www.threatenedspecies.environment.nsw.gov.au/tsprofile/pas_cma_recovery_details.aspx?cma=Northern Rivers&type=habitat+management:+weed+control



http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/biodiversity/nrrbiomanagemntplan.htm

http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/biodiversity/nrrbiomanagemntplan.htm


J3. regIonal outPutS

J3.1 Methodology used to develop the priorities

The statewide framework outlines the broad methods applied across the 13 CMA regions in New South Wales to establish widespread weed priorities for biodiversity conservation. The primary output is a ranked list of weed management sites for each CMA region in New South Wales. Rankings are based on where investment in weed control will result in greatest reduction of the impact of widespread weed species on biodiversity; primarily, but not exclusively, on threatened biological assets (plant and animal species, populations and ecological communities listed under the TSC Act and the EPBC Act).

This approach uses four stages to establish regional weed management priorities for biodiversity conservation:

1. Identify and prioritise the widespread weed species posing a threat to biodiversity in each region.

2. Identify the biodiversity at risk from high priority weed species identified in Stage 1.

3. Identify sites where control will maximise biodiversity outcomes by reducing widespread weed impacts.

4. Develop and implement a monitoring system to determine whether investment in weed control programs at high priority sites has resulted in a biodiversity response and thus progress towards the relevant statewide targets.

The specific details of implementing the process in the NRCMA region (stages 1 to 3) are outlined below with modifications to account for existing data and strategies. Stage 4 is discussed in the overarching statewide framework.

J3.1.1 Workshops in nrcMa region

As the implementation of this project occurred at the same time as the development of the NRIPAS (which included workshops with natural resource management stakeholders in the Northern Rivers Catchment), specific workshops for this project in NRCMA were not held.

A meeting was held with representatives from Northern Rivers CMA and the Biodiversity Conservation Unit of the Department of Environment, Climate Change & Water (DECCW – now known as OEH) at Coffs Harbour (April 2008) prior to the implementation of the project to ensure that the key outcomes were consistent with existing CMA priorities and complementary to those of the NRBMP.

In order to involve stakeholders in the project we engaged the three Weed Advisory Committees (WAC) in the region. Presentations on the project were given at the Northern Inland WAC and Mid‑North Coast WAC meetings and the North Coast Weeds Forum at Nambucca Heads in August 2008.

J3.1.2 nrcMa specific webpages

On the main project website (www.environment.nsw.gov.au/cmaweeds), specific CMA webpages were established providing stakeholders with information on the NRCMA process including: priority weed information, the site nomination form and instructions, and a project contact (www.environment.nsw.gov.au/cmaweeds/northernrivers.htm).

http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/cmaweeds

http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/cmaweeds/NorthernRivers.htm



J3.2 the process

J3.2.1 Stage 1. Identifying weeds that pose a threat in the nrcMa region

The NRIPAS (Oakwood 2009) had already identified the distribution of weeds within each LGA in the NRCMA region. For the purposes of this project, weeds identified as being:

» widespread – either category D, E or F in one or more local government areas in the NRIPAS and,

» impacting on biodiversity – identified in CRC report on weeds impacting biodiversity (Coutts‑Smith and Downey 2006),

were deemed priority weeds for the region. Priority weeds in agricultural landscapes and weeds that have been recognised as agricultural or rural weeds in other landscapes (as defined in Appendix 3 of Groves et al. 2003), were excluded. Seventy nine widespread weeds were identified as having a high impact on biodiversity, which are the species that make up the final list of priority widespread weeds in the region (Table J1). For landscape specific priority weeds see Appendix J1.

Table J1. Priority widespread weeds impacting on biodiversity in the NRCMA from NRIPAS (Oakwood 2009).

Scientific name (Common name) KTP1 WoNS2 Noxious

NSW3 LGA4

Acetosa sagittata (turkey rhubarb) Y

Ageratina riparia (mistflower) Y* Y

Ailanthus altissima (tree of heaven) Y*

Anredera cordifolia (Madeira vine) Y Y

Araujia sericifera (moth vine) Y

Aristolochia elegans (Dutchmans pipe) Y

Asparagus aethiopicus (ground/basket asparagus)

Y Y

Asparagus asparagoides (bridal creeper) Y Y 5 Y

Asparagus plumosus (climbing asparagus) Y Y

Baccharis halimifolia (groundsel bush) Y* Y

Brugsmania x candida (devils trumpet)

Bryophyllum delagoense (mother‑of‑millions)

Y* Y

Cabomba caroliniana (cabomba) Y 5

Caesalpinia decapetala (mysore thorn) Y Y

Canna indica (canna lily)

Cardiospermum grandiflorum (balloon vine) Y

Chrysanthemoides monilifera subsp. rotundata (bitou bush)

Y Y Y

Cinnamomum camphora (camphor laurel) Y* Y

Colocasia esculenta (taro)

