biodiversity priorities for widespread weeds Hunter ... · Part D Hunter–Central Rivers CMA region ... D3.1.2 HCRCMA specific webpages 9 ... This section summarises the strategies,

NSW Catchment Management AuthoritiesNSW National Parks & Wildlife Service

Australian Government

Part D

Hunter–Central 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


Hunter–Central Rivers CMA region

Part D

NSW Department of Primary IndustriesOffice of Environment & Heritage

NSW Catchment Management Authorities

NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service

Australian Government

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 090 8

Part D: Hunter–Central Rivers CMA region | 3

D1. Introduction 5

D2. Regional context 6

D2.1 Catchment Action Plan 6

D2.2 Hunter and Central Coast Regional Weed Strategy

6

D2.3 Mid North Coast Weeds Advisory Committee Regional Weeds Strategy

7

D2.4 Regional weed advisory committees and management plans

7

D2.5 OEH regional pest management strategies

7

D2.6 Priorities Action Statement 8

D3. Regional Outputs 9

D3.1 Methodology used to develop the priorities

9

D3.1.1 Workshops in HCRCMA 9

D3.1.2 HCRCMA specific webpages 9

D3.2 The process 9

D3.2.1 Stage 1. Identifying weeds that pose a threat in the HCRCMA region

9

D3.2.2 Stage 2. Identifying biodiversity at risk from high priority weeds

12

D3.2.3 Stage 3. Selecting and prioritising sites for control

12

D3.2.4 Review and additional site nominations

13

D4. Summary for Hunter–Central Rivers CMA

20

D4.1 Meeting the NRC target for invasive species

20

D4.2 Biodiversity conservation and widespread weed management

20

D4.3 Capability for interrogation and review

21

D5. References 22

D6. Appendices 23

Appendix D1. Current actions in the Priorities Action Statement relating to weed management in the Hunter–Central Rivers CMA region

24

Appendix D2. Attendees at HCRCMA weed impacts to biodiversity workshops

27

Appendix D3. All weeds considered at workshops in the HCRCMA region, their distribution and their relative impact on biodiversity

29

Appendix D4. Template of letter sent to private landholders with voluntary conservation agreements or wildlife refuges on their properties

36

4 | Biodiversity priorities for widespread weeds


D1. 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 Hunter–Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority (HCRCMA) 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, documents 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 D) establishes regional priorities, in the form of priority widespread weeds and priority sites for control, in the HCRCMA region.

The HCRCMA region covers 37,000 square kilometres on the east coast of New South Wales from Taree in the north, to Gosford in the south and Great Dividing Range in the west (HCRCMA 2009a). The region’s natural landscapes range from estuarine lakes and mangroves, coastal sands and rich alluvial floodplains to the forests and the dissected sandstone of the Great Dividing Range (HCRCMA 2009a). The region is home to nearly one million people and hosts a range of land uses including coal mining, quarrying, power generation, heavy industry, urban development, tourism and recreation, forestry, aquaculture and a wide range of agricultural industries (HCRCMA 2007). Despite this, the region remains the home of diverse native fauna and flora, with nationally significant biodiversity.

Invasive plants and animals are recognised as a key threat to biodiversity in the HCR Catchment Action Plan (CAP) (HCRCMA 2007). 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 96 weed species were threatening biodiversity, including 68 threatened plant and animal species in the HCRCMA region (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 HCRCMA 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 information will enable all stakeholders in the HCRCMA 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 HCRCMA to measure progress towards relevant targets, including the Natural Resource Commission (NRC) target for invasive species (NRC 2005) and Catchment Action Plan (CAP) targets.


D2. regIonal context

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

D2.1 catchment action Plan

Under the NSW 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 coordinated plan for natural resource work in the region over a 10-year period. The HCRCMA CAP outlines five broad resource condition targets for (i) biodiversity, (ii) aquatic health, (iii) soils, (iv) estuarine health and (v) marine health. A series of management targets for each resource condition target illustrate how the CMA will invest in natural resource management (HCRCMA 2007).

By identifying and prioritising biodiversity at risk from weeds in the HCRCMA region, as well as identifying priority sites for control, this project will help HCRCMA address three key management targets in their CAP (HCRCMA 2007). The three management targets in the CAP that relate specifically or indirectly to weed management include:

Resource Condition Target for Biodiversity: Aim: By 2016 improve or maintain the biodiversity of the Hunter–Central Rivers region.

» Treat weeds: By 2016 treat 2,400 ha of weed affected lands.

» Threatened species work: By 2016 implement priority recovery actions on 800 ha.

» Protect native vegetation: By 2016 protect an additional 31,000 ha of native vegetation.

D2.2 Hunter and central coast regional Weed Strategy

The Hunter and Central Coast Regional Weed Strategy (HCCREMS 2010) was developed by the Hunter and Central Coast Regional Environment Management Strategy (HCCREMS) team, a collaborative program supported by the 14 regional councils, with the input of regional stakeholders including the Regional Weed Management Professional Team (which comprises representatives from the Lower Hunter and Central Coast Councils and the Upper Hunter Weeds Authority), NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI), and the HCRCMA (HCCREMS 2010).

The Hunter and Central Coast Regional Weeds Strategy identifies five key objectives:

1. Ensure effective weed management coordination and collaboration across land management responsibilities and land tenures to reduce the impact of weeds in the region

2. Identify and prioritise knowledge gaps to improve effective management and scientific understanding of weed issues in the region

3. Strategically increase the awareness and capacity of community and stakeholders to undertake effective and coordinated weed management initiatives across the region

4. Implement early detection and treatment strategies for new weed incursions; Implement works program to address high priority landscapes and high priority natural assets on natural assets throughout the region

5. Improve and standardise data capture techniques, monitoring, reporting and evaluation processes.


During the draft stage of the strategy, 20 weeds of regional significance (WoRS) were identified (HCCWMC Draft 2005) based on the following six criteria: (i) threat to biodiversity, (ii) water quality, (iii) public and animal health, (iv) an economic burden, (v) of limited distribution and (vi) ease of control. Species listed in the draft Hunter and Central Coast Regional Weeds Management Strategy were considered, discussed and used to develop a list of priority widespread weeds as part of this project (see D3.2, Stage 1). These WoRS were revised in 2006 to acknowledge changes in priorities (HCCREMS 2010), and the criteria ‘Level of invasiveness (ease of dispersal and methods)’ incorporated.

D2.3 Mid north coast Weeds advisory committee regional Weeds Strategy

The Mid North Coast Weeds Advisory Committee Regional Weeds Strategy (MNCWAC 2008) 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 Northern Rivers and Hunter–Central Rivers CMAs (Kempsey, Port Macquarie Hastings, Greater Taree, Gloucester and Great Lakes Local Government Areas (LGAs)).

Randall’s ranking process (Randall 2000) was used to prioritise weeds within five landscapes ((i) coastal, riparian, (ii) agricultural, (iii) forests, (iv) urban and (v) 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. Information from the Mid North Coast Weeds Advisory Committee Regional Weeds Strategy on weed distributions was used to develop a list of priority widespread weeds as part of this project (see D3.2, Stage 1).

D2.4 regional weed advisory committees and 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 DPI, regional councils and public land managers (e.g. National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS)).

