NSW Bitou Bush Threat Abatement Plan - Department of ...
NSW Bitou Bush Threat Abatement Plan - Department of ...
NSW Bitou Bush Threat Abatement Plan - Department of ...
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12<br />
<strong>Threat</strong> <strong>Abatement</strong> <strong>Plan</strong> - Invasion <strong>of</strong> native plant communities by Chrysanthemoides monilifera<br />
<strong>Bitou</strong> bush projects fall within the main responsibilities <strong>of</strong> the Parks and Wildlife Division <strong>of</strong><br />
DEC under the NPW Act (i.e. education, maintenance <strong>of</strong> and scientific research with respect to<br />
preservation, protection and management). DEC currently undertakes education and awareness<br />
programs with respect to the impacts and management <strong>of</strong> bitou bush. The Parks and Wildlife<br />
Division also undertakes maintenance with respect to control <strong>of</strong> bitou bush on their land. In<br />
addition, DEC contributes to the statewide coordination <strong>of</strong> bitou bush management in conjunction<br />
with other agencies. Research into the effects/impacts <strong>of</strong> bitou bush on native ecosystems and<br />
threatened species, populations and ecological communities needs to be increased and the scope<br />
broadened however (see Chapters 5 and 9).<br />
It is an <strong>of</strong>fence under the NPW Act to knowingly destroy, deface and/or damage an Aboriginal<br />
site without the prior written approval <strong>of</strong> the DEC Director General. The control or management<br />
<strong>of</strong> bitou bush may in some instances impact, damage and/or destroy Aboriginal cultural heritage<br />
and therefore will require a licence. Consultation with Aboriginal communities relating to<br />
potential impacts on Aboriginal cultural heritage related to bitou bush control and management is<br />
required and will occur during the development <strong>of</strong> site-specific management plans for each<br />
priority <strong>Bitou</strong> TAP site (see below).<br />
NPW Act and weed control<br />
The NPW Act also requires the preparation <strong>of</strong> a <strong>Plan</strong> <strong>of</strong> Management (PoM) for each reserve<br />
managed by the Parks and Wildlife Division <strong>of</strong> DEC. The conservation <strong>of</strong> wildlife, including the<br />
conservation <strong>of</strong> threatened species, populations and ecological communities and their habitats is a<br />
goal <strong>of</strong> each PoM. Thus, a PoM provides a process for examining the occurrence and distribution<br />
<strong>of</strong> weed species, investigating management strategies and setting priorities for weed control<br />
programs. Regional weed strategies have also been developed to address weed problems over a<br />
broader area.<br />
2.2.6 Environmental <strong>Plan</strong>ning and Assessment Act<br />
The Environmental <strong>Plan</strong>ning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act) provides the framework for<br />
the environmentally, socially and economically sound planning, use, conservation and<br />
development <strong>of</strong> land in New South Wales. The main objects <strong>of</strong> the EP&A Act that relate to the<br />
<strong>Bitou</strong> TAP are to encourage:<br />
< protection <strong>of</strong> the environment, including the conservation <strong>of</strong> native animals and plants,<br />
including threatened species, populations and ecological communities, and their<br />
habitats<br />
< proper management, development and conservation <strong>of</strong> natural and artificial<br />
resources… for the purpose <strong>of</strong> promoting the social and economic welfare <strong>of</strong> the<br />
community and a better environment.<br />
The EP&A Act has specific sections which deal directly with impacts on threatened species,<br />
populations and ecological communities as well as critical habitats within New South Wales as<br />
per the TSC Act and the NPW Act.