Cotoneaster spp. (cotoneaster) Y*

Crataegus monogyna (hawthorn) Y*

Cytisus scoparius (Scotch broom) Y Y

Delairea odorata (Cape ivy) Y

Egeria densa (dense waterweed) 5



NSW3 LGA4

Eichhornia crassipes (water hyacinth) Y

Elodea canadensis (elodea)

Eragrostis curvula (African lovegrass) Y Y

Erythrina crista‑galli (cockscomb coral) Y*

Euphorbia cyathophora (painted spurge) Y*

Genista monspessulana (Cape broom) Y*

Gleditsia triacanthos (honey locust) Y* Y

Gloriosa superba (glory lily) Y*

Hedera helix (English ivy) Y

Hygrophila costata (glush weed) Y

Hyparrhenia hirta (Coolatai grass) Y

Hypericum perforatum (St Johns wort) Y* Y

Hypoestes phyllostachya (pink polkadot plant)

Ipomoea alba (moonflower) Y

Ipomoea cairica (five leaf morning glory) Y

Ipomoea indica (blue morning glory) Y

Lantana camara (lantana) Y Y 5 Y

Ligustrum lucidum (large‑leaf privet) Y* Y

Ligustrum sinense (small‑leaf privet) Y* Y

Lonicera japonica (Japanese honeysuckle) Y

Ludwigia peruviana (willow primrose)

Lycium ferocissimum (African boxthorn) Y* Y

Macfadyena unguis‑cati (cats claw creeper) Y

Malus domestica (wild fruit trees e.g. apple)

Melinis minutiflora (molasses grass) Y

Myriophyllum aquaticum (parrots feather)

Nassella neesiana (Chilean needle grass) Y Y Y

Nephrolepis cordifolia (fishbone fern)

Nymphaea mexicana (yellow water lily)

Ochna serrulata (Mickey Mouse plant) Y*

Paspalum urvillei (giant paspalum) Y

Paspalum mandiocanum (broad leaf paspalum)

Pinus elliotti (slash pine)

Pinus radiata (radiata pine) Y*

Psidium littorale P. cattleianum (cherry guava)

Y

Pueraria lobata (kudzu) Y Y

Pyracantha sp. (firethorn) Y*

Ricinus communis (castor oil)

Rivinia humilis (coral berry) Y*

Robinia pseudoacacia (black locust) Y*

Rubus fruticosus agg. (blackberry) Y* Y 4



NSW3 LGA4

Sagittaria platyphylla (sagittaria) 5

Salix spp. (willows) Y* Y 5

Schefflera actinophylla (umbrella tree)

Senecio madagascariensis (fireweed) Y

Senna pendula var. glabrata (winter senna) Y*

Solanum seaforthianum (climbing nightshade)

Y

Sporobolus fertilis (giant Parramatta grass) Y Y

Syagrus romanzoffiana (Cocos palm) Y*

Tabebuia chrysotricha (golden trumpet tree)

Tecoma stans (yellow bells) Y

Tradescantia fluminensis (trad/striped trad) Y

Triadica sebifera (Chinese tallow) Y* Y

Watsonia meriana (bulbil watsonia)

KTP1 = Weed listed under a Key Threatening Process in the TSC Act; WoNS2 = Weeds of National Significance (Thorp and Lynch 2000); NSW3 = New South Wales; LGA4 = Local Government Areas.Y = yes, where the species is listed under a KTP, as a WoNS or is listed as noxious in at least one LGA within the region, * = Proposed only (Preliminary Determination under the TSC Act). All listings as at 31 August 2010.Numbers in the table refer to the control class under the NSW Noxious Weeds Act 1993.

J3.2.2 Stage 2. Identifying biodiversity at risk from high priority weeds

As no workshops were held in NRCMA, the biodiversity at risk from high priority weeds was identified via the site nomination process (see J3.2.3 Stage 3) instead. The site nomination form provided information on the specific biodiversity at risk from each of the high priority weeds identified in Stage 1 and this information was used to develop lists detailing the weed threats for each EEC, threatened plant or animal species nominated (Tables J2, J3 and J4).

The list of EECs and vegetation communities is by no means exhaustive, but is likely to represent communities where the priority weeds are having the greatest immediate impact. The lists can also be used to identify knowledge gaps or areas that require further information and can also be updated as new information becomes available through site nominations or further community consultation.

Impact of widespread weeds on EECsThe EEC threatened by the greatest number of high priority weeds was Lowland Rainforest on Floodplain (36 high priority weeds), followed by Sub‑tropical Coastal Floodplain Forest (35 high priority weeds) and Lowland Rainforest in NSW (34 high priority weeds). The weed species posing the greatest threat in terms of number of EECs threatened were Lantana camara (21 EECs) and Rubus fruticosus agg. (12 EECs), followed by Anredera cordifolia, Ipomoea cairica and Solanum seaforthianum (all 11 EECs).