Regional weed management plans are developed by regional weeds advisory committees and target specific weed species for control within a defined area of operation. 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 Mid North Coast Weed Coordination Committee and the Hunter and Central Coast Weed Advisory Committee are responsible for coordinating a number of regional management plans in the HCRCMA region. Current plans include: alligator weed (Alternanthera philoxeroides), water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), salvinia (Salvinia molesta), mother of millions (Bryophyllum delagoense) and giant Parramatta grass (Sporobolus fertilis). In some instances, individual councils have local plans for various species, for example Chinese violet (Asystasia gangetica subsp. micrantha) in Port Stephens LGA.

D2.5 office of environment & Heritage (oeH) regional pest management strategies

Within the HCRCMA 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 the strategies is not due until 2011.


As the NPWS regional boundaries do not align with those of the CMA regions, there are five strategies relevant to the HCRCMA region: (i) the Hunter, (ii) Central Coast-Hunter Ranges, (iii) Blue Mountains, (iv) Northern Tablelands and (v) Mid-North Coast 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).

D2.6 Priorities action Statement

In accordance with the TSC Act, the Priorities Action Statement (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 49 actions in the PAS relevant to weed management in the HCRCMA region (Appendix D1). Of these, 33 actions are either associated with implementation of the NSW bitou bush threat abatement plan (TAP) (DEC 2006) or are generic, recommending targeted bush regeneration or general weed management. Only 14 of the actions direct weed control programs to specific weeds and/or sites.

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.


D3. regIonal outPutS

D3.1 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 Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (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 HCRCMA 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.

D3.1.1 Workshops in HcrcMa

Three workshops were held in the HCRCMA region at Taree, Singleton and Wyong on the 26, 27 and 28 November 2007 respectively. Ninety nine individuals from 15 councils, 5 government agencies, 6 community groups and 3 private organisations were invited to attend. Representatives from 9 Councils, OEH (formerly DECCW), HCRCMA, Mid North Coast Weeds Advisory Committee, Conservation Volunteers Australia, Wetland Care Australia, NSW DPI, Hunter Land Management (private consultant), and the Community Environment Network attended the workshops. See Appendix D2 for a full list of attendees.

D3.1.2 HcrcMa specific webpages

On the main project website (www.environment.nsw.gov.au/cmaweeds), specific CMA webpages were established to provide stakeholders with information on the process in the HCRCMA region including: workshop details, outcomes from workshops, the site nomination form and instructions, and a project contact (www.environment.nsw.gov.au/cmaweeds/Huntercentralrivers.htm).

D3.2 the process

D3.2.1 Stage 1. Identifying weeds that pose a threat in the HcrcMa region

A weeds dataset for the HCRCMA regionA list of weeds to consider at the workshops was collated using the resources outlined in Section 3.1.3 of the statewide framework, those listed in section D2, and the following regionally important documents:

» Weeds of the Hunter and Central Coast (HCCWMC 2009)

» Hunter Bushland Resource Kit (HCRCMA 2009b).


Distribution of weeds within the HCRCMA regionThe weeds dataset for the HCRCMA region was presented to workshop participants, who were asked to identify the current distribution of each of the weed species in the region according to the categories outlined in Table D1. The distribution for each weed considered is provided in Appendix D3.

Current impact of widespread weeds on biodiversityWorkshop participants were asked to prioritise the current impact of each widespread weed as Low, Medium or High (Table D2). A total of 37 widespread weeds were identified as having a high impact on biodiversity at two or more of the workshops and constituted a draft list of priority weeds that was distributed to workshop participants and other stakeholders for comment. Stakeholder comments were incorporated in the list, which is presented in Table D3.

Table D1. Definitions of spatial weed distribution categories, as used in stakeholder workshops.

Category Definition

Widespread* Species that are well established in the landscape and are close to reaching their maximum potential distribution in the region.

Localised Species confined to small, local infestations only.

Emerging Species perceived as threatening that have been recorded in the region but only in isolated instances or in small areas. Populations of the weed are expanding rapidly but they have not yet become widely established.

Alert Species that do not currently occur in the region but have the potential to be introduced and would have significant impacts on natural systems if they were to invade.

* Given the large variation in environmental conditions at the CMA regional scale, it is likely that very few weeds will be widespread across the entire area under consideration. For this reason participants were asked to consider the current distribution of the weed in relation to its potential distribution within the region. To do this, a consideration of the preferred habitat conditions of each weed is necessary. For example, riparian weeds will only grow in riparian environments. If a particular riparian weed is widespread within these environments then it is considered widespread across the region. In addition, species that are widespread in tablelands areas, for instance, are unlikely to be widespread in the plains areas of the same region.

Table D2. Definitions of the level of impact of weed species on biodiversity as used in stakeholder evaluations.

Impact Definition

High High impact weeds are capable of causing major change to the composition or structure of a community (transformers). They can suppress the regeneration of many species in a community and have a major effect on dominant species in a community. They are long-lived or can form self-sustaining monocultures.

Medium Medium impact weed species can have a modest effect on the composition or structure of a community. They can suppress the regeneration of some species and have some effect on dominant species in a community. They are relatively long-lived or can persist over long periods of time.

Low Low impact weeds do not affect structurally dominant species. They do not suppress the regeneration of native species. They do not persist or they have relatively short life spans.


Table D3. Priority widespread weeds impacting on biodiversity in the Hunter–Central Rivers CMA region (listed in alphabetical order).

Scientific name KTP1 WoNS2 Noxious

NSW3 LGA4

Ageratina adenophora (crofton weed) Y* Y

Alternanthera philoxeroides (alligator weed) Y Y

Anredera cordifolia (Madeira vine) Y

Araujia sericifera (moth vine) Y

Arundo donax (giant reed)

Asparagus aethiopicus (asparagus fern) Y

Asparagus asparagoides (bridal creeper) Y Y 5

Bryophyllum delagoense (mother of millions) Y

Cardiospermum grandiflorum (balloon vine) Y

Cestrum parqui (green cestrum) Y* Y

Cinnamomum camphora (camphor laurel) Y*

Cytisus scoparius (Scotch/English broom) Y Y

Delairea odorata (Cape ivy) Y

Eichhornia crassipes (water hyacinth) Y

Erythrina x sykesii (coral tree) Y*

Gleditsia triacanthos (honey locust) Y*

Heliotropium amplexicaule (blue heliotrope) Y* Y

Hyparrhenia hirta (Coolatai grass) Y

Hypericum perforatum (St John's wort) Y* Y

Ipomoea cairica (coastal morning glory) Y

Ipomoea indica (blue morning glory) Y

Ipomoea purpurea (common morning glory) Y

Juncus acutus spiny (rush, spike rush)

Ligustrum lucidum (large-leaf privet) Y* Y

Ligustrum sinense (small-leaf privet) Y* Y

Lonicera japonica (Japanese honeysuckle) Y

Lycium ferocissimum (African boxthorn) Y* Y

Myriophyllum aquaticum (parrots feather)

Nephrolepsis cordifolia (fishbone fern)

Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata (African olive) Y*

Opuntia spp. (prickly pear) Y* 4

Paspalum quadrifarium (tussock paspalum)

Pennisetum clandestinum (kikuyu) Y

Phyla canescens (lippia) Y* 4 Y

Ricinus communis (castor oil plant)

Robinia pseudoacacia (black locust) Y*

Rubus fruticosus agg. (blackberry) Y* Y 4

Sagittaria graminae (sagittaria) 5

Salix spp. (willows) Y* Y 5

Salvinia molesta (salvinia) Y Y

Senna pendula (cassia/senna) Y*

Stenotaphrum secundatum (buffalo grass)

Tecoma stans (yellow bignonia)

Tradescantia fluminensis (trad) Y

Vinca major (blue periwinkle) Y

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; 4LGA = 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.


