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Phillip Island Nature Park – Weed Management Strategy 2007 - 2012
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Phillip Island Nature Park – Weed Management Strategy 2007 - 2012
Phillip Island Nature Park – Weed Management Strategy 2007-2012
Contents
Acknowledgments
2
List of Submissions
2
Abbreviations
2
Summary
3
Introduction
•
Park Settings
4
•
Figure 1 - Regional Locality Plan
4
•
Figure 2 - Setting and Park Boundaries
5
•
Framework for Weed Management
6
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Planning Context and Scope
6
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Figure 3 - Framework for Weed Management Planning
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Figure 4 - Park Planning Framework
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•
Reporting and Review
8
Background
•
Weeds in Victoria
9
•
Weeds within the Park
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Setting Priorities for Weed Management
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Monitoring and Evaluation
10
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Key Partnerships
10
Steps to achieve best practice weed management for Phillip Island Nature Park
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Goal 1 - Prevent new and emerging weeds from establishing
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Goal 2 - Control the impact of established weeds on Park values
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Goal 3 - Weed management programs are safe, sustainable, and resourced
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Goal 4 - Weed management programs are enhanced through effective partnerships
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•
Goal 5 - There is continuous improvement through reviewing Weed Strategy actions
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Threatening Processes
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Integrated Weed Management Principles and Methods
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Weed Management Methods
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Appendix 1
Weed Species List: significance and priority (Phillip Island Nature Park)
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Key to appendix 1
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Appendix 2
Phillip Island Landcare Group - 10/10 Weed Control Program
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Appendix 3
Phillip Island Landcare Group - 10/20 Weed Control Program
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References and Further Reading
Phillip Island Nature Park – Weed Management Strategy 2007 - 2012
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Acknowledgments
This document is the first weed strategy for Phillip Island Nature Park and incorporates a wide range of views from staff,
agencies, community groups and individuals through the draft and community consultation stages.
The Park’s GIS and mapping for weed management has been possible through a grant for software and training from the
‘Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) Conservation Program’ www.esriaustralia.com.au. The Park is also
grateful for being involved in the ‘Coordinated Imagery Project’ with DSE Spatial Information and infrastructure.
Thank you to all who contributed and I hope that the implementation of this strategy will result in significant long term
improvements for Phillip Island’s environment. Jon Fallaw (Ranger – Pest Plant Project Officer)
Staff Contributions
Richard Dakin (Environment Manager), Dr Roz Jessop (Senior Environment Coordinator), Ashley Reed (Senior Ranger),
Scott Campbell (Senior Ranger), Julie Thomas (Senior Ranger), Tim Bloomfield (Fox Project Manager).
Rangers: Mark Merryfull, Karl Dickson, Peter Cleary, Stuart Murphy, John Evans, Jarvis Weston, Melinda Kyle, Neville
Johnson, Lisa Brooks, Daniel Kallstrom, Susan Spicer
Mark Manteit (PINP Chief Executive Officer), Paula Forbes (Executive Assistant), Sally O’Neill (Communication Manager),
Hayley Harris, Sharron Kenney (cover design)
List of Submissions
Nigel Ainsworth
DSE: Principal Policy Officer – Pest Plants
Dr Ras Lawson
PINP: Board Member, Chair: Scientific and Research Advisory Committee
Ryan Incoll
DSE: Area Manager – South Gippsland
Mark Brammar
DSE
Mick Dortmans
DPI
Paul Smith
BCSC: Environment Manager
Clare Landry
BCSC
Harvey Dinelli
VicRoads: Manager Program Development
Bessie Tyers
Western Port Bird Observers Club
Anne Davie
Barb Martin Bushbank Committee
Larry Martin
DPI: Catchment Management Officer
Abbreviations
ACUP
Agricultural Chemical Users Permit
EVC
Ecological Vegetation Class
BSCS
Bass Coast Shire Council
FCUC
Farm Chemical Users Course
CaLP Act
Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994
GIS
Geographic Information System
CMA
Catchment Management Authority
GPS
Global Positioning System
S weeds
State Prohibited Weeds
NHT
National Heritage Trust
R weeds
Regionally Prohibited Weeds
PILG
Phillip Island Landcare Group
C weeds
Regionally Controlled Weeds
PINP
Phillip Island Nature Park
R weeds
Restricted
TAFE
Technical and Further Education
CVA
Conservation Volunteers Australia
RBGM
Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne
DSE
Department of Sustainability and
Environment
PP&WCMA
Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment
Management Authority
DPI
Department of Primary Industry
WONS
Weed of National Significance
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Phillip Island Nature Park – Weed Management Strategy 2007 - 2012
Summary
The aims for weed management
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Minimise the impact of weeds on Park values: environmental, social and cultural values
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Minimise the risk of weeds that have originated within the Park spreading to adjacent land
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Establish a management regime that is sustainable for the long term in partnership with the wider community
Weeds can be divided into four broad groups
1.
‘Declared noxious weeds’ in Victoria are plants proclaimed under the Catchment and Land Protection Act
1994 (CaLP Act). There are four categories of weeds defined under the Act: State Prohibited; Regionally
Prohibited; Regionally Controlled; and Restricted. DSE administers the Act and employs Pest Management
Officers through DPI to enforce provisions of the Act. The Victorian ‘Declared Noxious Weed’ list is under review
and is likely to change substantially during the life of this strategy.
2.
‘Environmental weeds’ are plants which threaten the values of natural ecosystems, reduce biodiversity (DSE.
2006) and result in the loss of habitat for native animals. A number of serious environmental weeds such as the
grass Kikuyu, woody weeds such as Polygala and Mirror Bush and the creepers Dolichos and English Ivy are not
listed under the CaLP Act. While most serious weeds have been introduced from outside Australia other, nonindigenous native species such as Sweet Pittosporum and White Kunzea have spread beyond their natural
range and also have the potential to damage local plant communities.
3.
‘Agricultural weeds’ are plants which threaten crops, horticulture and pasture production. Both agricultural
and environmental weeds may also be noxious weeds.
4.
‘Declared Noxious Aquatic Species’ are aquatic plant species proclaimed under the Fisheries Act 1995.
Categories of weed species
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‘New and emerging weeds’ includes ‘sleeper weeds’ (the goal is eradication)
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‘High priority established weeds’ (the goal is containment – perhaps eradication)
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‘Other established weeds’ (medium and low priority, the goal is containment and suppression)
Criteria for weed priority determination
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Invasiveness
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Potential for spread
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Impacts: environmental, cultural, economic
Listed weeds have been ranked (high, medium, low) reflecting the Nature Parks obligations under the CaLP Act,
invasiveness, and threat posed to Park and community values. The highest priority should be given to protect highly
significant Park values at highly significant locations. Resources should first be targeted towards actions that will have a
lasting effect (DSE 2006). However, within this context overall ecosystem services must be maintained.
Following weed removal and rehabilitation using integrated weed management techniques, monitoring is required
where reinvasion is likely to occur. Future assessments should include the role of climate change to increase the risk of
weed species extending their range or becoming more invasive.
Planning for weed management
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Step 1
Site assessment and information gathering
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Step 2
Set goals and objectives based on knowledge, priorities and resources
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Step 3
Develop and implement actions to achieve objectives with partners
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Step 4
Monitor performance and review and revise plan as necessary
Expected outcomes for weed management
1.
Increased protection of identified key priority assets from the threat of weeds for the future.
2.
An integrated approach to the protection of park assets.
3.
Increased recreational and ecotourism opportunities.
4.
The establishment of good working relationships between the park neighbours and the community.
Phillip Island Nature Park – Weed Management Strategy 2007 - 2012
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Introduction
Park Setting
The Phillip Island Nature Park (PINP) is located on Phillip Island approximately 120 kilometres from Melbourne (figure 1).
Phillip Island is part of the traditional lands of the Bunurong Aboriginal people and the Park contains areas and features
of cultural significance. Phillip Island is approximately 100 square kilometres in area and supports a diversity of
environments and activities. Phillip Island is within the ‘Mornington Peninsula and Western Port Biosphere Reserve’, and
the Gippsland Plain bioregion. Approximately 90 percent of the island has been cleared and comprises farming and
urban areas, while the remainder consists of woodlands, wetlands, saltmarsh, beaches and spectacular coastlines.
The Nature Park was created in 1996 to integrate the management of public land on Phillip Island and to facilitate
innovation in wildlife management, visitor services and tourism experiences. The Park consists of a number of Crown
Land Reserves spread across the Island with a total area of 1,805 hectares (figure 2). A Board appointed by the Minister
for Planning is responsible for the management of the Park’s flora and fauna.
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Phillip Island Nature Park – Weed Management Strategy 2007 - 2012
Phillip Island Nature Park – Weed Management Strategy 2007 - 2012
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Framework for Weeds Management
Weeds threaten wildlife and habitat, rare or threatened species, ecological vegetation classes (EVC’s), vegetation
communities and intact areas of vegetation. Weeds can be classified in terms of invasiveness and the stage of invasion, ie
new and emerging, or established weeds. It is the level of impact and potential that weeds have on Park values that will
guide the setting of objectives and expected outcomes for weed management. Identification of high value areas and
their protection and management (NRE 2001), (DSE 2006) is important, as for instance once cultural heritage or
biodiversity has been lost, such as when a vegetation community is cleared, it cannot easily or practically be replaced.
The highest priority is given to actions that will have a lasting positive effect at high value locations, ie biodiversity,
ecosystem services and habitat are maintained or enhanced.
National and regional weed management principles underpin priorities for local work and the identification of key areas
for management. This provides the framework (figure 3) for the allocation of resources to priority locations and forms
the basis of this five year weed strategy. This strategy will specify methods, on-ground works, extension, education and
training, enforcement, monitoring and evaluation.
This strategy has been developed within the Park’s overall planning structure (figure 4) to address the weed
management issues and specific actions outlined in the Phillip Island Nature Park - Management Plan 2006-11. The
purpose of this strategy is to provide a suitably resourced framework to guide best practice weed management that is
supported by decision makers and the community. A major challenge to managing weeds in the Park is to optimise
existing knowledge and resources and to find new and innovative ways to tackle weed issues within predicted resource
levels. To maintain the relevance of this strategy, priority actions, resources, costs and training requirements will be
determined annually following a review performance measures towards achieving objectives. This strategy forms a part
of the Park’s overall land management and extension activities to protect biodiversity and promote ecological
sustainability.
The Victorian State vision for weed management is:
“Weeds no longer threaten the State’s natural assets, its social values and the productive capacity of its lands and waters.”
For the purposes of this weed strategy a weed is defined as:
“Plants that have, or may have, a negative impact on environmental, economic or socio-cultural values.”
Planning Context and Scope
This strategy establishes goals, objectives, strategic actions and performance measures for weed management within the
Park and partnerships with Park neighbours and other stakeholders (ref: Steps to achieve best practice weed
management for Phillip Island Nature Park).
Key documents in the development of this strategy are:
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Weeds of National Significance (The National Weed Strategy 1999) (Thorp J. R. & Lynch R. 2000)
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Victorian Pest Management – A Framework for Action – Weed Management Strategy 2002: (NRE. 2002a), (NRE.