Impact of widespread weeds on threatened plants and animalsFourty‑nine native plants (Table J3) and 23 native animals (Table J4) were identified as being threatened by one or more high priority weeds in the NRCMA. For native plants, Amorphospermum whitei had the highest number of weed threats (20 weed species), followed by Tinospora tinosporoides (16 weed species), Parsonsia dorrigoensis and Tylophora woollsii (both 13 weed species). For native animal species, the glossy black cockatoo had the greatest number of high priority weed threats (13 weeds), followed by the spotted‑tail quoll (8 weeds), rufous bettongs and the yellow‑bellied glider (both 6 weeds).


For the NRCMA region, the NSW bitou bush threat abatement plan (DEC 2006) and the national Plan to protect environmental assets from lantana (National Lantana Management Group 2010) also list the biodiversity at risk from bitou bush (Chrysanthemoides monilifera subsp. rotundata) and lantana (Lantana camara) (see www.environment.nsw.gov.au/bitoutaP/biodiversityatrisk.htm and www.environment.nsw.gov.au/lantanaplan/biodiversityatrisk.htm).

J3.2.3 Stage 3. Selecting and prioritising sites for control

Site nomination processSite nominations were sought where high priority weeds were impacting biodiversity using a site nomination process. Site nomination forms and instructions (see Appendix 3 of the statewide framework) were emailed to key stakeholders, and placed on the NRCMA project website to enable access to others. In order to capture high priority biodiversity sites on private lands, site nomination forms were also sent to all landholders with voluntary conservation agreements (VCA) and wildlife refuges with the NPWS in the NRCMA along with a letter outlining the aims of the project (Appendix J2) and a list of priority weeds in the region as identified in Stage 1. In addition, during 2009–10 NPWS undertook a comprehensive survey of sites on NPWS estate.

Categories for controlThe 603 sites nominated to date (as at 31 August 2010) for the NRCMA region were separated into six categories using the ranking process outlined in Appendix 4 of the statewide framework. The ranking of sites provides strategic direction for on‑ground works by identifying areas where weed control programs will have positive benefits for biodiversity.

This process resulted in 228 sites in control category 1 (Table J5). Category 1 represents the highest priority for action. Within category 1, sites were ordered based on the number of biological entities (e.g. threatened species, populations or ecological communities) present at the site to allow prioritisation within this category. Nominated sites were deemed invalid for ranking if three or more of the required fields contained insufficient information.

J3.2.4 review and additional site nominations

A draft of this report was provided to NRCMA for comment and review on 10 July 2009. The draft report contained information on Stages 1 and 2, as well as the list of site nominations received before 31 December 2008. Summary information from site nominations was provided in the draft report to highlight any important assets or tenures that may have been missed in the initial site nomination process. In addition, site nominations received for NPWS estate were provided to the NPWS regions for comment and review. As this framework is applicable to all widespread weeds impacting on biodiversity, sites in New South Wales that were previously included in the Bitou TAP (DEC 2006) and national lantana plan (National Lantana Management Group 2010) were incorporated into this project.

Further site nominations were then sought and any nominations received from 2009 to August 2010 were included and then ranked. However, the site nomination process is ongoing and should be used by NRCMA to identify additional regional priorities for weed control that are not already captured in this report. The complete list of priority sites for control will therefore be only held electronically and updated by the CMA.

http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/�bitouTAP/biodiversityatrisk.htm

http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/lantanaplan/�biodiversityatrisk.htm


Table J2. Communities under threat from high priority weeds in the NRCMA region as determined by stages 1 and 2.

Priority widespread weed Endangered Ecological Community Vegetation Community

Scientific name (Common name)

Byr

on

Bay

Dw

arf

Gra

min

oid

C

lay

Hea

th

Co

asta

l Sal

tmar

sh

Fre

shw

ater

Wet

lan

ds

on

C

oas

tal F

loo

dp

lain

s

Lit

tori

al R

ain

fore

st

Lo

wla

nd

Rai

nfo

rest

in N

SW

Lo

wla

nd

Rai

nfo

rest

on

F

loo

dp

lain

Mo

nta

ne

Pea

tlan

ds

and

S

wam

ps

New

En

gla

nd

Pep

per

min

t W

oo

dla

nd

Rib

bo

n G

um

; Mo

un

tain

Gu

m;

Sn

ow

Gu

m G

rass

y W

oo

dla

nd

Sal

lyw

oo

d S

wam

p F

ore

st o

n

Lo

rd H

ow

e Is

lan

d

Su

b‑t

rop

ical

Co

asta

l Flo

od

pla

in

Fo

rest

Sw

amp

Oak

Flo

od

pla

in F

ore

st

Sw

amp

Scl

ero

ph

yll F

ore

st o

n

Co

asta

l Flo

od

pla

ins

Th

emed

a G

rass

lan

d o

n S

eacl

iffs

an

d C

oas

tal H

ead

lan

ds

Up

lan

d W

etla

nd

s o

f th

e N

ew

En

gla

nd

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s

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w B

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m W

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t F

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n V

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um

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ity

Acetosa sagittata (turkey rhubarb)