D3.2.2 Stage 2. Identifying biodiversity at risk from high priority weeds

At each workshop, participants were provided with lists of endangered ecological communities (EECs) and threatened fauna and flora (as listed under the TSC Act and the EPBC Act). They were asked to consider if any species on the lists were currently at risk from each of the high priority widespread weeds (identified during Stage 1) and a draft list of biodiversity at risk was created. Following the workshops, this list was sent to workshop participants and other stakeholders for comment and verification.

The revised list identified EECs and threatened species that are considered under threat from the high priority weeds (Table D4, D5 and D6). This information was used to help guide site nominations (see D3.2.3 Stage 3).

The lists of biodiversity is by no means exhaustive, but is likely to represent communities and species where the priority weeds are having the greatest immediate impact. The lists can 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 impacted by the greatest number of high priority weeds was Swamp Oak Floodplain Forest (24 high priority weeds), followed by Littoral Rainforest and Lowland Rainforest on Floodplain (23 high priority weeds impacting). The weeds impacting the greatest number of EECs included senna (Senna pendula) and camphor laurel (Cinnamomum camphora) (9 EECs), followed by large-leaf privet (Ligustrum lucidum), small-leaf privet (Ligustrum sinense), Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) and Madeira vine (Anredera cordifolia) (8 EECs).

Impact of widespread weeds on threatened plants and animalsThe process identified 30 threatened native flora and 12 native fauna species and populations at risk from one or more of the high priority weeds in the HCRCMA region (Tables D5 and D6). For native flora species, white flowered wax plant (Cynanchum elegans) and brush cherry (Syzygium paniculatum) had the highest number of weeds threats (7 weeds), followed by river red gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) (6 weeds). For native fauna species the green and golden bell frog (Litoria aurea) was identified as having the greatest number of high priority weeds threatening (3 weeds) followed by Gould’s petrel (Pterodroma leucoptera) (2 weeds).

For the HCRCMA 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).

D3.2.3 Stage 3. Selecting and prioritising sites for control

Site nomination processStakeholders were asked to nominate sites where high priority weeds were impacting biodiversity using a site nomination process. Site nomination forms and instructions (see Appendix 3 of statewide framework) were emailed to key stakeholders, and placed on the HCRCMA project website to enable access for 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 HCRCMA region, along with a letter outlining the aims of the project (Appendix D4) 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 470 sites nominated to date (as at 31 August 2010) for the HCRCMA region were separated into six categories using the site 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 147 sites in control category 1 (Table D7). 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 categories. Nominated sites were deemed invalid for ranking if three of more of the required fields contained insufficient information.

D3.2.4 review and additional site nominations

A draft of this report was provided to HCRCMA 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 HCRCMA 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.


Table D4. Communities under threat from priority widespread weeds in the HCRCMA region, as determined in stages 1 and 2.

Priority widespread weed* Endangered Ecological Community Endangered Ecological Community Vegetation community

Scientific name (Common name)

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Ageratina adenophora (crofton weed)

Alternanthera philoxeroides (alligator weed) M

Anredera cordifolia (Madeira vine)

Araujia sericifera (moth vine)


Asparagus aethiopicus (asparagus fern)

Asparagus asparagoides (bridal creeper)

Bryophyllum delagoense (mother of millions) M

Cardiospermum grandiflorum (balloon vine)

Cestrum parqui (green cestrum) M

Cinnamomum camphora (camphor laurel)

Cytisus scoparius (Scotch/English broom)

Delairea odorata (Cape ivy)

Eichhornia crassipes (water hyacinth)

Erythrina x sykesii (coral tree)

Gleditsia tricanthos (honey locust)

Heliotropium amplexicaule (blue heliotrope)

Hyparrhenia hirta (Coolatai grass)

Hypericum perforatum (St John's wort)

Ipomoea cairica (coastal morning glory)

Ipomoea indica (blue morning glory)

Ipomoea purpurea (common morning glory)

Juncus acutus (spiny rush, spike rush)

Ligustrum lucidum (large-leaf privet)

Ligustrum sinense (small-leaf privet)

Lonicera japonica (Japanese honeysuckle)

Lycium ferocissum (African boxthorn)



Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata (African olive)

Opuntia spp. (prickly pear)

Paspalum quadrifarium (tussock paspalum) M

Pennisetum clandestinum (kikuyu)

Phyla canescens (lippia)


Robinia pseudoacacia (black locust)

Rubus fruticosus agg. (blackberry)

Sagittaria graminae (sagittaria)

Salix spp. (willows)

14 | Biodiversity priorities for widespread weeds Part D: Hunter–Central Rivers CMA region | 15

Table D4. Communities under threat from priority widespread weeds in the HCRCMA region, as determined in stages 1 and 2.



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Ageratina adenophora (crofton weed)

Alternanthera philoxeroides (alligator weed) M

Anredera cordifolia (Madeira vine)

Araujia sericifera (moth vine)


Asparagus aethiopicus (asparagus fern)

Asparagus asparagoides (bridal creeper)

Bryophyllum delagoense (mother of millions) M


Cestrum parqui (green cestrum) M

Cinnamomum camphora (camphor laurel)

Cytisus scoparius (Scotch/English broom)


Eichhornia crassipes (water hyacinth)

Erythrina x sykesii (coral tree)

Gleditsia tricanthos (honey locust)

Heliotropium amplexicaule (blue heliotrope)


Hypericum perforatum (St John's wort)



Ipomoea purpurea (common morning glory)

Juncus acutus (spiny rush, spike rush)

Ligustrum lucidum (large-leaf privet)



Lycium ferocissum (African boxthorn)





Paspalum quadrifarium (tussock paspalum) M


Phyla canescens (lippia)


Robinia pseudoacacia (black locust)


Sagittaria graminae (sagittaria)





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Salvinia molesta (salvinia)

Senna pendula (cassia / senna) M


Tecoma stans (yellow tecoma)

Tradescantia fluminensis (= T. albiflora) (trad)

Vinca major (blue periwinkle)

*Lantana camara and Chrysanthemoides monilifera, bitou bush (subsp. rotundata) are not included above as biodiversity threatened by these weed species has already been determined in the national Plan to Protect Environmental Assets from Lantana (National Lantana Management Group 2010) and the NSW Bitou bush Threat Abatement Plan (DEC 2006). M = species only occurs on the margins of the community.

Table D5. Threatened flora species and populations under threat from priority widespread weeds in HCRCMA region.

