Project discovers urban run-off

is a major weed-feed culprit

Stormwater runoff from urban areas has been found to be one of the major weed-spreaders into pristine bushland.

5 July 2023

 

NUTRIENT and sediment rich run-off water is encouraging the spread of highly invasive weeds into bushland reserves, according to a project team tackling regional weed control.

 

The findings support a future plan to install biofiltration systems in local reserves to limit the impacts of stormwater that encourages weed growth.

 

The team tackled 90ha of weed control across 27 project areas in various council-owned and managed reserves.

 

Greater Sydney Local Land Services Land Services Officer Linda Dedovic said the two-year project also focused on improving habitat in bushland areas that were less likely to be affected by bushfires.

 

“These areas can provide critical refuge habitat for local wildlife during and after fires,” Ms Dedovic said.

 

“Habitats for endangered animals, such as the Powerful Owl and Koalas, were also boosted by curbing weed spread.”

 

Weeds tackled included Blackberry, Lantana, African Olive, Green Cestrum, Asparagus Fern and Privet, as well as vines such as Balloon Vine, Japanese Honeysuckle, and Cats Claw Creeper.

 

The project program leader Eric Mahony, said, “Many of the weeds are found adjacent to the urban fringe, entering the reserves from local streets and stormwater drains.

 

"This project has helped to prevent further spread of weeds into more pristine areas of these reserves that form an important wildlife corridor.”

 

Mayor Mark Greenhill from Blue Mountains City Council, one of the affected areas in the state, said, "This is a great example of Council and our Bushcare Groups working in partnership with Local Land Services, protecting the unique and rare forests.

 

"These forests play a critical role in nature conservation, as well as important refuge habitat for our wildlife during after fires”.

 

For more information on environmental and natural area management programs, including Bushcare, go to: www.bmcc.nsw.gov.au/environment.