Anredera cordifolia (Madeira vine)

Araujia sericifera (moth vine)

Ageratina riparia (mistflower)

Aristolochia elegans (Dutchmans pipe)

Asparagus aethiopicus (ground asparagus)

Asparagus plumosus (climbing asparagus)

Baccharis halimifolia (groundsel bush)

Bryophyllum spp. (mother of millions)


Cardiospermum grandiflorum (balloon vine)

Caesalpinia decapetala (mysore thorn)


Cinnamomum camphora (camphor laurel)

Delairea odorata (Cape ivy)

Eragrostis curvula (African lovegrass)

Erythrina crista‑galli (cockscomb coral)

Euphorbia cyathophora (painted spurge)

Gleditsia triacanthos (honey locust)

Gloriosa superba (glory lily)

Hyparrhenia hirta (Coolatai grass)

Ipomoea alba (moonflower)

Ipomoea cairica (five leaf morning glory)

Ipomoea indica (blue morning glory)

Lantana camara (lantana)

Lycium ferocissimum (African boxthorn)

Ligustrum lucidum (large‑leaf privet)

Ligustrum sinense (small‑leaf privet)

Lonicera japonica (Japanese honeysuckle)

Macfadyena unguis‑cati (cats claw creeper)

Malus domestica (wild fruit trees)

Melinis minutiflora (molasses grass)


Ochna serrulata (Mickey Mouse plant)

Paspalum urvillei (giant paspalum)

14 | Biodiversity priorities for widespread weeds Part J: Northern Rivers CMA region | 15

Table J2. Communities under threat from high priority weeds in the NRCMA region as determined by stages 1 and 2.



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on

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per

min

t W

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bo

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tain

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m;

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ow

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n

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ow

e Is

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d

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b‑t

rop

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Acetosa sagittata (turkey rhubarb)



Ageratina riparia (mistflower)

Aristolochia elegans (Dutchmans pipe)

Asparagus aethiopicus (ground asparagus)

Asparagus plumosus (climbing asparagus)

Baccharis halimifolia (groundsel bush)

Bryophyllum spp. (mother of millions)







Eragrostis curvula (African lovegrass)

Erythrina crista‑galli (cockscomb coral)

Euphorbia cyathophora (painted spurge)













Malus domestica (wild fruit trees)








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Pyracantha spp. (firethorn)


Rivinia humilis (coral berry)

Robinia pseudoacacia (black locust)

Rubus fruticosus agg. (blackberry)

Salix spp. (willows)


Senecio madagascariensis (fireweed)

Senna pendula var. glabrata (winter senna)


Sporobolus fertilis (giant Parramatta grass)

Syagrus romanzoffiana (Cocos palm)

Tecoma stans (yellow bells)

Tradescantia fluminensis (trad/striped trad)

16 | Biodiversity priorities for widespread weeds Part J: Northern Rivers CMA region | 17



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on

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st

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s

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w B

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m W

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nd

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m M

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t F

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st

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tle

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rest

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ng

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h

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st

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t F

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st

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ne

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lex

Hea

thla

nd

Red

gu

m F

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lain

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ph

yll F

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st

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rest

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on

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um

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ity



Pyracantha spp. (firethorn)














Table J3. Threatened flora species and populations under threat from priority widespread weeds in the NRCMA region.

Native flora impacted Weed threat

Scientific name (Common name) Scientific name (Common name)

Acalypha eremorum (acalypha) Lantana camara (lantana)


Acronychia littoralis (scented acronychia) Araujia sericifera (moth vine)














Alexfloydia repens (Floyd's grass) Anredera cordifolia (Madeira vine)












Alphitonia excelsa (red ash) Cinnamomum camphora (camphor laurel)






Amorphospermum whitei (rusty plum) Ageratina riparia (mistflower)




















Austrobuxus swainii (pink cherry, hairybark) Lantana camara (lantana)







Babingtonia prominens (nymboida babingtonia) Ageratina riparia (mistflower)






Malus domestica (wild fruit trees, e.g. apple)






Boronia hapalophylla (Shannon Creek boronia) Araujia sericifera (moth vine)



Ceratopetalum apetalum (coachwood) Cinnamomum camphora (camphor laurel)






Chamaesyce psammogeton (sand spurge) Asparagus aethiopicus (ground/basket asparagus)









Chiloglottis anaticeps (bird orchid) Rubus fruticosus agg. (blackberry)

Eucalyptus camaldulensis (river red gum) Aristolochia elegans (Dutchmans pipe)





Eucalyptus grandis (flooded gum) Ligustrum lucidum (large‑leaf privet)


Eucalyptus magnificata (Northern blue box) Rubus fruticosus agg. (blackberry)




Ficus superba (deciduous fig) Cinnamomum camphora (camphor laurel)






Floydia praealta (ball nut) Anredera cordifolia (Madeira vine)









Glycine clandestina population (Nambucca glycine population)