Native flora impacted Weed threat

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

Acacia pendula (weeping myall) Asparagus asparagoides (bridal creeper)

Lycium ferocissimum (African boxthorn)

Allocasuarina defungens (dwarf heath casuarina) Asparagus aethiopicus (asparagus fern)

Chrysanthemoides monilifera subsp. rotundata (bitou bush)



Lantana camara (lantana)

Allocasuarina simulans (Nabiac casuarina) Chrysanthemoides monilifera subsp. rotundata (bitou bush)

Chamaesyce psammogeton (sand spurge) Chrysanthemoides monilifera subsp. rotundata (bitou bush)

Chiloglottis platytera (Barrington Tops ant orchid) Cytisus scoparius (Scotch broom)

Rubus fruticosis agg. (blackberry)

Cynanchum elegans (white-flowered wax plant) Arauija sericifera (moth vine)


Delairea odorata (cape ivy)





Diuris arenaria (sand double tail) Chrysanthemoides monilifera subsp. rotundata (bitou bush)

Diuris praecox (rough double tail) Chrysanthemoides monilifera subsp. rotundata (bitou bush)


16 | Biodiversity priorities for widespread weeds Part D: Hunter–Central Rivers CMA region | 17



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Salvinia molesta (salvinia)

Senna pendula (cassia / senna) M


Tecoma stans (yellow tecoma)

Tradescantia fluminensis (= T. albiflora) (trad)

Vinca major (blue periwinkle)

*Lantana camara and Chrysanthemoides monilifera, bitou bush (subsp. rotundata) are not included above as biodiversity threatened by these weed species has already been determined in the national Plan to Protect Environmental Assets from Lantana (National Lantana Management Group 2010) and the NSW Bitou bush Threat Abatement Plan (DEC 2006). M = species only occurs on the margins of the community.

Table D5. Threatened flora species and populations under threat from priority widespread weeds in HCRCMA region.



Diuris tricolor (pink donkey orchid) Asparagus asparagoides (bridal creeper)

Heliotropum aplexicaule


Hypericium perforatum (St John’s wort)

Olea europaea (African olive)

Diuris venosa (veined double tail) Cytisus scoparius (Scotch broom)

Eucalyptus camaldulensis (river red gum) Arundo donax (giant reed)


Cestrum parqui (green cestrum)



Tradescantia fluminensis (trad)

Eucalyptus camfieldii Chrysanthemoides monilifera subsp. rotundata (bitou bush)

Eucalyptus glaucina (slaty red gum) Cardiospermum grandiflorum (balloon vine)

Juncus acutus (spiny rush)




Eucalyptus parramattensis subsp. decadens (Camfield’s stringybark)


Euphrasia ciliolate (Polblue eyebright) Cytisus scoparius (Scotch broom)

Goodenia macbarronii (narrow goodenia) Juncus acutus (spiny rush)


Melaleuca biconvexa (biconvex paperbark) Ligustrum lucidum (large-leaf privet)




Acacia pendula (weeping myall) Asparagus asparagoides (bridal creeper)


Allocasuarina defungens (dwarf heath casuarina) Asparagus aethiopicus (asparagus fern)





Allocasuarina simulans (Nabiac casuarina) Chrysanthemoides monilifera subsp. rotundata (bitou bush)

Chamaesyce psammogeton (sand spurge) Chrysanthemoides monilifera subsp. rotundata (bitou bush)

Chiloglottis platytera (Barrington Tops ant orchid) Cytisus scoparius (Scotch broom)

Rubus fruticosis agg. (blackberry)

Cynanchum elegans (white-flowered wax plant) Arauija sericifera (moth vine)


Delairea odorata (cape ivy)





Diuris arenaria (sand double tail) Chrysanthemoides monilifera subsp. rotundata (bitou bush)

Diuris praecox (rough double tail) Chrysanthemoides monilifera subsp. rotundata (bitou bush)





Melaleuca groveana (Grove’s paperbark) Chrysanthemoides monilifera subsp. rotundata (bitou bush)

Prasophyllum fuscum (slaty leek orchid) Cytisus scoparius (Scotch broom)

Pterostylis elegans (elegant greenhood) Cytisus scoparius (Scotch broom)

Pterostylis gibbosa (Illawarra greenhood) Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata (African olive)

Pultanaea maritima (coast headland pea) Chrysanthemoides monilifera subsp. rotundata (bitou bush)


Senna pendula (senna)

Senna aclinis (rainforest cassia) Chrysanthemoides monilifera subsp. rotundata (bitou bush)




Syzygium paniculatum (brush cherry) Chrysanthemoides monilifera subsp. rotundata (bitou bush)






Tradescantia fluminensis (trad)

Tasmannia glaucifolia (fragrant pepperbush) Cytisus scoparius (Scotch broom)

Tasmannia purpurascens (broad-leaved pepperbush) Cytisus scoparius (Scotch broom)

Tetratheca juncea (black-eyed susan) Ageratina adenophora (crofton weed)





Thesium australe (austral toadflax) Arauija sericifera (moth vine)

Typhonium spp. Ipomoea cairica (coastal morning glory)


Zannichellia palustris Juncus acutus (spiny rush)


Table D6. Threatened fauna species and populations under threat from priority widespread weeds in the HCRCMA region.

Native fauna impacted Weed threat


Botaurus poiciloptilus (Australasian bittern) Juncus acutus (spiny rush)

Calidris alba (sanderling) Juncus acutus (spiny rush)

Charladies mongolus (greater sand plover) Juncus acutus (spiny rush)

Charadrius asiaticus (lesser sand plover) Juncus acutus (spiny rush)

Haematopus fuliginosis (sooty oystercatcher) Opuntia spp. (prickly pear)

Limicola falcinellus (broad billed sandpiper) Juncus acutus (spiny rush)

Litoria aurea (green and golden bell frog) Ageratina adenophora (moth vine)

Juncus acutus (spiny rush)

Ipomoea spp. (morning glory)

Mastocomys fuscus (broad-toothed rat) Cytisus scoparius (Scotch broom)

Petrogale penicillata (brush-tailed rock-wallaby) Lantana camara (lantana)

Pterodroma leucoptera (Gould's petrel) Chrysanthemoides monilifera subsp. rotundata (bitou bush)


Rostratula benghalensis (painted snipe) Juncus acutus (spiny rush)

Tyto novaehollandiae (masked owl) Cytisus scoparius (Scotch broom)

Table D7. The number of sites in each of the six categories.

Categories

1* 2 3 4 5 6 Not valid^ Total

Number of sites 147 78 72 80 39 8 46 470

*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.


D4. SuMMary for Hunter–central 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.

D4.1 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 HCRCMA region, can also be used to meet a range of CMA priorities. This project directly addresses the HCRCMA CAP targets as outlined in Section D2.1, 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 HCRCMA. 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).

D4.2 Biodiversity conservation and widespread weed management

The list of priority sites provides strategic direction for on-ground works by identifying areas where weed control 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 HCRCMA 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 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 HCRCMA 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).

D4.3 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 HCRCMA region. As conditions or management requirements change at existing sites, and as information on new sites becomes available, they can be included in the HCRCMA site spreadsheet for subsequent re-ranking in the 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 HCRCMA 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 HCRCMA for inclusion in the site spreadsheet and sites should be subsequently re-ranked by HCRCMA.

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.


D5. 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/.

