An annual Bitou bush control program that has seen infestations dramatically decline across along the Myall coast, is set to continue between the 11th May and 30th June 2020.
Co-operative programs between ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and MidCoast Council have substantially reduced this weed along nearly 100km of local coastline over the past decade.
The control work benefits native ecosystems like the internationally important Myall Lakes wetlands, the Critically Endangered Littoral Rainforest and the Threatened Kangaroo Grass Headlands.
During the program some national park beaches and headlands will be temporarily closed for public safety.
These include Booti Booti, Saltwater, Tomaree and Myall Lakes ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Parks including Broughton Island as well as Darawank, Khapphinghat, Stormpetrel and Little Broughton Island Nature Reserves.
It is expected to take 8-10 days to complete the program with suitable weather conditions.
People are reminded to observe the temporary closures and any direction from NPWS staff during the control operations.
Bitou bush threatens the conservation values of local national parks including Ramsar wetlands, threatened species and Aboriginal Places.
South African bitou bush is a very competitive weed that smothers native plants and destroys habitat for native animals.
The program started in 2009 in Myall Lakes ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Park and has expanded to other parks based on its early success.
Bitou bush density has been reduced from 50-75% to 1-10% plant cover with native plants and animals replacing the dense weed infestations.