2002b), (NRE. 2002d)
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Port Phillip and Western Port Regional Catchment Strategy 2004-2009 (PP&WCMA 2005)
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Port Phillip and Western Port Native Vegetation Plan (PP&WCMA 2006)
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Port Phillip and Western Port – Weed Action Plan (PP&WCMA 2003)
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Interim Guidelines and Procedures for Managing the Environmental Impacts of Weeds on Public Land in
Victoria 2006 (Environmental Weeds Working Group 2006)
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Phillip Island Nature Parks – Strategic Plan 2006 – 11
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Phillip Island Nature Parks – Management Plan 2006 – 11
Phillip Island Nature Park – Weed Management Strategy 2007 - 2012
Figure 3
Framework for Weed Management Planning
National Weed Strategy
Victorian Pest
Management – A
Framework for Action
Victorian Weed
Management Strategy
Regional Catchment
Strategy
Port Phillip and
Westernport Weed
Action Plan
Phillip Island Nature Park
Strategic Plan
Interim Guidelines and
Procedures for Managing
the Environmental
Impacts of Weeds in
Victoria
Public Land Managers
Phillip Island Nature Park
Weed Strategy
Phillip Island Nature Park
Management Plan
Phillip Island Nature Parks – Strategic Plan 2006-11
The Park’s strategic goals:
1.
Integrate environmental sustainability principles into all areas of our operations
2.
Enhance and expand the delivery of education, training and research both within and outside the Park
3.
Strive to achieve long term financial security
4.
Optimise the ways we meet the needs of visitors and our community
Park Mission:
“to conserve and enhance the Park’s environment for current and future generations while achieving a balanced
environmental, economic and social outcome”
Park Vision:
“to be a world leader in environmental, economic and socially sustainable nature–based and eco-tourism experiences”
PINP – Management Plan 2006-11
The Plan identifies specific goals and actions under four main areas of responsibility:
1.
Nature Conservation
2.
Facility & Infrastructure Management
3.
Heritage Conservation
4.
Community & Partnerships
For weed management the Plan identifies the need for a five year weed strategy: Action 190 “Create a comprehensive
five year Weed Strategy reflecting national, state and local priorities to protect diversity. Include integrated control
techniques and prioritisation of weed species for control, in particular establishing processes for the management of high
priority weeds such as Kikuyu grass, Bridal Creeper and Phalaris throughout the Park.”
Phillip Island Nature Park – Weed Management Strategy 2007 - 2012
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Figure 4
Park Planning Framework
strategic plan
2006 - 2011
management plan
2006 - 2011
research strategy
2006 - 2011
education strategy
2006 - 2011
weed strategy
2007 - 2012
annual
business plans
divisional
plans
annual
budget
annual
reports
works
plans
Reporting and Review
The Nature Park Board reports the Park’s core activities, achievements and financial position to the responsible Minister/s,
currently the Minister for Planning and Minister for the Environment, through the Annual Report which is presented by
the Minister/s to Parliament and to the wider community in September each year.
The weed management strategy will be regularly reviewed through management meetings and consultation with
stakeholders and the community. A detailed report and review will take place at the end of the five year period.
Simon Cropper surveying Crimson Berry Leptecophylla
juniperina for the Rare or Threatened Plants of Phillip
Island report.
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Karl Dickson monitors Chilean needle grass at Ventnor. It is
a highly invasive WONS species, easily spread, and as a
new and emerging weed is a high priority for control.
Phillip Island Nature Park – Weed Management Strategy 2007 - 2012
Background
Weeds in Victoria
Noxious weeds in Victoria are plants listed under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 (CaLP Act), administered
by Department of Sustainability & Environment. The Act defines four categories of noxious weeds and the responsibilities
of land owners.
•
State Prohibited Weeds, (none recorded in the Park).
•
Regionally Prohibited Weeds (2 recorded in the Park) must be eradicated or controlled within the Park, but not
on roadsides where is the responsibility of the relevant road manager.
•
Regionally Controlled Weeds (22 recorded in the Park) must be prevented from growing or spreading within
the Park and on adjoining roadsides.
•
Restricted Weeds (2 recorded in the Park) are prohibited for trade.
The Fisheries Act 1995 lists declared noxious aquatic species (none recorded in the Park, monitor for Spartina sp.).
Weeds within the Park
There are 209 weeds listed (appendix 1) which threaten Park values including ‘weeds of national significance’ WONS (5
recorded in the Park) and ‘declared noxious weeds’ (27 recorded in the Park). The remainder are environmental weeds
such as garden escapes, non-indigenous plants and there are native plants have been recorded as weedy (17 in the Park)
as they are either beyond their natural range, hybridise with indigenous plants or threaten ecological vegetation
communities to which they do not belong. Weeds can be classified by a number of growth and reproductive
characteristics such as annuals, biennials or perennials. Identification of the life cycle of each weed is crucial to stop
further seeding and for setting priorities for weed management, timing, and management methods.
Pest plants will always be present in a disturbed landscape such as Phillip Island and significant weed infestations occur
throughout the Park and continue to threaten Park values. Many weeds have established on Phillip Island through the
process of European settlement. Native vegetation was cleared or modified and non indigenous plants introduced as
crops, pasture or ornamental plants around dwellings. Weeds have also been carried, externally or internally, by stock,
vermin and native animals. Along with the fragmentation of habitat there has been a modification of ecological
processes such as the loss of native pollinators and seed vectors for native species to the advantage of weed species.
While some weeds have been introduced deliberately or unintentionally by human activity, others have found their way
into the Park and have spread through natural processes.
Much of the early weed control on the Island was to control weeds that had a cost to agriculture such as thistles in wool
and Capeweed in pasture. The Phillip Island Shire Council (amalgamated to form the Bass Coast Shire Council), Lands
Department followed by Parks Vic all controlled noxious weeds such as Blackberry, Gorse, Boxthorn and Ragwort in
coastal reserves and other reserves that now make up PINP such as Ventnor Koala Reserve, Oswin Roberts and Rhyll Inlet,
Churchill Island and Cape Woolamai. They were aided in their work by local conservationists, many of whom went on to
form local conservation groups such as the Phillip Island Conservation Society and the Phillip Island Landcare Group. In
2000 the Phillip Island Landcare Group in consultation with the Bass Coast Shire Council, Phillip Island Nature Park and
community groups, released the weed control programs ’10 weeds in 10 years’ (appendix 2) and the ‘10 weeds in 20
years’ (appendix 3) to target both listed noxious weeds and high priority environmental weeds.
Phillip Island Nature Park – Weed Management Strategy 2007 - 2012
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Setting Priorities for Weed Management
Listed weeds have been ranked high (40 in the Park), medium (37 in the Park), and low (132 in the Park) reflecting the
Park’s legal obligations and the invasiveness and threat posed to Park values (Thorp J. R. & Lynch R. 2000). New and
emerging weeds (9 in the Park) receive the highest priority and the aim is to eradicate infestations before they spread. All
the species listed in the priority weed list (appendix 1) are of varying threat to wildlife habitat, native flora and fauna,
including rare or threatened plants.
In coastal areas, priority has been given to highly invasive weeds such as Boxthorn, Gorse and Kikuyu that threaten Little
Penguin and Short-tailed Shearwater habitat and provide harbour for foxes, cats and rabbits. In other areas, a wide range
of grasses, creepers and woody weeds have invaded and out-compete native vegetation and limit the recruitment of
shrub and tree species essential as food shelter and nesting habitat for animals such as possums, bats and birds.
Areas such as Rhyll Inlet and associated wetlands, Point Grant and sections of the south coast, parts of Oswin Roberts
Koala Reserve, Cape Woolamai and Churchill Island include important intact remnant areas requiring special
management (Cropper 1993), and the weed threats to these sites are particularly significant. Many of these areas have
serious weed infestations that threaten native flora and fauna, including a number of rare or threatened species, some
listed under state and federal legislation and international agreements.
Monitoring and Evaluation
Monitoring of weed populations is in progress throughout the Park and mapped weeds have been included in the Park’s
geographic information system (GIS). Future assessments should also include the role of climate change to increase the
risk of weed species extending their range or becoming more invasive.
Much is known regarding the flora, fauna, and physical environment of the Park. Surveys of plants, birds, mammals,
reptiles and invertebrates, geology and salinity have been completed or are underway by the Park’s Research
Department. This on-going program of physical and biological surveys is an invaluable guide for weed management for
the Park’s Environment Department. In particular, a detailed survey with GIS mapping of the plant communities within
the Park has been completed (Sutter and Downe 2000) and 58 rare or threatened plants known or suspected to occur on
Phillip Island have been identified (Cropper 2003). A number of these rare or threatened terrestrial taxa previously
recorded from Phillip Island have been surveyed and mapped for the GIS within the Park and threats and management
recommendations have been identified (Cropper 2005) (Crowfoot 2006).
Rangers are now able to monitor for a number of rare or threatened plants and plan appropriately. The on-going
program to map values such as Penguin and Shearwater rookeries will allow for increased surveillance and a quick
response to weed threats. Monitoring of vermin such as foxes, cats and pest birds etc will allow correlation between the
occurrence of weed species and these pests e.g. Boxthorn is a known harbour for foxes and cats and its removal in key
locations can greatly disadvantage these species. As information accumulates in reports, site assessments and the GIS
etc, a review of weed management actions will result in better outcomes for the conservation of values.
Key Partnerships
Department of Sustainability & Environment
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Was established on 5 December 2002 to bring together the state's responsibilities for sustainability of the
natural and built environment.
•
Areas of responsibility include; coast and marine, conservation and environment, fire and other emergencies,
forests, heritage, land management, parks and reserves, planning, plants and animals, property, titles and maps,
recreation and tourism, research and water.
•
DSE has policy interpretation and legislative responsibility, in conjunction with DPI, for weed and biodiversity
management and coordinates the implementation of the Government’s management programs.
•
The primary responsibility for weed management on public land is with the relevant public land manager
however the Good Neighbour Program is managed by DSE to protect adjoining private land from pests
originating on public land.
•
A representative of the Department is an observer on the Phillip Island Nature Park Board with a governance
role reflecting the importance the Department places on the Park and the partnership between the agencies.
Phillip Island Nature Park – Weed Management Strategy 2007 - 2012
Parks Victoria
•
Responsible under the Parks Victoria Act 1998 to provide services to the State and its agencies for the
management of parks, reserves and other public land as specified. The provision of services to the Department
of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) are set down in a Management Services Agreement.
•
Manage all National Parks, and areas reserved under the Heritage Rivers Act 1992 and also manage some
metropolitan waterways and nominated Crown Land.
•
Responsible for the planning for all Ramsar sites and management of some sites.
•
Responsible for piers and jetties in Port Phillip Bay and Western Port and recreational boating on these Bays.
•
Parks Victoria and DSE work in partnership to manage wild fire and fire control in National Parks and on Crown
Land, and supports to Marine Safety Victoria for marine pollution incidents in Western Port.
Department of Primary Industries
•
The Department promotes the sustainable development of primary industries for the benefit of all of Victoria.
•
The Department supports the agriculture, fisheries, petroleum, minerals, energy and forest industries in Victoria
and they are responsible for research into the biological control of pest plants.
