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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.

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