HCCREMS 2010. Hunter and Central Coast Regional Weeds Strategy 2010-2015. Hunter and Central Coast Regional Environmental Management Strategy.

HCCWMC Draft 2005. Hunter and Central Coast Regional Weeds Management Strategy. Hunter and Central Coast Weed Management Committee, Newcastle.

HCCWMC 2009. Weeds of the Hunter and Central Coast, www.lhccrems.nsw.gov.au/weeds_cd/default.html. Accessed June 2009.

HCRCMA 2007. Hunter–Central Rivers Catchment Action Plan. Hunter–Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority, Paterson.

HCRCMA 2009a. Hunter–Central Rivers CMA Homepage, www.hcr.cma.nsw.gov.au/. Accessed June 2009.

HCRCMA 2009b. Hunter Bushland Resource Kit, www.hcr.cma.nsw.gov.au/ep_resources.php3. Accessed June 2009.

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.

MNCWAC 2008. Mid North Coast Weeds Advisory Committee Regional Weeds Strategy 2008-2012. Mid North Coast Weeds Advisory Committee, Port Macquarie.

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.

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.


D6. aPPenDIceS

Appendix D1: Current actions in the Priorities Action Statement relating to weed management in the HCRCMA region

Appendix D2: Attendees at HCRCMA weed impacts to biodiversity workshops

Appendix D3: All weeds considered at the workshops in the HCRCMA region, their distribution and their relative impact on biodiversity

Appendix D4: Template of letter sent to private landholders with voluntary conservation agreements or wildlife refuges on their properties


aPPenDIx D1. current actIonS In tHe PrIorItIeS actIon StateMent relatIng to WeeD ManageMent In tHe Hunter–central rIverS cMa regIon

Threatened species, populations and communities

Type of species

Level of threat

Priority actions in PAS relating to weed management

High priority

Allocasuarina defungens Shrubs E Undertake weed control on DECC estate and encourage weed control activities on other tenures. Implement bitou bush control as described in the approved TAP.

Allocasuarina simulans Shrubs V Undertake weed control on DECC estate and encourage weed control activities on other tenures. Implement bitou bush control as described in the approved TAP.

Anseranas semipalmata Birds V Promote and support weed control programs within wetlands.

Asperula asthenes Herbs and Forbs

V Control weeds as they are a serious threat to Asperula asthenes in many locations but control by chemical means may not be suitable; priority should be given to sites with reasonable native vegetation.

Ben Halls Gap National Park Sphagnum Moss Cool Temperate Rainforest

TEC EEC Prepare a weed management plan for the community; including measures on how to prevent the introduction of new weed species.

Chamaesyce psammogeton Herbs and Forbs

E Undertake bitou bush/boneseed control; giving priority to sites identified in the TAP.

Chiloglottis platyptera Orchids V Prioritise and undertake weed control works.

Cynanchum elegans Epiphytes and Climbers

E Undertake weed control using DECC guidelines for bush regeneration activities. Implement bitou bush control as described in the approved TAP.

Darwinia glaucophylla Shrubs V Undertake weed control; priority given to sites at urban interface.

Eucalyptus camaldulensis Endangered Populations

E popn. Undertake weeding at priority sites.

Eucalyptus camfieldii Mallees V Undertake identified priority weed control; e.g. Stewart Ave Hornsby.

Hibbertia procumbens Shrubs E Undertake targeted bush regeneration works; where required.

Littoral Rainforest in the NSW North Coast; Sydney Basin and South East Corner Bioregions

TEC EEC Undertake weed control for bitou bush and boneseed at priority sites in accordance with the approved Threat Abatement Plan and associated PAS actions.

Mastacomys fuscus – endangered population

Endangered Populations

E popn. Containment and strategic eradication of Scotch broom and Yorkshire fog.

Miniopterus australis Bats V Undertake non-chemical removal of weeds (e.g. lantana; blackberry) to prevent obstruction of cave entrances.

Miniopterus schreibersii oceanensis

Bats V Undertake non-chemical removal of weeds (e.g. lantana; blackberry) to prevent obstruction of cave entrances.

Olearia cordata Shrubs V Undertake necessary weed control; priority site Wisemans Ferry Historic Site.

Owenia cepiodora Trees V Support funding applications for weed control works and integrate with other regional works programs as appropriate.



Type of species

Level of threat


Persoonia pauciflora Shrubs E Undertake targeted bush regeneration works; where required.

Petalura gigantea Invertebrates E Control invasion of Pinus species into Penrose Swamp; at swamp habitat within or adjoining Newnes SF and control weeds at sites adjoining urban areas or impacted by runoff from the Great Western Highway.

Prostanthera stricta Shrubs V Undertake priority weed control especially at Stockyard Point Mt Vincent; Genowlan Mt; Eagal View Mt Vincent; SE Mt Ida.

Senna acclinis Shrubs E Undertake weed control at all sites in accordance with DECC guidelines for bush regeneration activities. Implement bitou bush control as described in the approved TAP.

Sub-tropical Coastal Floodplain Forest of the NSW North Coast bioregion

TEC EEC Undertake weed control where required.

Tasmannia glaucifolia Shrubs V Control weeds; especially English broom in Barrington area.

White Box Yellow Box Blakely's Red Gum Woodland

TEC EEC Target priority weeds for control.

Medium priority

Acacia bynoeana Shrubs E Undertake targeted bush regeneration works; where required.

Angophora inopina Trees V Undertake targeted bush regeneration works; where required.

Coastal Saltmarsh in the NSW North Coast; Sydney Basin and South East Corner Bioregions

TEC EEC Undertake weed control for bitou bush and boneseed at priority sites in accordance with the approved Threat Abatement Plan.

Diuris praecox Orchids V Undertake weed control activities using appropriate low impact techniques.

Eucalyptus parramattensis subsp. decadens

Trees V Undertake weed control at priority sites infested with bitou bush and lantana.

Freshwater wetlands on coastal floodplains of the NSW North Coast; Sydney Basin and South East Corner bioregions


Goodenia macbarronii Herbs and Forbs

V Control weed infestations in and around habitat where required; taking care to avoid damage from herbicide application.

Haematopus fuliginosus Birds V Undertake weed control on off-shore islands used for breeding where required.

Hunter Lowland Redgum Forest in the Sydney Basin and NSW North Coast Bioregions

TEC EEC Undertake targeted weed control at priority sites using approved bush regeneration methods to restore and maintain remnants.

Lower Hunter Spotted Gum – Ironbark Forest in the Sydney Basin Bioregion

TEC EEC Undertake restoration including bush regeneration and revegetation.

Lowland Rainforest on Floodplain in the New South Wales North Coast Bioregion

TEC EEC Undertake weed control where required.

Mastacomys fuscus Rodents V Control exotic weeds; including blackberry; in areas of BTR habitat.

Melaleuca biconvexa Trees V Undertake targeted bush regeneration works; where required.



Type of species

Level of threat


Pomaderris queenslandica Shrubs E Manage weeds at known populations.

Potorous tridactylus Marsupials V Control weeds; particularly those that affect the understorey layer; in long-nosed potoroo habitat.

Prostanthera cryptandroides subsp. cryptandroides

Shrubs V Undertake priority weed control actions at sites where weed invasion has been identified as an issue.

