Reduction of Bitou Bush in Northern NSW through stakeholder long term persistence and collaboration | Rhonda James
Tracks
| Tuesday, August 5, 2025 |
| 2:50 PM - 3:10 PM |
| Parthenium Theatre |
Speaker
Rhonda James
Reduction of Bitou Bush in Northern NSW through stakeholder long term persistence and collaboration | Rhonda James
Abstract
In northern New South Wales, Bitou bush Chrysanthemoides monilifera subsp. rotundata was recorded by NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service in 2001 with 97% (929ha) of Tweed Shire’s coastal zone occupied by Bitou bush at very heavy to low densities. Bitou bush had also invaded intact bushland remnants.
The past three decades have marked a significant turning point in Bitou bush control through a concerted effort combining strategic annual aerial and on ground survey and mapping, effective weed management techniques, and extensive consultation with agencies and community.
May 2025 Bitou bush occurrence had reduced to <5% of the coastal zone at low densities.
Control programs were guided by Bitou Bush National Northern Containment Management Plans in 2009 – northern 8km, 2011 – all Tweed Shire coastline being 30km and 2015 - extended 22km to include northern section of Byron Shire.
A range of control methods have been utilised including: Aerial spraying of broad scale infestations from 2002-2007, followed by backpack or Quikspray, manual and biological control methods. Monitoring of Bitou bush density and coverage using ground survey and aerial photograph interpretation was undertaken in 2003 and 2007/08 with aerial surveys annually from 2010 to 2025.
In 2024 a survey tool Field Maps was developed by Tweed Shire Council to record Bitou occurrence and treatment.
Community engagement with local stakeholders, indigenous groups, and environmental organizations plays a critical role in implementing control and restoration strategies.
Funding has been obtained from a range of sources including Commonwealth and NSW departments and agencies and Tweed and Byron Councils.
The achievements of the Bitou Bush control program followed by coastal restoration projects, has successfully reduced the spread of Bitou bush across key areas, demonstrating marked improvements in biodiversity.
The success of the project highlights the importance of long-term persistence to manage weed reduction and ecological restoration to improve biodiversity.
The past three decades have marked a significant turning point in Bitou bush control through a concerted effort combining strategic annual aerial and on ground survey and mapping, effective weed management techniques, and extensive consultation with agencies and community.
May 2025 Bitou bush occurrence had reduced to <5% of the coastal zone at low densities.
Control programs were guided by Bitou Bush National Northern Containment Management Plans in 2009 – northern 8km, 2011 – all Tweed Shire coastline being 30km and 2015 - extended 22km to include northern section of Byron Shire.
A range of control methods have been utilised including: Aerial spraying of broad scale infestations from 2002-2007, followed by backpack or Quikspray, manual and biological control methods. Monitoring of Bitou bush density and coverage using ground survey and aerial photograph interpretation was undertaken in 2003 and 2007/08 with aerial surveys annually from 2010 to 2025.
In 2024 a survey tool Field Maps was developed by Tweed Shire Council to record Bitou occurrence and treatment.
Community engagement with local stakeholders, indigenous groups, and environmental organizations plays a critical role in implementing control and restoration strategies.
Funding has been obtained from a range of sources including Commonwealth and NSW departments and agencies and Tweed and Byron Councils.
The achievements of the Bitou Bush control program followed by coastal restoration projects, has successfully reduced the spread of Bitou bush across key areas, demonstrating marked improvements in biodiversity.
The success of the project highlights the importance of long-term persistence to manage weed reduction and ecological restoration to improve biodiversity.
Biography