•
The Department undertakes community, industry, education and awareness related programs to enhance
understanding of the laws that protect resources from unsustained use.
•
Enforcement is the primary tool used to persuade those of the community who do not voluntarily comply with
the regulatory framework.
Port Phillip and Western Port - Catchment Management Authority
•
Empowered under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 (CaLP Act) to develop a Regional Catchment
Strategy and to coordinate and monitor its implementation.
•
Identify regional priorities and develop and guide the implementation of underlying plans, ie Port Phillip and
Western Port - Weed Action Plan.
•
Advise on regional priorities and resource allocation to land and water managers in the region. The priorities for
funding, ie federal and state initiatives, within regions are determined by Regional Assessment Panels.
•
Report on the condition of the land and water resources in the region.
•
Promote community awareness and understanding of the importance of land and water resources, their
sustainable use, conservation and rehabilitation.
VicRoads
•
VicRoads has specific obligations under the CaLP Act to limit the spread of and/or eradicate listed noxious
weeds and animals on the declared road network. VicRoads is also involved with adjacent landowners and
other stakeholders in the management of environmental weeds that may cause degradation to the
environmental quality of the roadside or abutting land.
•
The encroachment of weeds into any environmentally significant roadside area is of concern.
Melbourne Water
•
Manage Melbourne's water supply catchments, remove and treat most of Melbourne's sewage, and manage
rivers and creeks and major drainage systems throughout the Port Phillip and Westernport region.
•
A key action from ‘Our Water Our Future - Action Plan’ in June 2004 was the extension of Melbourne Water’s
waterway and drainage boundary to cover the majority of the Port Phillip and Westernport catchment. The
Minister for Water Resources made a formal announcement on 1 December 2005 making Melbourne Water the
responsible authority for waterways, regional drainage and floodplain management within the Port Phillip and
Westernport Region including Phillip Island.
Aboriginal Affairs Victoria
•
The Minister for Aboriginal Affairs is the responsible authority for all indigenous cultural issues within Phillip
Island Nature Park. Any works that could impact on or interfere with an Aboriginal site requires consent from
the Minister. In making an assessment, Aboriginal Affairs Victoria will consult with relevant Aboriginal
community groups.
Phillip Island Nature Park – Weed Management Strategy 2007 - 2012
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Bass Coast Landcare Network
•
Draws together local support and funding from a wide range of federal, state and regional natural resource
management organisations ie NHT, DSE, DPI, CMA, BCSC etc. Formed in 2003, the network employs facilitators
to provide support for our local Landcare Groups.
•
The Park has a long standing special relationship with the Phillip Island Landcare Group (PILG), formalised
through a Memorandum of Understanding, tackling a wide range of common land management issues. PILG
plan and undertake Landcare projects and currently has staff working on salinity, wildlife corridors, pest plants
and animals, and urban Landcare. PILG provides advice and support to the Park for projects and grants.
Bass Coast Shire Council
•
Is the local government authority responsible for governing approximately 854 square kilometres of South
West Gippsland including Phillip Island. The Council has relatively broad powers in relation to environmental
control, protection and conservation, and are the land manager for 35km of foreshore reserve and other Crown
Land reserves. The Council determines the appropriate use and development of land through the planning
scheme.
•
Phillip Island Nature Park and the Council have worked on joint projects, ie uniform beach signage and seek to
develop consistent protocols in relation to management, conservation and enforcement of regulations, ie dog
and cat management.
•
The Park is now the land manager for the Shire’s tip at Rhyll and will lease the site to the Shire while the tip is
relocated to an alternative site. The Shire will vacate the tip site according to special condition contained in a
lease agreement.
•
The Council operates a network of Visitor Information Centres including Newhaven and Cowes.
Community Groups
Local community groups and volunteers make an invaluable contribution to the work of the Park. There are many
Community members who have worked over many years in habitat rehabilitation and maintenance, interpretation and
natural and cultural conservation to preserve lands which are today part of the Park, and some sections of the Park were
donated by local families.
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•
Barb Martin Bushbank
•
Coast Action Groups
•
Friends of Churchill Island Society Inc
•
Friends of the Koalas
•
Hooded Plover Watch
•
Phillip Island and District Historical Society
•
Phillip Island Conservation Society
•
Phillip Island Landcare Group
•
Penguin Study Group
•
Smiths Beachcomber Association Inc
•
Silverleaves Conservation Association
•
Schools and students
•
Western Port Bird Observers Club
•
Western Port Seagrass Partnership
•
Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club
Phillip Island Nature Park – Weed Management Strategy 2007 - 2012
Steps to achieve best practice weed management for Phillip Island Nature Park
Goal 1
Prevent new and emerging weeds from establishing
Objective 1
Find and assess new and emerging weeds
Key
Responsibility
Partners
PINP, DPI, DSE,
CMA
PILG, BCSC, industry, community
groups, schools
July 2007
2. Verify reports, identify plants and map
infestations
PINP, DPI, DSE,
CMA
RBGM
Ongoing
3. Assess threat and prepare plan:
PINP, DPI, DSE,
CMA
PILG, BCSC, industry, community
groups
End 2007
Strategic Action
1. Inspect land and report new and emerging
weeds as the highest priority:
Timeframe
Ongoing
e.g. ‘Weed Spotter’ program
e.g. government, community or in house
Objective 1
Ongoing
Performance Measures
a.
A ‘Site Assessment Sheet’ is completed for all PINP lands.
b.
New and emerging weed reports are followed up within 5 working days.
c.
Weeds that may be assessed as ‘Victorian Alert Weeds’ under the DPI/DSE ‘Weed Alert’ program, (DPI/DSE 2005)
are passed on within 5 working days for assessment under the ‘Weed Alert Rapid Response Plan Victoria’. Also
refer to the weeds on the National Environmental Alert List.
d.
Other new or emerging weeds are identified and assessed for level of control and as appropriate a plan to
contain then eradicate is prepared with stakeholders. (Assessment to include the role of climate change to
increase the risk of weed species extending their range or becoming more invasive).
e.
Resources are reallocated from lower priority projects to control and monitor infestations or assist government
departments.
Objective 2
Eradicate new and emerging weeds and protect, manage and restore sites
4. As appropriate, a ‘DPI - Weed Alert Rapid
Response Plan’ is developed and implemented to
eradicate targeted weed
DPI, DSE, CMA
PINP, PILG, other stakeholders
Ongoing
5. Implement ‘Species Specific Action Plans’ to
contain then eradicate other high priority new
weeds (Objective 5, 7)
PINP
DPI, DSE, CMA, PILG, other
stakeholders
End 2007
6. Rehabilitate and monitor new and emerging
weed sites for the long term
PINP / DPI
DSE, CMA, PILG, other
stakeholders
Ongoing
Objective 2
Performance Measures
a.
Weeds that fulfill criteria under the DPI ‘Weed Alert’ program are managed according to the ‘Weed Alert Rapid
Response Plan Victoria’.
b.
Priorities are set to protect Park values and the community.
c.
New and emerging weeds are managed for the long term with historic records checked as appropriate, at least
every 3-5 years, following control measures.
d.
Weed control, monitoring and restoration works are documented and added to database.
Phillip Island Nature Park – Weed Management Strategy 2007 - 2012
13
Objective 3
Reduce the risk of new weeds and pathogens entering and spreading throughout the park
7. Identify high risk activities and sources: e.g.
movement of machinery, stock, importing fodder,
dumping of garden waste and soil
PINP, DPI, BCSC
DPI, CMA, PILG, BCSC, VicRoads,
landowners, Contractors, utility
companies, community groups,
schools
Ongoing
8. Communicate with high potential risk groups to
raise awareness and minimise risks
PINP
DPI, CMA, PILG, BCSC, VicRoads,
landowners, Contractors, utility
companies, community groups,
schools
End 2007
9. Establish hygiene policy and procedures to
minimise new weed risks
PINP, DSE,
All stakeholders
End 2007
10. Establish buffer zones to protect values: e.g.
indigenous vegetation, tracks, wetlands etc.
PINP, PILG
Landowners, neighbours
Ongoing
Objective 3
Performance Measures
a.
Participate in Bass Coast Landcare “Weed Forum’, Victoria’s noxious weed review, Landcare Weeds
Subcommittee, Landcare field days, DPI Weed Alert training, Weedbuster Week, local media etc.
b.
Hygiene policy and procedures are incorporated into staff/contractor induction.
c.
All imported fodder is checked for weeds, feed out areas are inspected each winter / spring.
d.
New weeds are mapped and assessed (Site Assessment Sheet), controlled and buffer zones monitored.
Contractor Ian McFee removing large Boxthorn on the
Summerland Peninsula
14
PILG
Richard Dakin erecting signage prior to Helicopter control
of Kikuyu grass at Cape Woolamai
Phillip Island Nature Park – Weed Management Strategy 2007 - 2012
Goal 2
Control the impact of established weeds on Park values
Objective 4
Assess the impact of existing weeds and determine priorities for action
Strategic Action
Key
Responsibility
Partners
Timeframe
11. Review ‘PINP Weed List’ (appendix 1) priorities
considering Park obligations, community
expectations and a prioritisation of Park values
PINP
DPI, CMA, PILG, BCSC, VicRoads,
industry, community groups
Yearly
12. Map priority weeds and sites on PINP GIS to
determine distribution, spread and impact on
values
PINP
PINP, PILG
Ongoing
13. Review ‘Best Practice Weed Management’
PINP
DPI, CMA, PILG, BCSC
Ongoing
14. Identify the weed impact to Park Values:
biodiversity, threatened species, populations and
communities, ecological and ecosystem impacts,
threatening processes, landscape degradation,
social or economic impacts
PINP
DSE, DPI, CMA, Landcare, BCSC,
industry, community groups
Ongoing
15. Identify control options for ‘Integrated Weed
Management’
PINP
DSE, DPI, CMA, PILG, BCSC,
industry, community groups
Ongoing
16. Develop ‘Site Assessment Sheet’ from existing
information and site visits
PINP
PILG, BCSC, community groups
Ongoing
17. Prepare ‘Site Action Plans’ and ‘Species Specific
Action Plans’: for all high priority weeds to
determine priority sites and effective working
partnerships (as per Goal 4)
PINP
DPI, PILG, BCSC, industry,
community groups
Ongoing
Objective 4
Performance Measures
a.
All existing weeds are listed, prioritised for management, and annually reviewed (appendix 1). Priorities are set
through the ‘Framework for Weed Management Planning’ (figure 3) and the ‘Park Planning Framework’ (figure
4). The weed management response is directly linked to protect values identified in the ‘PINP – Management
Plan 2006-11’.
b.
A process is developed to compare Park values.
c.
Priority weeds are mapped, entered onto the GIS to determine impact on values.
d.
‘Best Weed Management Method’ (table 1) is continuously updated and constraints identified.
e.
Reduced impact of targeted weeds. (Measured as: reduced area/density of weeds; a reduction of threatening
processes; an increase in the quality/quantity of threatened Park values).
f.
There is continuous improvement of ‘Integrated Weed Management’ methods.
g.
Information on Park values is compiled and gaps identified to guide future mapping and research.
h.