Prostanthera junonis Shrubs E Undertake weed control activities as appropriate using approved bush regeneration methods.

Pterostylis nigricans Orchids V Control bitou bush and other environmental weeds in the orchid's habitat.

Pterostylis saxicola Orchids E Undertake targeted bush regeneration works; where required.

Ptilinopus superbus Birds V Undertake weed control in and adjacent to littoral rainforest to augment fruit-dove habitat.

Quorrobolong Scribbly Gum Woodland in the Sydney Basin Bioregion

TEC EEC Undertake targeted weed control at priority sites using approved bush regeneration methods to restore and maintain remnants.

Swamp oak floodplain forest of the NSW North Coast; Sydney Basin and South East Corner bioregions


Swamp sclerophyll forest on coastal floodplains of the NSW North Coast; Sydney Basin and South East Corner bioregions


Syconycteris australis Bats V Control coastal weed species e.g. bitou bush; but avoid aerial spraying during the flowering season of important heath species as herbicides can directly collect in flowers that are fed upon at night.

Tetratheca juncea Shrubs V Undertake weed control activities as appropriate using approved bush regeneration methods at priority sites on private and public land.

Themeda australis TEC EEC Undertake weed control for bitou bush and boneseed at priority sites in accordance with the approved Threat Abatement Plan and associated PAS actions.

Thesium australe Herbs and Forbs

V Implement bitou bush control as described in the approved TAP.

Note: Although the species in this table are found in HCRCMA region some actions listed above are not specific to HCRCMA.V = listed as vulnerable under the TSC Act, E = listed as endangered under the TSC ActEEC = Endangered Ecological Community under the TSC Act, TEC = Threatened Ecological Community under the TSC Actpopn. = population


aPPenDIx D2. attenDeeS at HcrcMa WeeD IMPactS to BIoDIverSIty WorkSHoPS

Name Organisation Position

Monday 26 November 2007 at Taree

Terry Schmitzer Mid North Coast Weeds Advisory Committee

Regional Weeds Co-ordinator

George Wisemantel Greater Taree City Council Noxious Weeds Inspector

Terry Inkson Great Lakes Council Noxious Weeds Inspector

Mark Tull Gloucester Shire Council Noxious Weeds Inspector

Jai Cooper Greater Taree City Council/HCRCMA Landcare Co-ordinator/Community Support

Nikki Brown Conservation Volunteers Australia Team Leader

Sharyn Ryan-Hancock Port Stephens Council Project Officer Weeds

Tina Clemens HCRCMA Riparian Implementation Officer

Matthew Bell Great Lakes council Ecologist

Brian Hughes HCRCMA Coastal Officer

Bob McDonell Greater Taree City Council Environmental Projects

Andrew Paget HCRCMA Native Vegetation Implementation Officer

Michael Dodkin DECCW Pest Management Officer Mid North Coast

John Wightman Pests International Principal

Brooke Turner Wetland Care Australia Senior Project Officer

Terrence Rolls Greater Taree City Council Community Representative

John Adams Conservation Volunteers Australia Bush Regeneration Volunteer

Tuesday 27 November 2007 at Singleton

Doug Campbell Upper Hunter Weeds Authority Acting General Manager

Alan Maguire I&I NSW Noxious Pests Advisory Officer

Lorna Adlem HCRCMA Project Officer

Paul Melehan HCRCMA Vegetation Officer

Peter Ainsworth HCRCMA Riparian Officer

Philip Milling Hunter Land Management Senior Environmental Consultant

Ken England DECCW Pest Management Officer – Central Coast Hunter Range

Barry Shepherd Cessnock City Council Weeds Officer

Maria Edmonds Cessnock City Council Weeds Officer

Anthony Marchment Port Stephens Council Bushland & Vegetation Team Leader

Brian Worboys Maitland City Council Senior Noxious Weeds Officer

Kim Hignell Lake Macquarie City Council Vegetation Control Officer

Leigh Ernst Port Stephens Council Assistant Weeds/Pest Management Officer

John Wightman Pests International Principal


Name Organisation Position

Wednesday 28 November 2007 at Wyong

Tony Voller HCRCMA Catchment Officer

John Eaton DECCW Bush Regeneration and Volunteer Co-ordinator, Lakes Area

Deb Holloman DECCW Bush Regeneration and Volunteer Co-ordinator, Gosford

Ruth Armstrong DECCW Pest Management Officer

Nikki Bennetts Gosford Council Natural Resources Officer

Nicola Booth Community Environment Network Extension Officer Wallis Creek

Shawn Capararo HCRCMA DECCW Biodiversity Project Officer

Dan Keating HCRCMA Vegetation Officer

Graham Prichard Port Stephens Council Senior Weeds/Pest Management Officer

John Hughson Landcare – Lake Macquarie Council Landcare Co-ordinator

Paul Marynissen Wyong Council Noxious Weeds and Pest Species Officer

Carl Fulton Lake Macquarie City Council Landcare Vegetation Officer

Stephen Atkins DECCW Senior Field Officer

DECCW is now known as Office of Environment & Heritage (OEH), I&I NSW is now known as

NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI)


aPPenDIx D3. all WeeDS conSIDereD at WorkSHoPS In tHe HcrcMa regIon, tHeIr DIStrIButIon anD tHeIr relatIve IMPact on BIoDIverSIty

Table D8. Primary list of weeds considered at workshops in the HCRCMA region.

Primary list of weeds considered at workshops Taree Wyong Singleton

Scientific name (Common name) D1 I2 D1 I2 D1 I2

Acetosa sagittata (turkey rhubarb/rambling dock) L W-d M W-s L

Ageratina adenophora (crofton weed) W-d H W-d H W-d H

Ageratina riparia (mistflower) W-s M W-s H W-s M

Ailanthus altissima (tree of heaven) L L W-s M

Alternanthera philoxeroides (alligator weed) W-d H W-d H W-d H

Anagallis arvensis (scarlet/blue pimpernel) L W-s L

Andropogon virginicus (whiskey grass/broom sedge) W-d L W-d H W-d M

Anredera cordifolia (Madeira vine) W-d H W-s H W-s H

Araujia sericifera (moth vine/mothplant) W-d H W-s H W-s H

Arctotheca calendula (Cape weed) L L W-d L

Asparagus aethiopicus (asparagus fern) W-d H W-d H W-d H

Asparagus asparagoides (bridal creeper) L W-s H W-s H

Asparagus plumosus (climbing asparagus fern) L W-s H L

Aster subulatus (aster weed) L L

Asystasia gangetica subsp. micrantha (Chinese violet) L L E

Axonopus fissifolius (A. affinis) (narrow-leaved carpet grass)

W-s L W-d L

Baccharis halimifolia (groundsel bush) L L L

Bambusa spp. (bamboo) L L L

Berula erecta (water parsnip)

Bidens pilosa (pitchforks, cobbler's peg, farmer's friend)

