Council is calling on lower Blue Mountains residents to help protect endangered local forests by controlling noxious weeds such as Lantana, Privet and African Olive on their properties.

These highly aggressive, invasive weeds are a major threat to the last remnants of Shale Sandstone Transitional Forest (SSTF) and Sydney Turpentine Ironbark Forest (STIF). The lower Blue Mountains is the last stronghold for these rare and unique forests.

Grey Gums (Eucalyptus punctata) are one of the tree species typically found in Shale Sandstone Transition Forests (above and below). Images: Jill Dark

SSTF is listed as a Critically Endangered Ecological Community under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 and STIF is listed as an Endangered Ecological Community under that Act, as well as Critically Endangered under the Environment Protection & Biodiversity Conservation Act.

These acts offer some protection for communities on publicly owned land such as in national parks and Council reserves, but many of the last remnants of these forests exist on private properties. By working together with local residents to control local noxious weeds, Council hopes to give these natural treasures a future.

Noxious weeds are a major threat to Sydney Turpentine Ironbark Forests, which provide habitat for Sugar Gliders (left). Image: Jill Dark

Home to species such as Sugar Gliders and Powerful Owls, Sydney Turpentine Ironbark Forests have dwindled since European settlement from 26,500ha down to a mere 500ha.

Council has cleared some major infestations of Lantana, Privet and African Olive around Glenbrook, Blaxland, Valley Heights and Springwood town centres and is asking local residents to check for and control noxious weeds on their properties.

By law (Noxious Weeds Act 1993), both Council and private landowners have a legal responsibility to control noxious weeds on land in their care. Under the Act, Council is also required to inspect private lands; ensure landowners and land managers are controlling noxious weeds; and monitor invasive weed species. Council will be inspecting around 700 private residences in Glenbrook this financial year as part of this role.

The spread of weeds is one of the Blue Mountains worst environmental problems, with over $1 million spent every year by Council on weed control. Of all weeds, declared Noxious weeds pose the greatest threat to local biodiversity – they spread like wildfire, invade bushland and waterways, and are capable of destroying whole ecosystems. Lantana alone has degraded more than four million hectares Australia-wide.

Find out if you have any of these forests on your land using Council’s interactive mapping tool at:  http://www.bmcc.nsw.gov.au/bmccmap/parcel_search.cfm

If you think you do have some, contact Council on 4780 5000 and ask to speak to someone in Environmental Management.

To learn how to identify and control noxious weeds on your property, visit:
http://weedsbluemountains.org.au/index.php

For more information about the legislative status of both these important plant communities see:
http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/committee/finaldeterminations.htm
http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/threatenedspeciesapp/profile.aspx?id=10789