Attachment 1 to Item 53 - Roadside Vegetation Management Plan

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H AW K E S B U R Y C IT Y C O U N C IL R O AD S ID E V E G E T AT IO N M AN AG E M E N T P L AN • Monitor outbreaks of other weed species in the Hawkesbury LGA, particularly near roadsides and with reference to the potential threats that such species place on indigenous vegetation; • Train personnel conducting weed control to recognise noxious weeds, WoNS and other weeds in the Hawkesbury LGA; • Give priority to weed control on high and medium conservation value roadsides. This must be undertaken using minimal disturbance techniques; • Ensure that the type of weed control undertaken is appropriate for the site, roadside conservation values, and weeds present, and where herbicide is used, it is undertaken in accordance with the requirements as detailed on the label and in statutory requirements; • Avoid ploughing, cultivation or broad acre herbicide application for weed control on roadsides. Use cut and paint or drill and fill methods where possible for selected woody weeds; • Maintain records of chemical sprayed, location and date of spraying, weather conditions and target species; • Avoid herbicide spraying in drains and near waterways to prevent contamination of water bodies; • Avoid indigenous understorey and regeneration areas when spraying. Spray only the target plants and spray low to the ground to avoid spray drift; • Integrate roadside spraying programs with other agencies and adjacent landholders operating in the area; • Avoid slashing weeds that are in seed and avoid removal of weeds in seed as there is a high risk of viable seed being spread by machinery. If it is necessary to remove weeds when they are seeding, dispose of at a designated disposal site and cover during transportation to prevent weed seeds blowing away and colonising new areas; • Obtain advice from DPI prior to undertaking control of new species of weeds; • Prevent soil and healthy vegetation on roadsides from being disturbed. Disturbance of the soil or the existing vegetation is the main factor in soil erosion, and weed invasion; • Do not use or park heavy machinery on roadside vegetation; • Store road construction materials, including sediment from drains and culverts, away from native vegetation, and preferably on existing disturbed sites or designated stockpile areas; • After working in weed affected areas, clean vehicles and machinery of soil and plant debris prior to working elsewhere; • Do not use plants known to be environmental weeds (listed in HCC’s website) in any landscape project in the Hawkesbury LGA. • Develop community awareness programs to ensure landholders understand their responsibilities regarding weed control; and • Encourage and support Landcare and other local environment groups to undertake longterm weed control. 6.8 STOCKPILE / DUMPSITE M ANAGEMENT Given the issues associated with stockpiling (see Section 3.8), stockpiles should be established in appropriate locations. Care should be taken to manage stockpiles as appropriate to discourage the spread of weeds when soil is later transported, and prevent unlawful use of stockpile areas (for rubbish dumping or recreation). The following actions detail how stockpiles should be managed. © E C O L O G I C AL AU S T R AL I A P T Y L T D 53
H AW K E S B U R Y C IT Y C O U N C IL R O AD S ID E V E G E T AT IO N M AN AG E M E N T P L AN • Designate a set number of stockpile or dump sites at strategic locations (selected and approved by the relevant Council officer) for: o storing road work materials (e.g. Road metal, topsoil, gravel, mulch); o storing excess material from road construction or maintenance operations; o disposal of pest plants and other materials. • Avoid using the following as stockpile or dump sites; o areas adjacent to high conservation priority roads, National Parks and public reserves; o way side stop sites; and o drainage lines, floodways or culverts. • When selecting new stockpile or dump sites consider locating them: o on roadsides or public land of low conservation value; o in areas which have previously been cleared of vegetation; and o in areas which can be screened from view. • Provide all statutory authorities and contractors undertaking road works with a list and location map of designated stockpile and dump sites; • Define the extent of stockpile or dump sites. Use the minimum space necessary to store/dump materials and maintain access. Establish a buffer zone around stockpiles or dump sites if possible; • Mark the boundaries of stockpile sites clearly and (when practical) fence, barricade or screen (using appropriate indigenous plantings) from the roadside; • Ensure that plant equipment and vehicles accessing stockpiles and dumpsites only access stockpiles on already cleared or disturbed areas. Tree drip lines should be avoided to minimise root damage or soil compaction in this area; • Ensure stockpile sites comply with Rural Fire Service (RFS) requirements for fire access. Check with local brigades to ensure turning space, height clearance and access is suitable; • Control any weed species prior to stockpiling materials on a new site. Monitor area for any subsequent weed growth and undertake follow up weed control if necessary; • Discourage use of stockpile sites by local community and visitors to the area; • Restore former stockpile or dump sites using appropriate indigenous vegetation; and • Nominate an officer responsible for: o ensuring materials are dumped only at designated sites; o allocating new locations (as required); o monitoring and controlling weed growth and plant pathogens at stockpile and dump sites; and o organising phase out and rehabilitation of old sites. 6.9 FIRE MANAGEMENT Achieving both the goals of fire prevention and control along with biodiversity conservation requires careful planning and thorough evaluation of all issues involved. It is understood HCC is currently revising their Bush Fire Risk Management Plan (BFRMP) in conjunction with the NSW RFS. The BFRMP is concerned with reducing the risk of bush fires to the community. In regards to the management of roadsides, the principals the BFRMP should: • Consider combining areas dedicated to fuel hazard reduction for fire mitigation with power/utility easements to minimise the area of vegetation disturbance; • Prior to any fire mitigation works on roadsides being undertaken, identify and ensure adequate protection is provided to EECs, threatened flora and fauna species. If areas to © E C O L O G I C AL AU S T R AL I A P T Y L T D 54
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Attachment 1 to Item 53 - Roadside Vegetation Management Plan

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