‘Site Assessment Sheet’ are complete and updated: (include: historic reports, neighbouring land use and issues,
current condition, site attributes and values, flora and fauna lists, rare or threatened species, threatening
processes, vegetation condition, management recommendations, photo points, weed and other mapping and
site maps). Monitoring of success is based on the decreased threat to Park values e.g., the recovery of native
plant populations following weed control is assessed for future actions.
i.
‘Site Action Plans’ and ‘Species Specific Action Plans’ are developed with partners in consultation with
stakeholders. As a general rule, high priority actions at high priority locations (high/high combinations) will take
precedence ahead of other actions regardless of species or community conservation status.
j.
Raise community awareness by attending Bass Coast Landcare “Weed Forum’, Landcare Weeds Subcommittee,
Landcare field days, DPI Weed Alert training, Weedbuster Week, local media etc.
Phillip Island Nature Park – Weed Management Strategy 2007 - 2012
15
Objective 5
Implement environmentally sound, cost-effective weed management programs
18. Assess the cost of control for weed
management programs and plan in yearly budget
PINP
DPI, CMA, PILG, BCSC, VicRoads,
landowners, Contractors, utility
companies
April, yearly
19. Continue and increase partner projects for
weed management across Phillip Island: TAFE, CVA,
Green Corps, Trainees, Work for Dole etc
PINP, PILG,
BCSC, Greening
Australia
PILG, BCSC, VicRoads,
landowners, utility companies,
community groups, schools
February
20. Control (contain or eradicate) weeds according
to priority by preparing a ‘Yearly Work Plan’.
Implement best practice ‘Integrated Weed
Management’ using ‘Site Assessment Sheet’ and
‘Site/Species Specific’ Action Plans.
PINP
DPI, CMA, PILG, BCSC, VicRoads,
landowners, Contractors, utility
companies, community groups,
schools
Ongoing
21. Maintain ‘Weed Control Database’
PINP
Ongoing
22. Plan follow up, rehabilitation and monitoring
and install in yearly works plan
PINP
Ongoing
Objective 5
yearly
Performance Measures
a.
A ‘Yearly Works Plan’ and ‘Budget’ are prepared based on priorities identified in ‘Site Assessment Sheets’ and
‘Site/Species Specific’ Action Plans and a review of the prior years work. Investment in weed management
response should be proportional to the significance of the value under threat.
b.
Grants are applied for and partnerships formed e.g. Penguin Foundation, NHT Envirofund, DSE ‘Weeds and
Pests on Public Land’ initiative, small equipment grants.
c.
Resources and support are allocated to partner projects.
d.
Database of weed management works is regularly updated (fortnightly).
e.
‘Yearly Works Plan’ is checked at monthly ranger meetings, ongoing work is scheduled.
f.
‘Site Assessment Sheet’ and ‘Site/Species Specific Action Plans’ are continuously updated with follow up work.
Objective 6
Reduce the spread and re-infestation of established weeds
23. PINP to participate in ‘Victoria’s noxious weed
review’ and any review of the ‘Port Phillip and
Western Port – Weed Action Plan’ to promote local
weed concerns
PINP, CMA
DPI, CMA, PILG, BCSC, VicRoads,
landowners, Contractors,
community groups
Ongoing
24. Promote weed control on private land and
support compliance and enforcement as required
PINP, DPI
DPI, CMA, PILG, BCSC, VicRoads,
utility companies, community
groups
Ongoing
25. Establish hygiene procedures and buffer zones:
(Objective 3)
PINP
DPI, CMA, PILG, BCSC, VicRoads,
landowners, Contractors, utility
companies, community groups,
schools
July 2007
Objective 6
16
Performance Measures
a.
Have input to the PP&WCMA during the review process of the ‘CaLP Act 1994 – Declared Noxious Weed’ list so
that the list better reflects the ‘Port Phillip and Western Port – Weed Action Plan’ (PP&WCMA 2003) and Park
weed concerns. Attend relevant Western Port Catchment Committee meetings with partners.
b.
Support DPI, and liaise with Landcare, on gorse compliance and enforcement actions and seek
compliance/enforcement on other high priority weeds.
c.
Any incidents of dumping or suspected weed invasion are assessed for risk, cleaned up within 5 days or as
appropriate, and monitored.
d.
Ensure community has knowledge of the problems caused by dumped weeds and how to report incidents.
e.
Develop hygiene procedures, publicise and include in the induction material for the Environmental
Management System.
Phillip Island Nature Park – Weed Management Strategy 2007 - 2012
Goal 3
Weed management programs are safe, sustainable, and resourced
Objective 7
Weed management programs are funded
Strategic Action
Key
Responsibility
Partners
Timeframe
26. Roster sufficient labour, staff hours and other,
to implement weed management programs
PINP
Ongoing
27. Provide materials and equipment to undertake
weed management methods
PINP
Ongoing
28. Ensure annual budget is adequate to fund
staffing and weed management programs
PINP
April
29. Staff time is allocated to apply for and manage
grants: coordinate with other projects and partners
to protect Park values
PINP
NHT, PILG, other
Ongoing
30. Provide funding or in-kind support for grants
and priority partnership projects
PINP
NHT, PILG, other
Ongoing
Objective 7
Performance Measures
a.
Staff is available to be rostered on for planned weed management projects.
b.
Materials, equipment and maintenance are budgeted annually.
c.
Planned projects are completed on time and on budget.
d.
Suitable grants are applied for.
Objective 8
There is appropriate staff education and training to implement safe, effective weed management
31. All staff and contractors are inducted in line
with Park policies, procedures and the Safety
Management System
PINP
32. Provide educational training opportunities:
through links to educational and research
institutions and ranger exchange programs
PINP
Universities, Victorian Rangers
Federation
Ongoing
33. Undertake technical training: to achieve safe,
best practice, weed management: e.g. chemical use
(FCUC, ACUP) and resistance, plant identification,
equipment use, biological control options etc.
PINP
DSE, Landcare, TAFE, Rural
Training Council of Australia
Ongoing
34. Induction process for staff and contractors to
ensure cost effective, sustainable weed
management
PINP
PILG, BCSC
Ongoing
35. Upgrade library and resource material: include
relevant material on the intranet and links to
websites and educational and research institutes
PINP
36. Establish and maintain a herbarium of weeds
and native plants and a photo library for the
intranet
PINP
37. Upgrade Geographic Information System and
GPS field mapping systems and provide training
PINP
Objective 8
a.
Ongoing
July 2007
Ongoing
DSE, RBGM
July 2008
Ongoing
DSE
July 2007
Ongoing
Performance Measures
Safety Management System protocols, legislation and safe work procedures are followed for all field work and
projects. Risk assessments are complete and risks are managed. Incidents or near miss incidents are reported.
b.
Sustainability principles are incorporated into all aspects of the weed management program.
c.
Staff given opportunities for further studies, technical training and exchange programs to maintain and
improve competency.
d.
Training, induction and risk assessments results in no unforeseen damage to Park values.
Phillip Island Nature Park – Weed Management Strategy 2007 - 2012
17
e.
All staff applying herbicide has completed a Farm Chemical Users Course or recognised equivalent and an
ACUP as appropriate.
f.
Weed management, resource material and storage, is upgraded, reviewed annually, and staff trained in its use.
g.
Review the status of the GIS and maintain/upgrade system as necessary.
h.
Review GIS and GPS training needs annually as part of annual performance review in August.
TAFE students use a GPS and ArcPad to map penguin
burrows on the Summerland Peninsula.
Green Corps team members remove weeds, mulch, and
plant and install penguin boxes at the Penguin Parade.
TAFE student mapping the shearwater colony and Kikuyu
weed infestation at Surf Beach.
A GIS map at Surf Beach showing Kikuyu invading from the
roadsides into the shearwater colony. Transect points
through the colony monitor the shearwater population.
Students hand pulling Polygala at Newhaven Swamp.
In sensitive or remote sites hand control may be the only
option. A team removes large Boxthorn at Point Sambell.
18
Phillip Island Nature Park – Weed Management Strategy 2007 - 2012
Goal 4
Weed management programs are enhanced through effective partnerships
Objective 9
The community is aware of the loss caused by weeds and actions to minimise those losses
Strategic Action
Key
Responsibility
Partners
Timeframe
38. Provide community education and extension
programs
PINP, Landcare
DPI, CMA, PILG, BCSC, VicRoads,
landowners, Contractors, utility
companies, community groups,
schools
Ongoing
39. Link weed management to other programs
PINP
PILG, BCSC, community groups,
schools
Ongoing
40. Promote distribution of the Shire weed
brochure
PINP, BCSC
Landcare
Ongoing
41. Work with local nurseries and markets to
discourage the sale of environmental weeds.
PINP, DSE
Landcare
Ongoing
Objective 9
Performance Measures
a.
Report to ‘Community Advisory Committee’ meetings four times per year and use feedback to improve
extension programs and target public education.
b.
Publicise weed issues; Weedbuster Week joint article with Landcare and BCSC, National Threatened Species
Day, Biodiversity Month, Landcare Field Days.
c.
Includes weed issues in education programs; Coastal Ambassadors, school talks, media releases.
d.
Report in Annual Report.
Objective 10 Integrate plans and programs to protect areas of high value
PINP
Commonwealth, State and local
government, DSE, CMA, PILG,
BCSC, PINP
Ongoing
43. Integrate weed management with the Parks
proposed ‘Environmental Management System’
PINP
PILG, BCSC
July 2008
44. Build and maintain a communication
framework between stakeholders and landowners
PINP
PILG
July 2007
42. Integrate national, state, regional, local and in
house, strategies and plans relating to weed
management:
e.g. Weeds of National Significance, Victorian Pest
Management – Weed Management Strategy and
the Port Phillip and Western Port ‘Weed Action
Plan’, DSE – Actions for Biodiversity Conservation,
Weed Spotter, PINP Fox Strategy, PINP Research
Plan
Ongoing
e.g. Weed Forum, Landcare facilitator
Objective 10 Performance Measures
a.
Review national, state, regional and local plans and strategies to incorporate new directions and knowledge
into strategic planning and yearly works plan.
b.
The Environment Department’s weed management strategies and actions are included in the Environmental
Management System.
c.
Review available sources of grants and apply as appropriate.
d.
Develop a Memorandum of Understanding with Phillip Island Landcare and review annually.
e.
Participate in Weed Forum annually to highlight weed issues important to the Park.
f.
Participate in Phillip Island Landcare Committee meetings and Landcare Weeds Subcommittee to help engage
with the community.
Phillip Island Nature Park – Weed Management Strategy 2007 - 2012
19
Objective 11 Encourage community participation in weed identification, awareness and management
45. Encourage cooperative action and shared
responsibility with neighbours. Develop a database
of nearest neighbours and high risk industries.
