NSW Bitou Bush Threat Abatement Plan - Department of ...

Threat Abatement Plan - Invasion of native plant communities by Chrysanthemoides monilifera
Table 9.2 Summary of the Bitou TAP objectives and actions
Objective 1 Ensure that bitou bush (and boneseed) control is undertaken in areas where the benefits to
species, populations and ecological communities are greatest.
Action 1.1 DEC and the Department of Lands (DoL) will undertake bitou bush control programs at high priority (control
category 1) sites on their estate. In addition, the DEC and DoL will seek agreement from councils to ensure bitou
bush control programs are undertaken at high priority sites on council administered land. The DoL will liaise and
encourage Trust managers of Crown land to undertake bitou bush control programs at high priority sites. DEC will
liaise and encourage landholders to undertake bitou bush control programs at high priority sites on private lands. To
measure the biodiversity benefits, bitou bush control will not occur in areas designated as experimental ‘notreatment’
areas (see Objective 2).
Action 1.2 At control category 1 sites, DEC and the DoL will help to develop and implement site-specific management plans
for bitou bush control programs, based on currently available best practice guidelines. DEC will work with councils
and private landholders that agree to Action 1.1, to develop site-specific management plans.
Action 1.3 Indigenous communities will be encouraged to assist with the development of site-specific management plans.
Action 1.4 Control of bitou bush is to continue at both the northern and southern containment zones in NSW.
Objective 2 Evaluate the effectiveness of control programs with respect to the response of priority species,
populations and ecological communities.
Action 2.1 DEC will coordinate the monitoring/measurement of bitou bush control programs at control category 1 sites.
Action 2.2 DEC will foster research into the effects of herbicide on priority species.
Action 2.3 DEC will coordinate a statewide (NSW) survey of bitou bush and boneseed infestations (including offshore islands).
Action 2.4 DEC and other stakeholders will determine the distribution of boneseed in NSW and develop a
containment/eradication strategy.
Objective 3 Evaluate the ways in which bitou bush causes the decline of native plant species.
Action 3.1 DEC will foster research into the decline in native species as a result of bitou bush invasions.
Objective 4 Ensure that all stakeholders are involved/participate at each of the control category 1 sites.
Action 4.1 DEC and other agencies will coordinate and contribute to training volunteers (and other stakeholders) who wish to
participate in control programs at control category 1 sites.
Action 4.2 DEC and other agencies will undertake public awareness programs on the impacts of bitou bush, especially on
biodiversity, and the importance of its control.
Objective 5 Ensure implementation and administration of the Bitou TAP is undertaken.
Action 5.1 DEC will support a position to coordinate the implementation of the Bitou TAP.
Objective 6 Determine the effects of bitou bush invasions on fauna.
Action 6.1 DEC will foster research into the effects of bitou bush invasions on fauna.
Objective 7 Determine the effects of bitou bush control on fauna.
Action 7.1 DEC will foster research into the effects of bitou bush control on fauna.
Objective 8 Establish guidelines for future control programs and research projects based on the outcomes of
this TAP.
Action 8.1 DEC and other stakeholders will examine new data and integrate it into future control/management strategies and
best practice guidelines for bitou bush.
Action 8.2 DEC and other stakeholders will examine new data and establish future priorities for bitou bush research.
73