Sulphur Creek Coastal Reserve Vegetation and Habitat Management Plan

Sulphur Creek Coastal Reserve Vegetation and Habitat Management Plan

Bushways Environmental Services Tasmania

Sulphur Creek Coastal Reserve Vegetation and Habitat Management Plan April 2010

Author “Bushways Environmental Services – Tasmania” Helen Morgan and Anna Povey, 175 Glenford Farm Rd, Underwood TAS 7268.

Email: bushways@intas.net.au Mobile: 0429 197 671 © Bushways Environmental Services – Tasmania th 30 April 2010 Prepared for: Cradle Coast NRM, A business unit of the Cradle Coast Authority P.O. Box 338, Burnie TAS 7320.

Cover photo: Howth Beach is the most natural area at Sulphur Creek.

Acknowledgements This project is supported by Cradle Coast NRM, through funding from the Australian Government’s Caring for our Country.

Bushways thanks the following people who provided assistance or were consulted in the preparation of this report: Anna Wind, Hannah Sadler and James Shaddick, Cradle Coast NRM; Perviz Marker, Penguin Monitoring Group; Haylee Alderson and Rachael Eberhardt, Central Coast Council; Nan Sharman, Sulphur Creek; Pete Stronach, Jane Morrison and Frank Wilson, Sulphur Creek Coastcare Group; Caryn Shield.

Mapping data in this draft has been taken from the TASMAP Series, DPIPWE Natural Values Atlas, The List, TASVEG, and field work conducted by Bushways.

Vegetation and Habitat Management Plan Sulphur Creek to Preservation Bay Coastal Reserve April 2010

Table of Contents Summary ................................................................................................................................................................ 4 1 Introduction .......................................................................................................................................................... 6 1.1 Background ............................................................................................................................................. 6 1.2 Description of the study area................................................................................................................... 6 1.3 Location map........................................................................................................................................... 7 1.4 Little Penguin life cycle and habitat use .................................................................................................. 7 2 Survey Methodology ............................................................................................................................................ 9 2.1 Background research .............................................................................................................................. 9 2.2 Vegetation survey and Little Penguin habitat assessment ...................................................................... 9 2.3 Limitations ............................................................................................................................................... 9 3 Site Assessment ................................................................................................................................................ 10 3.1 Site descriptions.................................................................................................................................... 10 3.1.1 Howth Beach ................................................................................................................................. 10 3.1.2 Hogarth Reserve (also known as “Dunkies”) ................................................................................. 11 3.1.3 Station Beach ................................................................................................................................ 12 3.1.4 Hall Point ....................................................................................................................................... 13 3.1.5 Sulphur Creek Beach .................................................................................................................... 14 3.1.6 Midway Point ................................................................................................................................. 15 3.1.7 Preservation Bay ........................................................................................................................... 16 3.2 Vegetation communities ........................................................................................................................ 17 3.2.1 Coast Wattle scrub ........................................................................................................................ 17 3.2.2 Saltmarsh ...................................................................................................................................... 18 3.2.3 Blackwood Swamp Forest ............................................................................................................. 18 3.3 Little Penguin habitat on site ................................................................................................................. 19 3.4 Plant species of conservation significance ............................................................................................ 20 3.5 Fauna species of conservation significance.......................................................................................... 20 3.6 Weed infestations.................................................................................................................................. 21 3.7 Existing revegetation............................................................................................................................. 22 4 Threats and Management Recommendations ................................................................................................... 23 4.1 Native vegetation loss and degradation ................................................................................................ 23 4.2 Weeds ................................................................................................................................................... 25 4.3 Climate change and sea level rise ........................................................................................................ 27 4.4 Erosion .................................................................................................................................................. 27 4.5 Dog and cat control ............................................................................................................................... 28 4.6 Access tracks and recreational use....................................................................................................... 28 4.7 Vegetation removal and pruning ........................................................................................................... 30 4.8 Fire........................................................................................................................................................ 30 4.9 Works in Little Penguin colonies ........................................................................................................... 31 5 Management Zones and Actions ....................................................................................................................... 32 5.1 Management zones............................................................................................................................... 32 5.1.2 Protection Zone – Howth Beach.................................................................................................... 34 5.1.3 Focussed Revegetation Zone - Hogarth Reserve (Dunkies) and Hall Point .................................. 35 5.1.4 Beach Rehabilitation Zone – Station Beach, Sulphur Ck Beach & Preservation Bay.................... 41 5.1.5 Headland Rehabilitation Zone – Midway Point .............................................................................. 43 5.2 Revegetation ......................................................................................................................................... 44 5.3 Beach access in each zone................................................................................................................... 46 5.4 Monitoring ............................................................................................................................................. 48 5.5 Community involvement ........................................................................................................................ 49 6 Strategic Priorities.............................................................................................................................................. 50 7 References......................................................................................................................................................... 51 8 Appendices ........................................................................................................................................................ 53 Appendix 1 Native plants found Howth Beach to Preservation Bay. ........................................................... 53 Appendix 2 Plants suitable for revegetation ................................................................................................ 54 Appendix 3 Threatened flora previously recorded within 5 km of site. ........................................................ 55 Appendix 4 Threatened fauna known or possible on site............................................................................ 56 Appendix 5 Focussed Revegetation Sites - Planting Lists .......................................................................... 57 Appendix 6 Weeds found Howth Beach to Preservation Bay...................................................................... 62 Appendix 7 Some native species that resemble weeds .............................................................................. 64 Appendix 8 Weed control recommendations............................................................................................... 65