Gentiana wissmannii (New England gentian) Rubus fruticosus agg. (blackberry)

Grevillea beadleana (Beadle's grevillea) Rubus fruticosus agg. (blackberry)

Grevillea quadricauda (four‑tailed grevillea) Lantana camara (lantana)


Hicksbeachia pinnatifolia (red boppel nut) Ageratina riparia (mistflower)




Jagera pseudorhus (foam bark tree) Cinnamomum camphora (camphor laurel)






Kennedia retrorsa Lantana camara (lantana)









Macrozamia johnsonii (Johnson’s cycad) Lantana camara (lantana)






Marsdenia longiloba (clear likvine, slender marsdenia) Ageratina riparia (mistflower)











Melaleuca groveana (Grove's paperbark) Ageratina riparia (mistflower)












Melaleuca irbyana (weeping paperbark) Lantana camara (lantana)

Olearia flocktoniae (Dorrigo daisy‑bush) Ligustrum sinense (small‑leaf privet)


Owenia cepiodora (onion cedar) Anredera cordifolia (Madeira vine)












Parsonsia dorrigoensis (milky silkpod) Ageratina riparia (mistflower)













Phyllanthus microcladus (brush sauropus) Lantana camara (lantana)


Pseudoweinmannia lachnocarpa (rose marara) Cinnamomum camphora (camphor laurel)






Pterostylis metcalfei (Metcalfe's greenhood) Rubus fruticosus agg. (blackberry)

Pultenaea maritima (coast headland pea) Acetosa sagittata (turkey rhubarb)

Asparagus aethiopicus (ground/basket asparagus)

Chrysanthemoides monilifera subsp. rotundata

(bitou bush)






Rutidosis heterogama (heath wrinklewort) Chrysanthemoides monilifera subsp. rotundata (bitou bush)







Senna acclinis (rainforest cassia) Ageratina riparia (mistflower)












Styphelia perileuca (montane green five‑corners) Rubus fruticosus agg. (blackberry)

Syzygium hodgkinsoniae (red lilly pilly) Anredera cordifolia (Madeira vine)









Tasmannia glaucifolia (fragrant pepperbush) Rubus fruticosus agg. (blackberry)

Thesium australe (austral toadflax) Asparagus aethiopicus (ground/basket asparagus)












Tinospora smilacina (tinospora vine) Lantana camara (lantana)






Tinospora tinosporoides (arrow‑head vine) Anredera cordifolia (Madeira vine)
















Toona ciliata (red cedar) Cinnamomum camphora (camphor laurel)







Triplarina imbricata (creek triplarina) Araujia sericeifera (moth vine)





Ligustrum sinense (small leaf privet)







Tradecantia fluminensis (trad, striped trad)

Tylophora woollsii (cryptic forest twiner) Lantana camara (lantana)







Waterhousea floribunda (weeping myrtle) Cinnamomum camphora (camphor laurel)






Zieria floydii (Floyd's zieria) Rubus fruticosus agg. (blackberry)

Zieria prostrata (headland zieria) Asparagus aethiopicus (ground/basket asparagus)







Zieria smithii population Chrysanthemoides monilifera subsp. rotundata

(bitou bush)











Table J4. Threatened fauna species and populations under threat from priority widespread weeds in the NRCMA region.

Native fauna impacted Weed threat

Common Name (Scientific name) Scientific name (Common Name)

Australasian bittern (Botaurus poiciloptilus) Gleditsia triacanthos (honey locust)





brush‑tailed phascogale (Phascogale tapoatafa) Cinnamomum camphora (camphor laurel)







brush‑tailed rock wallaby (Petrogale penicillata) Gleditsia triacanthos (honey locust)





eastern bentwing‑bat (Miniopterus schreibersii oceanensis)



emu population (north coast) (Dromaius novaehollandiae population)






giant barred frog (Mixophyes iteratus) Araujia sericifera (moth vine)



glossy black‑cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus lathami) Ageratina riparia (mistflower)








Pueraria lobata (kudzu)




green and golden bell frog (Litoria aurea) Chrysanthemoides monilifera subsp. rotundata (bitou bush)





grey‑headed flying‑fox (Pteropus poliocephalus) Hyparrhenia hirta (Coolatai grass)


Hastings river mouse (Pseudomys oralis) Hyparrhenia hirta (Coolatai grass)


koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) Ageratina riparia (mistflower)








masked owl (Tyto novaehollandiae) Gleditsia triacanthos (honey locust)





olongburra frog (Litoria olongburensis) Chrysanthemoides monilifera subsp. rotundata (bitou bush)





powerful owl (Ninox strenua) Hyparrhenia hirta (Coolatai grass)



red backed button quails (Calyptorhynchus banksii) Hyparrhenia hirta (Coolatai grass)


rufous bettongs (Aepyprymnus rufescens) Anredera cordifolia (Madiera vine)






sooty owl (Tyto tenebricosa) Hyparrhenia hirta (Coolatai grass)



spotted‑tail quoll (Dasyurus maculatus) Hyparrhenia hirta (Coolatai grass)



Pueraria lobata (kudzu)





squirrel glider (Petaurus norfolcensis) Cinnamomum camphora (camphor laurel)




Stephens banded snake (Hoplocephalus stephensii) Hyparrhenia hirta (Coolatai grass)





wallum froglet (Crinia tinnula) Chrysanthemoides monilifera subsp. rotundata (bitou bush)





wompoo fruit‑dove (Ptilinopus magnificus) Lantana camara (lantana)

yellow‑bellied glider (Petaurus australis) Cinnamomum camphora (camphor laurel)






Table J5. The number of sites in each of the six categories.