W-d L W-d L

Briza maxima (quaking grass) W-d L W-d L W-s L

Bryophyllum delagoense (mother of millions) W-d M W-s H W-d H

Cardiospermum grandiflorum (balloon vine) W-d H L W-d H

Cestrum parqui (green cestrum) W-s M W-s H W-d H

Chloris gayana (Rhodes grass) W-d L W-d H W-d M


W-d H W-d H W-d H

Cinnamomum camphora (camphor laurel) W-d H W-d H W-s H

Cirsium vulgare (black/Scotch/spear thistle) W-s L W-d L W-d L

Conyza bonariensis (flaxleaf fleabane) W ND W-d L W-d L

Conyza sumatrensis (tall fleabane) W-d L W-s L

Cortaderia selloana (pampas grass) W-s H W-s M W-d M

Cyperus eragrostis (umbrella sedge) W-s L W-s L W-s M

Cytisus scoparius (Scotch/English broom) L W-d H W-d H

Delairea odorata (Cape ivy) W-s H L W-d H

Echinochloa crus-galli (barnyard grass) A L W-s L

Ehrharta erecta (panic veldgrass) W-s M W-d H W-s M

Eichhornia crassipes (water hyacinth) W-d H W-d H W-s H

Gamochaeta americana (cudweed) L W-d L




Holcus lanatus (Yorkshire fog) L E L

Hydrocotyle bonariensis (large-leaf pennywort) W-d L W-d H W-d M

Hygrophila costata (hygrophila/glush weed ) L L L

Hyparrhenia hirta (Coolatai grass) W-d L W-d H W-s H

Hypericum perforatum (St John's wort) L W-s L W-d H

Ipomoea cairica (coastal morning glory, mile a minute) W-d H W-d H W-d H

Ipomoea indica (blue morning glory) W-d H W-d H W-d H

Ipomoea purpurea (common morning glory) W-d H W-d H W-d H

Isolepis prolifera (budding club-rush) A W-d H NP

Juncus acutus (spiny rush, spike rush, sharp rush) L W-d H W-d M

Juncus articulatus (joint rush) E NP L

Lantana camara (lantana) W-d H W-d H W-d H

Ligustrum lucidum (large-leaf privet) W-d H W-d H W-s H

Ligustrum sinense (small-leaf privet) W-d H W-d H W-d H

Lilium formosanum (formosa lily, tiger lily, Taiwan lily) W-s L W-s M W-s L

Lonicera japonica (Japanese honeysuckle) W-d H W-d H W-s H

Ludwigia longifolia (longleaf willow primrose) W-d H L L

Ludwigia peruviana (ludwigia/Peruvian water primrose)

L L L

Lycium ferocissimum (African boxthorn) L L W-s M

Macfadyena unguis-cati (cat's claw creeper) L L E

Marrubium vulgare (horehound) L NP W-s L

Ochna serrulata (Mickey Mouse plant) W-s M W-s M W-s M

Olea europaea, subsp. cuspidata = O. europaea subsp. africana (African olive)

L W-s H W-d H

Olea europaea subsp. europaea (common olive) A A L

Onopordum acanthium (Scotch thistle)

Opuntia aurantiaca (tiger pear) L L ND ND

Opuntia spp. W-s M ND ND W-s H

Opuntia stricta (common prickly pear, smooth pest pear)

L W-s H ND ND

Paspalum dilatatum (paspalum) W-d H W-d M W-d M

Passiflora subpeltata (white passionflower) W-d L W-s H L

Pennisetum clandestinum (kikuyu) W-d H W-d H W-d M

Phalaris aquatica (bulbous canary grass) A NP L

Phyllostachys spp. (rhizomatous bamboo) L L L

Pinus patula (patula pine, Mexican weeping pine) A ND ND L

Pinus taeda (loblolly pine) L ND ND NP

Plantago lanceolata (narrow-leaf plantain, lamb's tongues)

W-d L W-s L

Polygala myrtifolia (myrtleleaf milkwort) L W-s M L

Prunus spp. (feral fruit trees) L L L

Pyracantha crenulata (pyracantha) L L L

Ricinus communis (castor oil) W-s M W-s M W-s H

Rosa rubiginosa (sweet briar, briar rose) L W-s M W-s M




Rubus fruticosus agg. (blackberry) W-d H W-d H W-d H

Salix spp. (willows) W-s H W-s H W-d H

Salvinia molesta (salvinia) W-d H W-d H W-s H

Senecio madagascariensis (fireweed) W-d L W-d L W-d L

Senna pendula (cassia/senna) W-s H W-d H W-d H

Sida rhombifolia (Paddy's lucerne) W-s L W-d L W-s L

Solanum mauritianum (wild tobacco plant/nightshade)

W-d M W-s M W-s M

Solanum nigrum (blackberry nightshade) W-s L W-d L W-s L

Solanum pseudocapsicum (Madeira winter cherry) W-s L W-s L L

Sonchus oleraceus (common sowthistle) W-d L W-s L

Sporobolus fertilis (giant Parramatta grass) W-d M W-s H W-s M

Stenotaphrum secundatum (buffalo grass) W-d H W-d H W-s M

Taraxacum officinale (dandelion) W-d L W-s L

Tradescantia fluminensis (trad) W-d H W-d H W-d H

Ulex europaeus (gorse) L NP E

Verbena bonariensis (purpletop) W-d L W-d L W-d M

Vicia sativa (spring vetch) W-s L L

Xanthium occidentale (Noogoora/cockle burr) W-d M W-s H W-s L

1Distribution (D) abbreviations: W = widespread (s = sparse d = dense); L = localised; NP = not present; E = emerging; A = alert.2Impact (I) abbreviations: H = high; M = medium; L = low.ND = no knowledge of the weed species at the workshop.Blank cells represent species that were not considered to be widespread at workshops.

Table D9. Secondary list of weeds considered at workshops in the HCRCMA region.

Secondary list of weeds considered at workshops Taree Wyong Singleton


Alternanthera pungens (khaki weed) W L

Ambrosia tenuifolia (lacy ragweed) W-s L W L

Ammophila arenaria (marram grass) W L

Arctotheca populifolia (beach daisy) W-s L

Argemone ochroleuca (Mexican poppy) W-s L W L

Arundo donax (giant reed/elephant grass) W-s H W L W H

Asclepias fruiticosa (wild cotton, narrow-leaved cotton bush)

W ND W ND

Asphodelus fistulosus (onion weed) W L W L

Bidens subalternans W-s L

Bromus brevis (brome) W L

Bromus catharticus (prairie grass) W L W L

Carduus nutans (nodding thistle)

Carduus pycnocephalus (slender thistle)

Carduus tenuiflorus (winged slender thistle)

Carthamus lanatus (saffron thistle) W L

Centaurium tenuiflorum

Cerastium glomeratum (mouse-ear chickweed) W L




Chenopodium album (fat hen) W L W L

Ciclospermum leptophyllum

Cotoneaster glaucophyllus and C. pannosus (cotoneaster)

W-s M W M

Cotula coronopifolia (water buttons) W-s L W L

Cyperus aggregatus (sedge) ND ND

Cyperus spp. (sedge) ND ND W L ND ND

Cyperus congestus ND ND

Cyperus tenellus ND ND

Echium plantagineum (Paterson's curse) W L W L

Eleusine indica (crowsfoot grass) W L W L

Eleusine tristachya (goose grass)