PINP
DPI, CMA, PILG, BCSC, VicRoads,
landowners, Contractors, utility
companies, community groups,
schools
Ongoing
46. Support and become partners in community
projects that protect Park values:
PINP
DSE, CMA, PILG, BCSC, VicRoads,
landowners, community groups,
schools
Ongoing
PINP
PILG, BCSC
Ongoing
PINP
DPI, CMA, PILG, BCSC, VicRoads,
landowners, Contractors, Utility
companies
Ongoing
e.g. ‘Coast Action/Coastcare’ and Landcare
initiatives such as the ‘Corridor Project’, Pest Plants
and Animals, Urban Landcare, Friends of the Koala,
Conservation Society etc
47. Encourage and support local government
initiatives to reduce the threat of weeds:
e.g. the planning scheme, ‘Rural Rate Rebate’, ‘Free
green waste disposal’, ‘Weeds out indigenous
plants in’ initiative, Shire weed and indigenous
plant identification brochures
48. High risk industries are encouraged to change
or modify practices where necessary:
e.g. nurseries, soil and gravel suppliers, earth
moving and mowing contractors.
Objective 11 Performance Measures
20
a.
A database of nearest neighbours and high risk industries is developed.
b.
Send an environmental newsletter to neighbours twice yearly in autumn and spring with weed information and
community activities.
c.
Establish ‘neighbourly agreements’ with neighbours on cooperative weed control on case by case basis.
d.
Provide information on local weed initiatives (BCSC, Landcare) to PINP education program.
e.
Write joint press releases with (BCSC, Landcare etc) for shared objectives as appropriate.
Phillip Island Nature Park – Weed Management Strategy 2007 - 2012
Goal 5
There is continuous improvement through reviewing Weed Strategy actions
Objective 12 Reviewing all aspects of Weed Management and ensure adequate resources to implement actions.
Strategic Action
Key
Responsibility
Partners
Timeframe
49. Continuously review and revise ‘Strategic
Actions’, ‘Key Responsibilities’, ‘Partnerships’,
‘Timeframes’ and ‘Performance Measures’: against
progress towards achieving each ‘Objective’
PINP
DSE, DPI, CMA, PILG, BCSC,
VicRoads, landowners,
Contractors, Utility companies,
community groups, schools
Ongoing
50. Review and allocate resources: prepare annual
budget, review staff, equipment and training
PINP
Relevant stakeholders
Annually
51. Review the ‘Weed Strategy’ after 5 years
PINP
Ongoing
Relevant stakeholders
July 2012
Objective 12 Performance Measures
a.
‘Yearly Works Plan’ targets are reviewed at monthly ranger meetings.
b.
Review ‘Yearly Works Plan’ as a basis for future planning and annual board reports.
c.
The Weed Strategy is adequately resourced each year, towards achieving long term goals: annual budget is
approved; labour, equipment, knowledge and training, and partners, are adequate to implement strategic
actions.
d.
Conduct a review of the weed strategy after five years (2012).
Objective 13 Report on the Weed Strategy to stakeholders
52. Report to partners as required
PINP
PILG, BCSC
Ongoing
53. Data and information is shared as appropriate
PINP
DSE, DPI, CMA, PILG, BCSC,
Ongoing
54. Key weed management outcomes are
publicised to stakeholders
PINP
DSE, DPI, CMA, PILG, BCSC,
VicRoads, landowners,
Contractors, Utility companies,
community groups, schools
Ongoing
55. Report to the Board and wider community
PINP
PILG, BCSC
Annually
Ongoing
56. Report on the ‘Weed Strategy’ after 5 years as a
basis for the next weed strategy
PINP
DSE, DPI, CMA, PILG, BCSC,
VicRoads, landowners,
Contractors, Utility companies,
community groups, schools
July 2012
Objective 13 Performance Measures
a.
Reports to partners are completed by the due date, e.g. grant reports etc.
b.
Data is entered into the government internet based ‘Integrated Pest Management System’; and ‘Actions for
Biodiversity Conservation’.
c.
The community has input into weed management programs and issues through reports to the Community
Advisory Committees and directly to PINP staff.
d.
Report to the PINP Board of Management and wider community through the Annual Report.
e.
Report on the success of the weed strategy at the conclusion of 5 years or as required.
Phillip Island Nature Park – Weed Management Strategy 2007 - 2012
21
Threatening Processes
Threatening processes such as weed invasion degrades Park values such as biodiversity, habitat and ecological processes.
While weeds are one of the main threat sources, there are others that can combine to degrade areas. The list below has
details of threatening processes from Park reports and from the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988, Potentially
Threatening Process list.
Weed Competition
•
Weed invasion and competition is the most obvious threatening process operating at the PINP. Past
management history is important to consider when assessing the condition of certain areas. For example,
regular burning and grazing of sheep on Cape Woolamai and Summerland Peninsula is likely to have radically
changed the vegetation structure and composition (Sutter and Downe 2000).
•
In areas close to settlements, garden escapes are a problem, particularly due to the dumping of garden waste
(Sutter and Downe 2000).
•
In the Coastal Dune Scrub on Cape Woolamai, the native species Coast Wattle Acacia longifolia var. sophorae
appears to be dominating. In this location, it is considered to be an environmental weed due to the cover
abundance of this species being considerably higher than other dune scrubs on Phillip Island and dune scrubs
in general (Sutter and Downe 2000).
•
Also in the area behind Flynn’s Beach, Coastal Tea-tree Leptospermum laevigatum appears to be an
environmental weed for the same reasons. It is also formerly recognised as an environmental weed. Assessment
as to whether a native species should be considered an environmental weed is difficult without having detailed
information on vegetation composition and structure before a disturbance of some form occurred in these
areas (Sutter and Downe 2000).
•
The EVC’s that are sensitive to weed competition are the Wetland Formation and Swamp Scrub on the margins
of the Wetland formation (Sutter and Downe 2000).
Soil Disturbance
•
Soil disturbance often provides the opportunity for weeds to invade the disturbed area. New roads, upgrading
of roads, construction of walking tracks and other recreational facilities should be planned to keep soil
disturbance to a minimum (Sutter and Downe 2000).
Rabbit Grazing
•
It is unclear as to the impact of rabbits on the vegetation within the Park. There is likely to be a significant
impact in revegetation areas (Sutter and Downe 2000).
Hydrological changes
•
Private land holders may affect the drainage into wetlands by building dams or diverting surface runoff (Sutter
and Downe 2000). The West Woolamai Drainage Scheme has changed the flow rate into Fishers Wetland and
normal water flow has been restricted from reaching Newhaven Swamp.
Drought
•
The wetland formation areas have been badly affected by the drought conditions leading to a drying out of
normally inundated areas. This has lead to large changes in species composition, often providing the
opportunity for weed invasion and possibly a permanent change in the flora of wetland areas (Sutter and
Downe 2000).
Altered fire regimes
•
Since European settlement, most managed areas in PINP have probably experienced significantly less fires,
except for perhaps the headland area of Cape Woolamai and Summerland Peninsula. Fires that have occurred
have been controlled and have unnatural boundaries. The patchy or mosaic pattern of fire has been largely
eliminated. It is difficult to determine if altered fire regimes is a threatening process without data to support a
change having taken place (Sutter and Downe 2000).
Phytophthora cinnamomi
•
22
There was no evidence of the presence of phytophthora in the vegetation. If it is found to occur in the future, it
will most likely affect the trees at the margins of wetlands (Sutter and Downe 2000).
Phillip Island Nature Park – Weed Management Strategy 2007 - 2012
Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988, (Processes List – April 2006)
The following are relevant entries from the list. Although some may not appear to be directly relevant to weed
management, they may indirectly influence weed establishment by degrading natural processes.
•
Alteration to the natural flow regimes of rivers and streams.
•
Alteration to the natural temperature regimes of rivers and streams.
•
Collection of native orchids.
•
Degradation of native riparian vegetation along Victorian rivers and streams.
•
Habitat fragmentation as a threatening process for fauna in Victoria.
•
High frequency fire resulting in disruption of life cycle processes in plants and animals and loss of vegetation
structure and composition.
•
Inappropriate fire regimes causing disruption to sustainable ecosystem processes and resultant loss of
biodiversity.
•
Increase in sediment input into Victorian rivers and streams due to human activities.
•
Infection of amphibians with Chytrid Fungus, resulting in chytridiomycosis.
•
Input of organotins to Victorian marine and estuarine waters.
•
Input of petroleum and related products into Victorian marine and estuarine environments.
•
Input of toxic substances into Victorian rivers and streams.
•
Introduction and spread of Spartina to Victorian estuarine environments.
•
Introduction of live fish into waters outside their natural range within a Victorian river catchment after 1770.
•
Invasion of native vegetation by Blackberry Rubus fruticosus L. agg.
•
Invasion of native vegetation by “environmental weeds”.
•
Loss of coarse woody debris from Victorian native forests and woodlands.
•
Loss of hollow-bearing trees from Victorian native forests.
•
Loss of terrestrial climatic habitat caused by anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases.
•
Predation of native wildlife by the cat, Felis catus.
•
Predation of native wildlife by the introduced Red Fox Vulpes vulpes.
•
Prevention of passage of aquatic biota as a result of the presence of instream structures.
•
Reduction in biomass and biodiversity of native vegetation through grazing by the Rabbit Oryctolagus
cuniculus.
•
Removal of wood debris from Victorian streams.
•
Spread of Pittosporum undulatum in areas outside its natural distribution.
•
The discharge of human-generated marine debris into Victorian marine or estuarine waters.
•
The introduction and spread of the Large Earth Bumblebee Bombus terrestris into Victorian terrestrial
environments.
•
The introduction of exotic organisms into Victorian marine waters.
•
The spread of Phytophthora cinnamomi from infected sites into parks and reserves, including roadsides, under
the control of a state or local government authority.
•
Threats to native flora and fauna arising from the use by the feral honeybee Apis mellifera of nesting hollows
and floral resources.
•
Use of Phytophthora-infected gravel in construction of roads, bridges and reservoirs.
•
Wetland loss and degradation as a result of change in water regime, dredging, draining, filling and grazing.
Phillip Island Nature Park – Weed Management Strategy 2007 - 2012
23
Integrated Weed Management Principles and Methods
In general, there will be an emphasis on the containment then eradication of new and emerging weeds and high priority
established weeds through the integration of weed control techniques. Work will be scheduled to minimise adverse
effects on breeding populations with a view to protecting and restoring natural ecosystems and biodiversity.
Because of the diversity of species and habitat types affected, the management of environmental weeds needs to be
adopted on a case-by-case basis, not just for each weed species, but also considering the particular environments each
weed has invaded (Sindel 2000). With this in mind, projects that are well planned and documented, site specific and use
integrated weed management principles and methods (table 1) will have the best chance of success.
Weed management principles
•
Land managers are responsible for weeds on their land and to prevent weeds spreading to neighbouring
property. Weeds should be managed on a landscape scale.
•
The management response should be directly linked to the value that is being threatened by the weed.
•
Programs should be holistic, adopting an asset-based risk management approach.
•
Prevention and early intervention are the most cost effective option for weed control.
•
Integrated, long term management programs have the greatest chance of success especially as part of broader
management of land and water resources.
•
An adaptive management approach ensures continuous improvement.
•
Evidence-based decision making is useful in determining investment and setting priorities.
•
Improved weed control outcomes can often be achieved through partnerships with community, government
and industry.
•
Programs should be ecologically sustainable and budgeting for weed control and allocation of resources
determined by the environmental, economic and social risk posed by the weed and the costs and benefit of
addressing those risks.
•
Public funding and resources will be invested responsibly and accountably for public good outcomes
•
The investment in weed management should be proportional to the significance of the value under threat.