Categories

1* 2 3 4 5 6 Not valid^ Total

Number of sites 228 111 82 98 59 11 14 603

*Category 1 represents the highest priority for action – see Appendix 4 of the statewide framework for further information.^ insufficient information was provided to reliably allocate these sites to a category.


J4. SuMMary for nortHern rIverS cMa

The approach followed here to identify priorities for widespread weed management for biodiversity conservation has been endorsed by the NSW Natural Resources and Environment CEO Cluster Group. This site‑led approach is across all land tenures. Thus, where possible, government agencies and public land managers should use the priorities established here to help guide investment in widespread weed management.

Priority is directed to areas where the outcomes of weed control will have the greatest biodiversity benefit (in terms of the biological assets at risk) and thus enable the delivery of a number of key objectives in New South Wales. Greatest benefit will be achieved when the outputs of this project are embraced by multiple natural resource managers at a landscape scale. Whilst the regional priorities were developed specifically to guide future investment by CMAs, ideally the site ranking will be adopted by all environmental managers to strategically direct resources to manage widespread weeds across all land tenures. Control programs should be undertaken in a coordinated manner by CMAs as well as by state and local authorities with jurisdiction in the region.

Control programs at priority sites will need to be complementary to existing control programs that have primary objectives other than reduction of current weed impacts, e.g. noxious weed control, erosion management or strategic prevention programs to avoid future impacts.

J4.1 Meeting the nrc target for invasive species

Undertaking weed control programs at the high priority sites identified here will help to deliver on the third indicator of the NRC target for invasive species, ‘success of control programs for widespread weeds’.

The list of priority sites, weed species and biodiversity outlined here for the NRCMA region can also be used to meet a range of CMA priorities. This project directly addresses the NRCMA CAP targets as outlined in Section J2.1, as it supports management of widespread weeds for biodiversity conservation. Following an implementation option outlined in Section 4 of the statewide framework will result in a number of specific outcomes for NRCMA. However, how the list of sites is used to guide investment will depend on the number of sites in each control category, the funding available, previous commitment to high priority sites and the specifics of individual CMA CAP actions (both for weeds and biodiversity conservation).

J4.2 Biodiversity conservation and widespread weed management

The list of priority sites provides strategic direction for on‑ground works by identifying areas where weed control programs will have positive benefits for biodiversity. Identifying the specific native species and ecological communities at risk from weeds at the site will ensure that control and monitoring programs are tailored towards their recovery, helping to ensure conservation outcomes.

Identification of the native species and ecological communities negatively impacted by high priority weeds, and site specific information on their location and condition in the NRCMA region, will improve tools like regional pest strategies, the PAS database and recovery plans for threatened species under the TSC Act. Currently many of the weed control actions for threatened species and ecological communities are quite general. Information obtained via this project will improve the usefulness of general weed control actions in the PAS by providing detail on the weed species having an impact and sites where control is required. It also highlights weed impacts and site locations for EECs, threatened plant species and threatened fauna species not currently captured in the PAS.


Detailed monitoring that specifically assesses the potential reduction in impact of widespread weeds in the NRCMA region is also required. Monitoring programs need to measure (i) reductions in weed presence, and (ii) response of native species and communities, following control (see Section 3.1.6 of the statewide framework).

J4.3 capability for interrogation and review

The priorities identified in this report are not static. They do not represent a comprehensive ground‑based assessment of the entire NRCMA region. As conditions or management requirements change at existing sites, and as information on new sites becomes available, they can be included in the Northern Rivers site spreadsheet for subsequent re‑ranking at a future point (either formally or informally). Also, by combining the sites with other spatial data for biodiversity conservation, greater integration between weed management for biodiversity conservation can be achieved.

The draft report for NRCMA contained site nominations received before December 2008. Any site nominations received during 2009 to 31 August 2010 were included and ranked in this final report. Any additional site nominations or changes to existing nominations should be provided to the relevant contact within NRCMA for inclusion in the site spreadsheet and sites should subsequently be re‑ranked by NRCMA.

The list of priority sites will be kept by the CMA in electronic form to ensure that the lists are updated or revised when necessary. This is important given the continuing nature of the site nomination process, data collection and monitoring.


