Turning the tide: An outstanding example of coastal habitat restoration | Sue Baker
Tracks
| Tuesday, August 5, 2025 |
| 3:30 PM - 3:50 PM |
| Parthenium Theatre |
Speaker
Ms Sue Baker
Volunteer Manager Coastal Habitat Restoration
National Parks Assoc NSW Mid North Coast; Dunbogan Bushcare Groupanch
Turning the tide: An outstanding example of coastal habitat restoration | Sue Baker
Abstract
A OUSTANDING EXAMPLE OF COASTAL HABITAT RESTORATION
The success of the Dunbogan-Crowdy Bay National Park Habitat Corridor Restoration Project with its initial focus on Bitou Bush (Chrysanthemoides monolifera) eradication is recognised at state and national levels. It is an outstanding example of a long-term collaboration between five volunteer groups and three government agencies. It proves that through detailed planning, tenacity and rigorous follow up that Bitou Bush can be eradicated, and coastal habitats regenerated to pristine condition.
This project began in 1979 as a small effort by volunteers to deal with bitou bush on a small of Diamond Head. By 2002 it ramped up to a concerted attack combining several project sites. It continually expands in area, now covering well over 600 ha along a 30-km coastline. Over $1 million grant funding has greatly advanced the project. In the early 2000s aerial spraying was trialled with great success and continues as an integral part of the program as it expands into new areas. The work in the national park is nationally recognised as Australia’s longest running bitou bush eradication project.
Bitou bush is now 99% eradicated from the Dunbogan Peninsula including Kattang Nature Reserve and large areas of the national park. For the past 14 years, the degree of bitou bush control has allowed a variety of other target weed species including the Key Threatening Process of Invasion by Exotic Vines to be addressed through removal of widespread morning glory (Ipomea cairica) infestations. A range of habitats have been restored to pristine condition. This includes two Threatened Ecological Communities—Themeda Grasslands on Headlands and Sea Cliffs, and Littoral Rainforest, the latter now thriving over a 47-ha area.
Volunteer groups now chalk up well over 1100 hours of work each year.
The success of the Dunbogan-Crowdy Bay National Park Habitat Corridor Restoration Project with its initial focus on Bitou Bush (Chrysanthemoides monolifera) eradication is recognised at state and national levels. It is an outstanding example of a long-term collaboration between five volunteer groups and three government agencies. It proves that through detailed planning, tenacity and rigorous follow up that Bitou Bush can be eradicated, and coastal habitats regenerated to pristine condition.
This project began in 1979 as a small effort by volunteers to deal with bitou bush on a small of Diamond Head. By 2002 it ramped up to a concerted attack combining several project sites. It continually expands in area, now covering well over 600 ha along a 30-km coastline. Over $1 million grant funding has greatly advanced the project. In the early 2000s aerial spraying was trialled with great success and continues as an integral part of the program as it expands into new areas. The work in the national park is nationally recognised as Australia’s longest running bitou bush eradication project.
Bitou bush is now 99% eradicated from the Dunbogan Peninsula including Kattang Nature Reserve and large areas of the national park. For the past 14 years, the degree of bitou bush control has allowed a variety of other target weed species including the Key Threatening Process of Invasion by Exotic Vines to be addressed through removal of widespread morning glory (Ipomea cairica) infestations. A range of habitats have been restored to pristine condition. This includes two Threatened Ecological Communities—Themeda Grasslands on Headlands and Sea Cliffs, and Littoral Rainforest, the latter now thriving over a 47-ha area.
Volunteer groups now chalk up well over 1100 hours of work each year.
Biography
Sue Baker has a degree in Environmental Science. In 2022 she was awarded an OAM for Services to Conservation and Environment and Local Environmental Citizen of the Year.
Sue’s role as a bush regeneration volunteer and habitat restoration project manager spans forty years. She was the prime mover in establishing the Dunbogan-Crowdy NP Habitat Restoration Project, obtaining close to $1 million in grant funding. She has worked closely with NPWS and Port Macquarie Hastings Council for the 26 years of the project. Its success, particularly in bitou bush eradication, is recognised at national and state levels.