•
The community should be engaged in the strategic planning and management of public land and their views
on priorities and actions incorporated into the planning process.
•
Legislation and government policy must be followed.
•
Weed management should proceed to prevent serious environmental damage with as much information as is
available at the time.
Whilst every effort should be made to follow the strategy, unforseen opportunities may increase or diminish resources
that may necessitate the modification of the works program within annual budget levels. Programs and budget will be
reviewed annually against achievements to date to reset priorities for the following year’s works plan.
Newhaven Primary students and Landcare release
biological control agents Bridal Creeper leafhopper Zygina
sp. and rust fungus Puccinia myrsiphylli at Newhaven
Swamp as part of the DPI Weed Warriors program.
24
A control burn of Kikuyu at Cape Woolamai prior to follow
up herbicide application and competitive planting.
Phillip Island Nature Park – Weed Management Strategy 2007 - 2012
Weed Management Methods
Methods (ref: CRC for Australian Weed Management: Introductory weed management manual)
•
Herbicides: (check material data safety sheet, use only as per label or according to written off-label advice
from a competent person).
•
Hand control
•
Mechanical control
•
Cultivation
•
Mulching and smothering
•
Competition
•
Fire
•
Biological Control
•
Grazing
Table 1 Weed Management Methods
Method
Herbicides
Spot or boom spraying:
e.g. back pack,
spray unit, aerial
application; liquid or
granular formulation
Herbicides
Woody weed treatments:
e.g. cut & paint, drill & fill,
frilling, basal bark spraying
Hand Control
Weeding, seed removal,
ringbarking, grubbing:
e.g. hand/chain-saw,
secateurs, mattock etc.
Mechanical Control
Backhoe, bulldozer,
grooming
Mechanical Control
Slashing, mowing and
cutting:
e.g. brushcutters, mowers,
slashers
Cultivation
Soil cultivation and
scalping
Competition
Direct seeding, planting
and natural revegetation
through recruitment
(adapted from Muyt A. 2001)
Benefits
Selectivity depends on choice, timing, plant
life cycles, operator skill
Can inhibit seeding
Use on small and large areas
Minimum soil disturbance
Low cost
Highly selective
Low risk to local flora
Alter conditions in favour of local flora
Reduce fuel loads
Prevent seeding and vegetative spread
Low cost on small infestations
Selective for most weed types
Low risk to local flora
Supplement other controls
Effective for small infestations containment
and follow-up
Can be quick
Can be cost effective on large infestations
Highly suitable for thorny weeds
Issues
Off target damage to local flora
Potential impact on broader environment
High skill level required to use the right
herbicide and dose in the right way
Operator and public health risks
Low soil disturbance
Low risk to local flora
Can prevent seeding and spread
Can reduce foliage for follow up treatment
methods
Low cost
Can eradicate weeds
Reduce nutrient loads
Removes weed seedbank in soil
Can aid site preparation and rehabilitation
Low chance of weed eradication
Can inhibit seeding of local flora
Can spread weeds
Machinery hygiene risks
Can promote weed growth
Can increase dry fuel load
Non-selective
High soil disturbance, erosion, runoff
May spread weeds
Destroys habitat
Removes local flora seedbank in soil
Site rehabilitation required
High skill level required
Altered conditions may favour weeds
Can introduce inappropriate flora
Intensive establishment input and expertise
Can be high cost and labour intensive
Inhibit weed growth
Alter light and nutrient levels
Restore vegetation structure
Increase biodiversity and habitat
Potential for excessive site disturbance
Removal can promote weed growth
Can destroy native fauna habitat
High cost and labour intensive on large
infestations
Operator / public hazard
Potential for excessive soil disturbance
Labour intensive
Inappropriate for some weeds ie bulbs, toxic
and large plants
Operator manual handling risks
May cause significant disturbance
Machinery hygiene risks
High cost for small infestations
Comprehensive follow-up may be required
Phillip Island Nature Park – Weed Management Strategy 2007 - 2012
25
Method
Benefits
Competition
Smother weeds with
mulch, brush-matting
Prevent weeds seeding and spread
Aid to site stabilisation and rehabilitation
Soil stabilisation and condition
Aesthetic improvement
Competition
Solarisation with plastic
sheeting
Can be selective
Can control tenacious weeds
Can prevent seeding and spread
Supplements other methods
Appropriate for small infestations
Low cost
Can reduce foliage for follow-up treatment
Encourages local flora regeneration
May kill weed seeds or promote
germination for follow-up treatment
Disposal of infected material
Low cost
Fire
Control burns, spot burns,
incineration to destroy
dried weed propagules
Biological Control
Using the weeds natural
controls
e.g. insects, organisms like
fungi or rust
Grazing
Grazing or browsing
herbivores;
e.g. cows, sheep, wallabies
etc.
Selective
Suppression of weed growth and spread
Supplements other methods
Low cost and labour in the field
Low environmental impact
Can be selective
Can reduce foliage for follow-up treatment
Supplements other methods
Low cost
Issues
Often non-selective
Can encourage weed growth
Can prevent local flora growth
Can introduce or spread weeds
Can alter soil chemistry and condition
Requires maintenance
Can be high cost and labour intensive
Often non-selective
Ineffective on many weeds
High cost for large infestations
Can inhibit seeding of local flora
Can alter soil chemistry and condition
Requires maintenance
Damaging to non fire adapted ecosystems
Seasonal and timing limitations
Weed growth encouraged
May increase soil erosion
Risks to people, property and fauna
Costly set up of fire breaks and control lines
High level of skill and planning required
Timing limitations
Limited to a few species
Variable results
Weeds not eliminated
Other controls required
Timing limitations
Can damage, limit seeding of local flora
Soil disturbance, altered nutrient levels
Can introduce or spread weeds
Toxic plants a danger to stock
Other controls required
Integrating Weed Management Methods
Examples of integrating weed control methods:
•
Use an ecological burn to kill fire sensitive mature weeds e.g. Pittosporum, and stimulate the seed bed. Then
mulch, hand pull, spray and out-compete regrowth. (Avoid large areas of soil exposure e.g. steep slopes)
•
Use selective herbicides on grassy weeds like Kikuyu where it invades native vegetation, cut and paint any
woody weeds then infill with native plants to compliment natural regeneration as necessary.
•
Cut and paint Boxthorn or Gorse in low density or sensitive areas then mechanically remove and spray
regrowth in monoculture areas which can be mulched and replanted as necessary.
•
Remove seed heads of Agapanthus, Chilean Needle Grass, Thistles etc. then grub or spot spray.
•
Remove or mow creepers e.g. Blue Periwinkle, Cape Ivy, Dolichos then spot spraying fresh regrowth.
•
Use biological control/grazing to reduce weed density/reproduction then manually remove, burn or spot spray.
Examples of integrating weed management with the wider community and skill levels:
26
•
Link weed management across boundaries to make the best use of capabilities, capacity and resources
•
Utilize Park staff or contractors to undertake work such as herbicide spraying, burning, chainsaw work or heavy
equipment use that require licences, special equipment and training. Weeding, cutting and painting, weed
mapping and monitoring, planting and rehabilitation works can be undertaken under supervision by the
community, TAFE, CVA, Green Corps etc as appropriate. To protect site values a range of weed control methods
are usually required, careful on ground work and follow up in high value areas is of the greatest importance.
Phillip Island Nature Park – Weed Management Strategy 2007 - 2012
Appendix 1
PINP
Status
Priority
Family Name
National
Status
Common Name
Regional
Status
Scientific Name
Origin
Weed Species List: significance and priority (Phillip Island Nature Park)
E
L
Acacia baileyana
Cootamundra Wattle
Acacia elata
Cedar Wattle
Mimosaceae
#
E
L
Acacia longifolia var. longifolia
Sallow Wattle
Mimosaceae
#
E
M
Acacia longifolia var. sophorae
Coast Wattle
Mimosaceae
#
E
L
Acetosella vulgaris
Agapanthus praecox ssp.
orientalis
Sheep Sorrel
Polygonaceae
*
E
L
Agapanthus
Alliaceae
*
E
M
Agave americana
Century Plant
Agavaceae
*
E
L
Agrostis capillaris
Brown-top Bent
Poaceae
*
E
L
Agrostis stolonifera
Creeping Bent
Poaceae
*
E
L
Aira caryophyllea
Silvery Hair-grass
Poaceae
*
E
L
Aira cupaniana
Quicksilver Grass
Poaceae
*
E
L
Aira elegans
Delicate Hair-grass
Poaceae
*
E
L
Aria spp.
Hair Grass
Poaceae
*
E
L
Aira praecox
Early Hair-grass
Poaceae
*
E
L
Allium triquetrum
Angled Onion
Alliaceae
*
E
M
Amaryllis belladonna
Belladonna Lilies
Amaryllidaceae
*
E
L
Ammophila arenaria
Marram Grass
Poaceae
*
E
M
Anagallis arvensis
Pimpernel
Primulaceae
*
E
L
Anthoxanthum odoratum
Arenaria serpyllifolia ssp.
serpyllifolia
Sweet Vernal-grass
Poaceae
*
E
L
Thymeleaf sandwort
Caryophyllaceae
*
E
L
Arctotheca calendula
Capeweed
Asteraceae
*
E
M
Asparagus asparagoides
Bridal Creeper
Asparagaceae
*
E
H
Asparagus scandens
Asparagus Fern
Asparagaceae
*
E
H
Aster subulatus
Aster-weed
Asteraceae
*
E
L
Atriplex prostrata
Hastate Orache
Chenopodiaceae
*
E
L
Avena barbata
Bearded Oat
Poaceae
*
E
L
Avena spp.
Oat
Poaceae
*
E
L
Billardiera heterophylla
Bluebell Creeper
Pittosporaceae
#
N&E
H
Brassica fruticulosa
Twiggy Turnip
Brassicaceae
*
E
L
Briza maxima
Large Quaking-grass
Poaceae
*
E
L
Briza minor
Lesser Quaking-grass
Poaceae
*
E
L
Bromus catharticus
Prairie Grass
Poaceae
*
E
L
Bromus diandrus
Bromus hordeaceus ssp.
hordeaceus
Great Brome
Poaceae
*
E
L
Soft Brome
Poaceae
*
E
L
Bromus japonicus
Japanese Brome
Poaceae
*
E
L
Bromus madritensis
Madrid Brome
Poaceae
*
E
L
Cakile maritima ssp. maritima
Sea Rocket
Brassicaceae
*
E
L
Carduus tenuiflorus
Shore Thistle
Asteraceae
*
E
H
Carpobrotus aequilaterus
Angled Pigface
Aizoaceae
*
E
L
Catapodium rigidum
Fern Grass
Poaceae
*
E
L
Mimosaceae
#
Phillip Island Nature Park – Weed Management Strategy 2007 - 2012
C
R
C
NS
27
Centaurium erythraea
Common Centaury
Gentianaceae
*
E
L
Centaurium spp.
Centaury
Gentianaceae
*
E
L
Centaurium tenuiflorum
Gentianaceae
*
E
L
Caryophyllaceae
*
E
L
Caryophyllaceae
*
E
L
Cerastium semidecandrum s.s.