Eryngium maritimum

Erythrina x sykesii (coral tree) W-s H W H

Facelis retusa

Fumaria muralis W L

Foeniculum vulgare (fennel) W-s M W L W M

Galenia pubescens (galenia) W-s M W H

Galium aparine (goosegrass)

Gamochaeta spicata (spiked cudweed)

Gazania rigens W-s M W H

Gladiolus gueinzii W-s L

Gomphocarpus fruticosus (narrow-leaf cotton bush) W-s L W M W L

Heliotropium amplexicaule (blue heliotrope) W L W H

Hypochaeris radicata (catsear) W L W L

Juncus cognatus W M

Juncus effusus (rush)

Lactuca serriola (prickly lettuce) W L

Lepidium bonariense

Lilaea scilloides

Lolium rigidum (Wimmera ryegrass)

Lotus corniculatus (birds-foot trefoil) W L

Malva parviflora (small-flowered mallow)

Melinis repens (red Natal grass) W-s M W L W M

Melilotus indicus

Modiola caroliniana (red-flowered mallow) W L

Myriophyllum aquaticum (parrots feather, Brazilian water-milfoil)

W-s H W H W H

Nephrolepsis cordifolia (fishbone fern) W-s M W H W H

Nicotiana glauca (tree tobacco) W L W M

Oxalis corniculata (creeping oxalis, yellow wood sorrel)

W L W L

Panicum maximum (Guinea grass) W H

Paronychia brasiliana (Chilean whitlow wort, Brazilian whitlow)




Passiflora edulis (common passionfruit) W-s L W L

Petrorhagia nanteuilii W L

Phalaris arundinacea

Phytolacca octandra (ink weed) W-s L W M W L

Plantago major (large plantain)

Poa annua (winter grass) W L W L

Polygonum aviculare (wireweed) W L W L

Polypogon littoralis (perennial beardgrass)

Populus alba (white poplar)

Prunella vulgaris (self-heal)

Ranunculus sceleratus (celery buttercup) W H

Rapistrum rugosum (turnip weed) W L

Rhaphiolepis indica (Indian hawthorn) W H

Richardia spp. ND ND ND ND W M

Richardia stellaris W-s L W L ND ND

Romulea rosea (onion grass) W L

Rumex crispus (curled dock) W L W L

Rubus discolor

Rubus ulmifolius

Setaria parviflora formerly S. gracilis (slender pigeon grass)

ND ND

Setaria pumila (pale pigeon grass)

Silybum marianum (variegated thistle) W L

Soliva sessilis (bindii) W L

Sonchus asper (prickly sowthistle)

Spergularia marina

Sporobolus africanus (Parramatta grass) W H W L

Sporobolus pyramidalis (giant rat's tail grass)

Stachys arvensis (stagger weed) W L

Stellaria media (common chickweed) W L W L

Tagetes minuta (stinking Roger) W M W L

Toxicodendron succedaneum (rhus tree )

Trifolium arvense (haresfoot clover) W L

Trifolium campestre (hop clover) W L

Trifolium repens (white clover) W L W L

Urtica urens (small nettle) W L

Verbascum thapsus (blanket weed )

Verbascum virgatum (twiggy mullein, green mullein)

Verbena aristigera

Verbena rigida (veined verbena) W-s L

Xanthium spinosum (Bathurst burr) W L

1Distribution (D) abbreviations: W = widespread (s = sparse d = dense); L = localised; NP = not present; E = emerging; A = alert.2Impact (I) abbreviations: H = high; M = medium; L = low.ND = no knowledge of the weed species at the workshop.Blank cells represent species that were not considered to be widespread at workshops.


Table D10. Weeds added by workshop participants at workshops in the HCRCMA region.

Weeds added by workshop participants Taree Wyong Singleton


Acacia podalyriifolia W-s L W H

Acacia saligna W-s M W H W M

Agapanthus spp. W L

Agave spp. W-s H W L

Aloe spp. W-s M W H W M

Buddleja sp. (butterfly bush) W M

Cabomba caroliniana W-s H

Celtis sinensis W-s M

Chlorophytum comosum (spider plant) W-s M W H

Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora (montbretia) W-s M W H

Cuscuta campestris (golden dodder) W-s L W L

Dipogon lignosus (dolichus pea) W M

Egeria densa W-s H

Elodea canadensis W-s H

Eragrostis curvula W-s M

Erythrina crista-galli (cockspur coral tree) W-s H W M

Eschscholzia californica (California poppy) W L

Gleditsia triacanthos (honey locust) W-s H W H

Gloriosa superba W-s H

Grevilllea robusta W-s M

Gymnocoronis spilanthoides (Senegal tea plant) W H

Hydrocotyle ranunculoides W-s ND

Impatiens spp. W-s L W H

Melinis minutiflora (molasses grass) W-s M

Murraya paniculata (orange scented jessime) W L

Nymphaea capensis (Cape water lily) W H

Oenothera spp. (evening primrose) W L

Opuntia humifusa (creeping pear) W ND

Panicum repens (torpedo grass) W-s M W M

Paspalum quadrifarium (tussock pasaplum) W H

Paspalum spp. W-d H

Pavonia hastata W-s L

Pennisetum setaceum W-s M

Phoenix canariensis W-s L

Phyla canescens (lippia) W H

Pinus spp. L W-s H

Pistia stratiotes W-s H

Robinia pseudoacacia W H

Rosa spp. W-s L


Weeds added by workshop participants Taree Wyong Singleton


Sagittaria graminae (sagittaria) W H

Sagittaria spp. W-s H

Schefflera actinophylla W-s L

Schinus terebinthifolia (broad leaf pepper) W M

Schoenoplectus californicus W-s L

Senecio spp. W-d M

Senna septemtrinolais W M

Setaria verticillata (whorled pigeon grass) W L

Solanum seaforthianum W-s M

Syagrus romanzoffiana (Cocos palms) W-s M

Tecoma capensis (orange trumpet flower) W H

Tecoma stans (yellow tecoma) W-s H W H W H

Tecomanthe hilli W-s L W ND

Thunbergia alata W-s M

Tropaeolum perearinum (canary vine) W H

Vinca major (blue periwinkle) W-s H W H

Watsonia spp. W M

Watsonia meriama ‘bulbilifera’ W-s H

Yucca spp. W-s H

Zantedeschia aethiopica (arum lily) W M

Blank cells represent a species not considered at workshops, No data (ND) = no knowledge of the weed species at the workshop. 1Distribution (D) abbreviations: W=widespread W-s=widespread sparse W-d=widespread dense L=localised NP=not present E = emerging A= alert NW= species that were not considered to be widespread at workshops.2Impact (I) abbreviations: H=high M=medium L=low.


aPPenDIx D4. 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 weeds that are threatening biodiversity across all land tenures. At a series of workshops held last year, a list of high priority widespread weeds impacting on biodiversity within the Hunter–Central Rivers Catchment was established (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 for 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 Monday 28th March. 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 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 Moira Williams 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’.

Yours sincerely

Sally Ash

Conservation Partners Program Coordinator

Parks and Wildlife Group

jn 10

189



Catchment Management Authority Regions

Part 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 Hunter ... · Part D Hunter–Central Rivers CMA region ... D3.1.2 HCRCMA specific webpages 9 ... This section summarises the strategies,