J5. referenceS

Coutts‑Smith, AJ and Downey, PO 2006. Impact of Weeds on Threatened Biodiversity in NSW. Technical Series 11. CRC for Australian Weed Management, Adelaide.

DEC 2006. NSW Threat Abatement Plan – Invasion of native plant communities by Chrysanthemoides monilifera (bitou bush and boneseed). Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW), Hurstville, www.environment.nsw.gov.au/bitoutap/.

Groves, RH, Hosking, JR, Batianoff, GN, Cooke, DA, Cowie, ID, Johnson, RW, Keighery, GJ, Lepschi, BJ, Mitchell, AA, Moerkerk, M, Randall, RP, Rozefelds, AC, Walsh, NG and Waterhouse, BM 2003. Weed Categories for Natural and Agricultural Ecosystem Management. Bureau of Rural Sciences, Canberra.

Hughes, NK, Burley, AL, King, SA and Downey, PO 2009. Monitoring Manual for Bitou Bush Control and Native Plant Recovery. Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water, Sydney, NSW, www.environment.nsw.gov.au/bitoutaP/monitoring.htm.

National Lantana Management Group 2010. Plan to protect environmental assets from lantana. Biosecurity Queensland, Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation, Yeerongpilly, Queensland.

NRC 2005. Recommendations, State‑wide standard and targets. Natural Resources Commission, Sydney, www.nrc.nsw.gov.au/content/documents/Standard%20and%20targets%20‑%20the%20Standard%20and%20targets.pdf.

NRCMA 2005. Northern Rivers Catchment Action Plan. Northern Rivers Catchment Management Authority, Grafton.

Oakwood, M 2009. Northern Rivers Invasive Plants Action Strategy. Northern Rivers Catchment Management Authority, Grafton.

Randall, R 2000. 'Which are my worst weeds?' A simple ranking system for prioritising weeds. Plant Protection Quarterly 15:109–115.

Thorp, JR and Lynch, R 2000. The Determination of Weeds of National Significance. National Weeds Strategy Executive Committee, Launceston.


J6. aPPendIceS

Appendix J1: Priority widespread weeds impacting on biodiversity for each of the six landscapes in the NRCMA region

Appendix J2: Template of letter sent to private landholders with voluntary conservation agreements or wildlife refuges on their properties


aPPendIx J1. PrIorIty WIdeSPread WeedS IMPactIng on BIodIverSIty for eacH of tHe SIx landScaPeS In tHe nrcMa regIon


Aquatic landscapes (Lowland) Forest landscapes (contd)

Cabomba caroliniana (cabomba) Lonicera japonica (Japanese honeysuckle)

Colocasia esculenta (taro) Ligustrum sinensis (small‑leaf privet)

Egeria densa (dense waterweed) Macfadyena unguis‑cati (cats claw creeper)

Eichhornia crassipes (water hyacinth) Pinus elliotti (slash pine)

Elodea canadensis (elodea) Pinus radiata (radiata pine)

Hygrophila costata (glush weed) Pueraria lobata (kudzu)

Ludwigia peruviana (willow primrose) Schefflera actinophylla (umbrella tree)

Myriophyllum aquaticum (parrots feather) Solanum seaforthianum (climbing nightshade)

Nymphaea mexicana (yellow water lily) Tradescantia fluminensis (trad/striped trad)

Sagittaria platyphylla (sagittaria) Watsonia meriana (bulbil watsonia)

Coastal landscapes (Lowland) Riparian landscapes

Acetosa sagittata (turkey rhubarb) Ageratina riparia (mistflower)

Asparagus aethiopicus (ground asparagus) Anredera cordifolia (Madeira vine)

Asparagus plumosus (climbing asparagus) Araujia sericifera (moth vine)

Baccharis halimifolia (groundsel bush) Aristolochia elegans (Dutchmans pipe)

Bryophyllum delagoense (mother‑of‑millions) Brugsmania x candida (devils trumpet)

Chrysanthemoides monilifera subsp. rotundata (bitou bush) Caesalpinia decapetala (mysore thorn)

Euphorbia cyathophora (painted spurge) Cardiospermum grandiflorum (balloon vine)

Gloriosa superba (glory lily) Cinnamomum camphora (camphor laurel)

Ipomoea cairica (five leaf morning glory) Erythrina crista‑galli (cockscomb coral)

Lantana camara (lantana) Ipomoea alba (moonflower)

Melinis minutiflora (molasses grass) Ipomoea cairica (five leaf morning glory)

Ochna serrulata (Mickey Mouse plant) Ipomoea indica (blue morning glory)

Paspalum urvillei (giant paspalum) Lantana camara (lantana)

Paspalum mandiocanum (broad leaf paspalum) Ligustrum lucidum (large‑leaf privet)

Psidium littorale P. cattleianum (cherry guava) Ligustrum sinense (small‑leaf privet)

Schefflera actiniphylla (umbrella tree) Macfadyena unguis‑cati (cats claw creeper)

Senna pendula var. glabrata (winter senna) Pueraria lobata (kudzu)