Branched Centaury
Common Mouse-ear
Chickweed
Sticky Mouse-ear
Chickweed
Little Mouse-ear
Chickweed
Caryophyllaceae
*
E
L
Chenopodium album
Fat Hen
Chenopodiaceae
*
E
L
Chenopodium murale
Sowbane
Chenopodiaceae
*
E
L
Chrysanthemoides monilifera
Boneseed
Asteraceae
*
E
H
Cicendia quadrangularis
Square Cicendia
Gentianaceae
*
E
L
Cirsium arvense
Californian Thistle
Asteraceae
*
C
E
H
Cirsium vulgare
Spear Thistle
Asteraceae
*
C
E
H
Conium maculatum
Hemlock
Apiaceae
*
C
E
M
Conyza bonariensis
Flaxleaf Fleabane
Asteraceae
*
E
L
Conyza spp.
Fleabane
Asteraceae
*
E
L
Coprosma repens
Rubiaceae
*
E
M
Cordyline australis
Cortaderia selloana
Mirror Bush
New Zealand Cabbagetree
Pampas-grass
Agavaceae
Poaceae
*
*
E
E
L
M
Cotoneaster glaucophyllus
Cotoneaster
Rosaceae
*
E
M
Cotula coronopifolia
Crassula multicava ssp.
Multicava
Water Buttons
Asteraceae
*
E
L
Crassula
Crassulaceae
*
E
M
Crataegus monogyna
Rosaceae
*
E
H
Critesion hystrix
Hawthorn
Mediterranean Barleygrass
Poaceae
*
E
L
Critesion marinum
Sea Barley-grass
Poaceae
*
E
L
Critesion murinum
Critesion murinum ssp.
leporinum
Barley-grass
Poaceae
*
E
L
Wall Barley-grass
Poaceae
*
E
L
Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora
Montbretia
Iridaceae
*
E
M
Cupressus macrocarpa
Monterey Cypress
Cupressaceae
*
E
L
Cynodon dactylon
Couch
Poaceae
*
E
M
Cyperus eragrostis
Umbrella Sedge
Cyperaceae
*
E
L
Dactylis glomerata
Cocksfoot
Poaceae
*
E
L
Delairea odorata
Cape Ivy
Asteraceae
*
E
H
Digitaria sanguinalis
Summer Grass
Poaceae
*
E
L
Dipogon lignosus
Dolichos
Fabaceae
*
Dittrichia graveolens
Stinkwort
Asteraceae
*
Dodonaea viscosa
Sticky Hop-bush
Sapindaceae
#
Echium plantagineum
Paterson's Curse
Boraginaceae
*
Ehrharta erecta
Panic Veldt Grass
Poaceae
*
Ehrharta longiflora
Annual Veldt Grass
Poaceae
*
Poaceae
*
E
L
Erica lusitanica
Eucalyptus globulus ssp.
bicostata
Eucalyptus globulus ssp.
Pseudoglobulus
Spanish Heath
Ericaceae
*
E
H
Eurabbie
Myrtaceae
#
E
M
Victorian Eurabbie
Myrtaceae
#
E
M
Eucalyptus lehmannii
Bushy Yate
Myrtaceae
#
E
M
Cerastium glomeratum s.l.
Cerastium glomeratum s.s.
Ehrharta spp.
28
Phillip Island Nature Park – Weed Management Strategy 2007 - 2012
C
C
C
C
NS
E
M
E
M
E
L
E
H
E
L
E
L
PINP
Status
Priority
National
Status
Regional
Status
Sea Spurge
Euphorbiaceae
*
E
H
Euphorbia peplus
Petty Spurge
Euphorbiaceae
*
E
L
Foeniculum vulgare
Fennel
Apiaceae
*
E
H
Fraxinus angustifolia
Desert Ash
Oleaceae
*
N&E
H
Freesia spp.
Freesia
Iridaceae
*
E
L
Fuchsia spp.
Onagraceae
*
E
L
Fumaria muralis ssp. muralis
Fuchsia
Wall Fumitory / Smoke
Weed
Fumariaceae
*
E
M
Galium aparine
Cleavers
Rubiaceae
*
E
M
Galium murale
Small Bedstraw
Rubiaceae
*
E
L
Gazania spp.
Gazania
Asteraceae
*
E
L
Gamochaeta purpurea spp. agg
Asteraceae
*
E
L
Genista linifolia
Cudweed
Flax-leaved Broom /
Genista
Fabaceae
*
C
E
H
Genista monspessulana
Montpellier Broom
Fabaceae
*
C
E
H
Geranium molle
Dovesfoot
Geraniaceae
*
E
L
Gladiolus spp.
Gladiolus species
Iridaceae
*
N&E
H
Hakea spp.
Hakea / Furze Hakea
Proteaceae
#
E
M
Hainardia cylindrica
Common Barb-grass
Poaceae
*
E
L
Hedera helix
English Ivy
Araliaceae
*
E
M
Helminthotheca echioides
Ox-tongue
Asteraceae
*
E
L
Holcus lanatus
Yorkshire Fog
Poaceae
*
E
L
Hordeum marinum
Poaceae
*
E
L
Hypericum tetrapterum
Seaside Barley
Square-stem St John's
Wort
Clusiaceae
*
E
L
Hypochoeris glabra
Smooth Cat's-ear
Asteraceae
*
E
L
Hypochoeris radicata
Cat's Ear
Asteraceae
*
E
L
Ipomoea indica
Morning-glory
Convolvulaceae
*
E
M
Juncus acutus ssp. acutus
Spiny Rush
Juncaceae
*
N&E
H
Kniphofia uvaria
Red-hot Poker
Aloeaceae
*
E
M
Kunzia ambigua
White Kunzea
Myrtaceae
#
E
H
Lactuca serriola
Prickly Lettuce
Asteraceae
*
E
L
Lagurus ovatus
Hare's Tail
Poaceae
*
E
L
Leontodon taraxacoides
Leontodon taraxacoides ssp
taraxacoides
Hairy Hawkbit
Asteraceae
*
E
L
Lesser Hawkbit
Asteraceae
*
E
L
Leptospermum laevigatum
Coast Tea-tree
Myrtaceae
#
E
M
Linum trigynum
French Flax
Linaceae
*
E
L
Lolium loliaceum
Stiff Rye-grass
Poaceae
*
E
L
Lolium perenne var. perenne
Perennial Rye-grass
Poaceae
*
E
L
Lolium rigidum
Wimmera Rye-grass
Poaceae
*
E
L
Poaceae
*
E
L
Poaceae
*
E
L
Common Name
Family Name
Origin
Euphorbia paralias
Scientific Name
C
C
Lolium spp.
Lolium temulentum
var.temulentum
Bearded Rye-grass
Lonicera japonica
Japanese Honeysuckle
Caprifoliaceae
*
E
M
Lophopyrum ponticum
Tall Wheat-grass
Poaceae
*
E
H
Lotus angustissimus
Slender Bird's-foot Trefoil
Fabaceae
*
E
L
Lotus creticus
Southern Bird's-foot
Fabaceae
*
N&E
H
Phillip Island Nature Park – Weed Management Strategy 2007 - 2012
29
Trefoil
Lotus suaveolens
Hairy Bird's-foot Trefoil
Fabaceae
*
Lycium ferocissimum
Boxthorn
Solanaceae
*
Malva parviflora
Small-flower Mallow
Malvaceae
*
Marrubium vulgare
Horehound
Lamiaceae
*
Medicago polymorpha
Burr Medic
Fabaceae
*
Melaleuca armillaris
Giant Honey-myrtle
Myrtaceae
Melaleuca ericifolia
Swamp Paperbark
Myrtaceae
Meliotus indicus
Sweet Melilot
Fabaceae
*
Myoporum insulare
Boobialla
Myoporaceae
Myosotis sylvatica
Wood Forget-me-not
Boraginaceae
Narcissus jonquilla
Jonquil
Narcissus pseudonarcissus
Nassella neesiana
E
L
C
E
H
E
L
P
E
H
E
L
#
E
M
#
E
L
E
L
#
E
L
*
E
L
Amaryllidaceae
*
E
L
Common Daffodil
Amaryllidaceae
*
Chilean needle grass
Poaceae
*
Opuntia stricta var. stricta
Common Prickly-pear
Cactaceae
Oxalis pes-caprae
Soursob
Large-flower Woodsorrel
Coast Barb-grass
Oxalidaceae
Slender Barb-grass
Oxalis purpurea
Parapholis incurva
Parapholis strigosa
Paraserianthes lophantha ssp.
lophantha
E
L
N&E
H
*
E
M
*
E
L
Oxalidaceae
Poaceae
*
*
E
E
L
L
Poaceae
*
E
L
R
NS
Cape Leeuwin Wattle
Mimosaceae
#
E
M
Paspalum dilatatum
Paspalum
Poaceae
*
E
M
Paspalum distichum
Water Couch
Poaceae
*
E
L
Passiflora mollissima
Banana passionfruit
Passifloraceae
*
E
L
Pennisetum clandestinum
Poaceae
*
E
H
Phalaris aquatica
Kikuyu
Toowoomba Canarygrass
Poaceae
*
E
H
Phalaris arundinacea
Reed Canary-grass
Poaceae
*
E
H
Phytolacca octandra
Red-ink Weed
Phytolaccaceae
*
E
M
Pinus radiata
Monterey Pine
Pinaceae
*
E
M
Pittosporum undulatum
Sweet Pittosporum
Pittosporaceae
#
E
M
Plantago coronopus
Buck's-horn Plantain
Plantaginaceae
*
E
L
Plantago lanceolata
Ribwort
Plantaginaceae
*
E
L
Plantago major
Greater Plantain
Plantaginaceae
*
E
L
Polycarpon tetraphyllum
Caryophyllaceae
*
E
L
Polygala myrtifolia
Four-leaved Allseed
Polygala / Myrtle-leaf
Milkwort
Polygalaceae
*
E
H
Polypogon monspeliensis
Annual Beard-grass
Poaceae
*
E
L
Portulaca oleracea
Pigweed
Portulacaceae
*
E
L
Psoralea pinnata
Blue Butterfly Bush
Fabaceae
*
N&E
M
Romulea rosea
Onion Grass
Iridaceae
*
Rosa rubiginosa
Sweet Briar
Rosaceae
*
Rostraria cristata
Annual Cat's-tail
Poaceae
*
Rubus fruticosus spp. agg.
Blackberry
Rosaceae
*
Rumex conglomeratus
Clustered Dock
Polygonaceae
*
Rumex crispus
Curled Dock
Polygonaceae
*
E
L
Sagina apetala
Common Pearlwort
Caryophyllaceae
*
E
L
Senecio angulatus
Climbing Groundsel
Asteraceae
*
E
H
30
Phillip Island Nature Park – Weed Management Strategy 2007 - 2012
C
C
NS
E
L
E
H
E
L
E
H
E
L
Priority
PINP
Status
National
Status
Family Name
Regional
Status
Common Name
Origin
Scientific Name
Senecio elegans
Purple Groundsel
Asteraceae
*
E
L
Senecio jacobaea
Ragwort
Asteraceae
*
C
E
H
Senecio pterophorus
African Daisy
Asteraceae
*
C
E
M
Silene gallica
French Catchfly
Caryophyllaceae
*
E
L
Silybum marianum
Variegated Thistle
Asteraceae
*
C
E
H
Solanum linnaeanum
Apple of Sodom
Solanaceae
*
C
E
H
Solanum nigrum
Blackberry Nightshade
Solanaceae
*
E
M
Soliva sessilis
Jo Jo
Asteraceae
*
E
L
Sonchus asper
Sonchus asper ssp. glaucescens
agg.