(Lowland) Forest landscapes Ricinus communis (castor oil)

Anredera cordifolia (Madeira vine) Rivinia humilis (coral berry)

Araujia sericifera (moth vine) Robinia pseudoacacia (black locust)

Asparagus aethiopicus (ground/basket asparagus) Salix spp. (willows)

Asparagus asparagoides (bridal creeper) Tradescantia fluminensis (trad/striped trad)

Asparagus plumosus (climbing asparagus) Tablelands landscapes

Caesalpinia decapetala (mysore thorn) Ailanthus altissima (tree of heaven)

Cinnamomum camphora (camphor laurel) Cotoneaster spp. (cotoneaster)

Delairea odorata (Cape ivy) Crataegus monogyna (hawthorn)

Lantana camara (lantana) Cytisus scoparius (Scotch broom)

Ligustrum lucidum (large‑leaf privet) Eragrostis curvula (African lovegrass)



Tablelands landscapes (contd) Urban landscapes

Pyracantha angustifolia and P. crenulata (firethorn) Asparagus aethiopicus (ground asparagus fern)

Hedera helix (English ivy) Bryophyllum spp. (mother of millions)

Genista monspessulana (Cape broom) Canna indica (canna lily)

Gleditsia triacanthos (honey locust) Cinnamomum camphora (camphor laurel)

Hyparrhenia hirta (Coolatai grass) Cotoneaster (cotoneaster)

Hypericum perforatum (St Johns wort) Erythrina crista‑galli (cockspur coral tree)

Ligustrum lucidum (large‑leaf privet) Hypoestes phyllostachya (pink polkadot plant)

Ligustrum sinense (small‑leaf privet) Ligustrum lucidum (large‑leaf privet)

Lycium ferocissimum (African boxthorn) Ligustrum sinense (small‑leaf privet)

Malus domestica (wild fruit trees e.g. apple) Nephrolepis cordifolia (fishbone fern)

Nassella neesiana (Chilean needle grass) Ochna serrulata (Mickey Mouse plant)

Rubus fruticosus agg. (blackberry) Pinus elliottii (slash pine)

Salix spp. (willows) Pyracantha (firethorn)

Senecio madagascariensis (fireweed) Schefflera actinophylla (umbrella tree)

Sporobolus fertilis (giant Parramatta grass) Syagrus romanzoffiana (Cocos palm)

Tabebuia chrysotricha (golden trumpet tree)


Triadica sebifera (Chinese tallow)


Appendix J2. TemplATe of leTTer senT To privATe lAndholders wiTh volunTAry conservATion AgreemenTs or wildlife refuges on Their properTies

Date

Address

Dear

Did you know that weeds are one of the biggest threats to our native plants and animals in Australia?

Our colleagues in the Pest Management Unit are currently running a project to identify priority sites where priority widespread weeds are threatening biodiversity across all land tenures. Using information collected recently during the development of the Northern Rivers Invasive Plants Action Strategy, a list of high priority widespread weeds impacting on biodiversity within the Northern Rivers catchment has been compiled (see overleaf).

The project is now identifying the location of these priority weeds within the catchment. This information will be collated into a database and will help direct investment in weed control for biodiversity conservation. Funding for weed control at priority sites may become available through the project.

Being landholders with biodiversity of high conservation value, you are invited to take part in the project. If one or more of the weeds listed below are threatening biodiversity on your land you are eligible to nominate a site, or a number of sites on your property and potentially receive funding for weed control.

All you need to do is complete the attached site nomination form and return it by Friday 28 November. Information from site nominations, as well as existing biodiversity knowledge within the region, will be used to rank sites for weed control funding. If you wish to be considered for the weed control aspect of the project and the funding assistance, please indicate if, as a landholder in the Conservation Partners Program, you have previously received funding for weed control on your property and details of the scope of the work undertaken.

Please follow the instructions attached to the form and complete and return the data use agreement. If you have any questions about how to nominate a site or fill in the form, wish to receive an electronic copy of the forms to complete or require more information, contact the project officer on 9585 6837 or [email protected].

Please complete the form to the best of your knowledge. If you are unsure of how to address any of the fields then indicate ‘Further Information Required’.

You can also find out more about the project by visiting:

www.environment.nsw.gov.au/cmaweeds/northernrivers.htm

Yours sincerely

Sally Ash

Conservation Partners Program Coordinator

Parks and Wildlife Group


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Catchment Management Authority RegionsPart A | Border Rivers–Gwydir

Part B | Central West

Part C | Hawkesbury–Nepean

Part D | Hunter–Central Rivers

Part E | Lachlan

Part F | Lower Murray Darling

Part G | Murray

Part H | Murrumbidgee

Part I | Namoi

Part J | Northern Rivers

Part K | Southern Rivers

Part L | Sydney Metropolitan

Part M | Western

Documents

biodiversity priorities for widespread weeds Northern ...archive.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/... · CMA region Part J NSW Catchment ... Biodiversity priorities for