Rough Sow-thistle
Asteraceae
*
E
L
Asteraceae
*
E
L
Sonchus oleraceus
Common Sow-thistle
Asteraceae
*
Spartina spp.
Spartina
Poaceae
*
Sporobolus africanus
Sporobolus indicus var.
carpensis
Parramatta grass
Poaceae
Rat-tail Grass
Stellaria media
E
L
N&E
H
*
E
M
Poaceae
*
E
L
Chickweed
Caryophyllaceae
*
E
L
Stellaria pallida
Lesser Chickweed
Caryophyllaceae
*
E
L
Stenotaphrum secundatum
Buffalo Grass
Poaceae
*
E
H
Taraxacum officinale spp. agg.
Garden Dandelion
Asteraceae
*
E
L
Tradescantia fluminensis
Wandering Creeper
Commelinaceae
*
E
L
Tribolium acutiflorum
Trifolium angustifolium var
angustifolium
Desmazeria
Poaceae
*
E
L
Narrow-leaf Clover
Fabaceae
*
E
L
Trifolium arvense var arvense
Hare's foot Clover
Fabaceae
*
E
L
Trifolium dubium
Suckling Clover
Fabaceae
*
E
L
Trifolium fragifrerum
Strawberry Clover
Fabaceae
*
E
L
Trifolium glomeratum
Cluster Clover
Fabaceae
*
E
L
Trifolium repens var. repens
White Clover
Fabaceae
*
E
L
Tropaeolum majus
Nasturtium
Tropaeolaceae
*
E
L
Ulex europaeus
Gorse
Fabaceae
*
E
H
Vicia sativa ssp. nigra
Narrow-leaf Vetch
Fabaceae
*
E
L
Vicia sativa ssp. sativa
Common Vetch
Fabaceae
*
E
L
Vinca major
Blue Periwinkle
Apocynaceae
*
E
H
Vulpia bromoides
Squirrel-tail Fescue
Poaceae
*
E
L
Vulpia fasciculata
Dune Fescue
Poaceae
*
E
L
Vulpia muralis
Wall Fescue
Poaceae
*
E
L
Vulpia myuros f.megalura
Watsonia meriana var.
bulbillifera
Fox-tail Fescue
Poaceae
*
E
L
Watsonia
Iridaceae
*
C
E
H
Xanthium spinosum
Bathurst Burr
Asteraceae
*
P
E
H
Zantedeschia aethiopica
Arum Lily
Araceae
*
E
M
Phillip Island Nature Park – Weed Management Strategy 2007 - 2012
F
C
NS
31
Key to Appendix 1: ‘Weed Species List’ Significance and Priority (Phillip Island Nature Park):
•
Regional Status: Declared noxious weeds proclaimed under the Catchment and Land Protection (CaLP)
Act 1994, Feb 2006 update, Port Phillip (East) listing. The Fisheries Act 1995 lists declared noxious aquatic
species
•
National Status: Weed of National Significance
•
Weed origin: Australian native or introduced from overseas
•
PINP status: New and Emerging Weeds and Established Weeds
•
Priority rating to Phillip Island Nature Park
Status
32
Symbol
Number for PINP
CaLP Act
State Prohibited
S
0
CaLP Act
Regionally Prohibited
P
2
CaLP Act
Regionally Controlled
C
22
CaLP Act
Restricted
R
2
Fisheries Act 1995
Noxious Aquatic
Species
F
1 potential
National Weed
Strategy
Weed of National
Significance
NS
5
Weed origin
From overseas
*
192
Weed origin
Weedy natives
#
17
PINP status
Established
E
200
PINP status
New and Emerging
Priority to PINP
Low
L
132
Priority to PINP
Medium
M
37
Priority to PINP
High
H
40
Listed weeds
PINP
N&E
9
209
Phillip Island Nature Park – Weed Management Strategy 2007 - 2012
Appendix 2
Phillip Island Landcare Group
10/10 Weed Control Program
Hit List
Eradicate in
1.
Watsonia
3 years
2.
Apple of Sodom
3 years
3.
Blackberry
3 years
4.
Boneseed
4 years
5.
Boxthorn
4 years
6.
Ragwort
4 years
7.
Genista sp.
4 years
8.
Pampas Grass
4 years
9.
Cape Wattle
4 years
10.
Pittosporum
4 years
Each year a new weed is added to the control list, with follow up any emerging weeds for two or three years.
2000
Watsonia
Apple of Sodom
Blackberry
2001
Watsonia
Apple of Sodom
Blackberry
Boneseed
2002
Watsonia
Apple of Sodom
Blackberry
Boneseed
2003
Blackberry
Boneseed
Boxthorn
Ragwort
2004
Boneseed
Boxthorn
Ragwort
Genista
2005
Ragwort
Genista
Pampas Grass
2006
Ragwort
Genista
Pampas Grass
Cape Wattle
2007
Genista
Pampas Grass
Cape Wattle
Pittosporum
2008
Pampas Grass
Cape Wattle
Pittosporum
2009
Cape Wattle
Pittosporum
Final weed roundup
Phillip Island Nature Park – Weed Management Strategy 2007 - 2012
Boxthorn
33
Appendix 3
Phillip Island Landcare Group
10/20 Weed Control Program
Hit List
1.
Gorse
2.
Mirror Bush
3.
Bridal Creeper
4.
Kikuyu
5.
Asparagus Fern
6.
Cape Ivy
7.
English Ivy
8.
Angled Onion
9.
Horehound
10.
Phalaris
Each weed is controlled for 3 years and then once every three years to follow up on intensive control
2000
Gorse
2001
Gorse
Mirror Bush
2002
Gorse
Mirror Bush
Bridal Creeper
2003
Mirror Bush
Bridal Creeper
Kikuyu
2004
Bridal Creeper
Kikuyu
Asparagus Fern
2005
Gorse
Kikuyu
Asparagus Fern
Cape Ivy
2006
Mirror Bush
Asparagus Fern
Cape Ivy
English Ivy
2007
Bridal Creeper
Asparagus Fern
Cape Ivy
English Ivy
2008
Gorse
Kikuyu
Angled Onion
2009
Mirror Bush
Angled Onion
Horehound,
Phalaris
2010
Bridal Creeper
Asparagus Fern
Cape Ivy
English Ivy
2011
Gorse
Kikuyu
Horehound
Phalaris
2012
Mirror Bush
Kikuyu
2013
Bridal Creeper
Asparagus Fern
Cape Ivy
English Ivy
Angled Onion
2014
Gorse
Horehound
Phalaris
2015
Mirror Bush
Kikuyu
2016
Bridal Creeper
Asparagus Fern
Cape Ivy
English Ivy
Angled Onion
2017
Gorse
Horehound
Phalaris
2018
Mirror Bush
Kikuyu
2019
Bridal Creeper
Asparagus Fern
34
Cape Ivy
English Ivy
Angled Onion
English Ivy
Phillip Island Nature Park – Weed Management Strategy 2007 - 2012
Horehound
Phalaris
References
Cropper S. (1993). Management of endangered plants, CSIRO Publishing, East Melbourne.
Cropper S. (2003). Review of rare and threatened plants of Phillip Island, Report to Phillip Island Nature Park.
Cropper S. (2005). Rare or threatened Plants of Phillip Island, Botanicus Australia
Crowfoot L.V. (2006). Rare Plant Survey, Phillip Island Nature Park, Ecology Australia
Department of Environment and Heritage (2004). Introductory weed management manual, CRC for Australian Weed
Management, Commonwealth of Australia
DPI/DSE. (2005). Weed Alert Rapid Response Plan Victoria. Department of Primary Industries, Melbourne.
DSE. (2006). Actions for Biodiversity Conservation - ABC Fact Sheet, DSE, Melbourne.
Environmental Weeds Working Group. (2006). Interim Guidelines and Procedures for Managing the Environmental
Impacts of Weeds on Public Land in Victoria 2006, DSE, Melbourne.
Muyt A. (2001). Bush Invaders of South East Australia: A guide to the control of environmental weeds found in South East
Australia, R.G and F.J. Richardson Publications, Melbourne
NRE. (2001). Indigenous Partnership Strategy. Department of Natural Resources and Environment (NRE), Melbourne.
NRE. (2002a). Victorian Pest Management - A Framework for Action. NRE, Melbourne.
NRE. (2002b). Victorian Pest Management - A Framework for Action. Weed Management Strategy. NRE, Melbourne.
NRE. (2002d). Victoria’s Native Vegetation Management - A Framework for Action. NRE, Melbourne.
PP&WCMA. (2006). Port Phillip and Western Port Native Vegetation Plan, Government of Victoria.
PP&WCMA. (2005). Port Phillip and Western Port Regional Catchment Strategy 2004-2009, Government of Victoria.
PP&WCMA. (2003). Port Phillip and Western Port – Weed Action Plan, PP&WCMA, The State of Victoria.
Sindel B.M. (2000). Australian Weed Management Systems, R.G and F.J. Richardson, Melbourne.
Sutter G. and Downe J. (2000). Vegetation Community Mapping of the Phillip Island Nature Park, NRE, Melbourne.
The National Weeds Strategy. (1999). A Strategic Approach to Weed Problems of National Significance. Revised Edition.
Agriculture and Resource Management Council of Australia and New Zealand, Australian and New Zealand Environment
and Conservation Council and Forestry Ministers, Commonwealth of Australia,
Thorp J. R. & Lynch R. (2000). The Determination of Weeds of National Significance. National Weeds Strategy Executive
Committee, Launceston.
Further Reading
Australian Plants Society Maroondah. (2001). Flora of Melbourne, Hyland House, Melbourne
Blood K. (2001). Environmental Weeds: a field guide for SE Australia. C.H. Jerram & Associates, Science Publishers,
Melbourne.
Bradley J. (2002). Bringing Back the Bush, The Bradley method of Bush regeneration, Reed New Holland
Community Involvement in Off-reserve and On-reserve Management of Environmental Weeds, National Weeds Program,
AACM International Environment Australia, May 1997 ISBN 0 642 21396 8
DSE. (2004). Risk Management Framework. Department of Sustainability and Environment, Melbourne.
Jessop J.P. (2006) Grasses of South Australia, An illustrated guide to the native and naturalised species, Wakefield Press,
Kent Town, South Australia
National Objectives and Targets for Biodiversity Conservation 2001–2005. (2001). Canberra.
National Strategy for the Conservation of Australia’s Biological Diversity. (1996). Department of Environment and
Heritage, Commonwealth of Australia.
NRE. (2001). Victorian Blackberry Strategy, Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Melbourne.
Richardson F.J & R.G, Shepherd R.C.H. (2006). Weeds of the south-east, an identification guide for Australia, R.G and F.J.
Richardson, Melbourne.
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