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Vegetation and Habitat Management Plan Sulphur Creek to Preservation Bay Coastal Reserve April 2010

Summary Cradle Coast NRM, through funding from the Australian Government’s Caring for our Country, engaged Bushways Environmental Services Tasmania to provide a vegetation management plan for the Sulphur Creek Coastal Reserve from the Howth roundabout to Preservation Bay, in northern Tasmania. The coastal reserve is leased from the Crown and managed by the Central Coast Council and is bounded by the railway line and Preservation Drive.

The study area includes some excellent coastal vegetation (especially at Howth Beach) and an apparently thriving Little Penguin colony and is valued by the community for walking, picnics, fishing and surfing. The vegetation is predominantly Coast Wattle Scrub, with very small areas of Saltmarsh and a small patch of Blackwood Forest. There is habitat for other fauna, including threatened species such as Eastern Barred Bandicoots and possibly Grey Goshawk. Shorebirds such as Red-capped Plovers and Sooty Oystercatchers also occur here, and Red-capped Plovers are thought to have nested on Preservation Beach.

There is evidence that Little Penguins currently use most of the study area as habitat. In this highly urbanised landscape, the very narrow coastal strip remaining here is critical habitat for this species (and others). Priority areas for penguins are Howth Beach, Midway Point, Hall Point and the beaches either side of Hall Point. There are also some penguins in other nearby areas, including Hogarth Reserve and Preservation Bay. Considerable rehabilitation (including weed control and revegetation) has been undertaken by the Sulphur Creek Coastcare Group and students from Burnie Polytechnic (previously TAFE) in many parts of the study area with excellent results. Penguin fencing has been installed along a section of the railway line behind Howth Beach.

Threats to the coastal vegetation and penguins include further development, limited area of habitat, erosion, human disturbance, cat predation, dog disturbance, weed invasions, tree removal and pruning/spraying of vegetation, informal tracks and fire threat. Sea level rise is a major factor likely to impact a high proportion of the coastal vegetation (and Little Penguin habitat) on this narrow site, with associated erosion and loss of habitat. With a rising local population, all threats are likely to increase in intensity, so that active management to protect the coastal reserve is necessary.

Works of any kind in Little Penguin habitat may also be disturbing unless implemented carefully and with respect for the penguins’ life cycle and seasonal stage. (Refer to Guidelines for Works in Areas of Little Penguin Habitat; Marker and Wind, 2008) Many management recommendations in this document relate to the large Penguin population at the site. Throughout the area it is important to protect penguin habitat, as well as habitat for other fauna.

Four management zones have been defined: a Protection Zone (Howth Beach), Focussed Revegetation Zones (Hogarth Reserve, also known as Dunkies, and Hall Point), Beach Rehabilitation Zones (Station and Sulphur Creek Beaches and Preservation Bay), and a Headland Rehabilitation Zone (Midway Point).

Recommended actions for all zones include: • protection of existing native vegetation, • protection of penguin habitat, • weed control, • extending and maintaining revegetation, • dog restrictions according to council regulations, • provision of formal accesses and closure of informal accesses, • increasing community involvement and • carrying out monitoring programs.

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Site specific revegetation plans are provided for Hogarth Reserve (Dunkies), Hall Point and Preservation Bay. The highest priority site was identified as Howth Beach which contains native vegetation in very good condition, providing excellent habitat for evidently high numbers of penguins.

Midway Point and Hall Point are likely to be significant for long-term penguin habitat, their elevation making them less vulnerable to shoreline recession than other parts of the coastal reserve.

Actions recommended for each management zone include: • Protection Zone: Howth Beach Priority actions: maintain excellent native vegetation and penguin habitat, protect from development, control weeds, maintain penguin protection fence, continue dog control, install educational signage, and monitor for further impacts such as informal tracks, loss of native vegetation etc.

•

Focussed Revegetation Zone: Hogarth Reserve (Dunkies) and Hall Point Priority actions: reduce mowing, revegetation, control weeds, protect and enhance penguin habitat, interpretation signage.

•

Beach Rehabilitation Zone: Station Beach, Sulphur Creek Beach, Preservation Bay Priority actions: protect good vegetation areas, maintain revegetation, control weeds, close informal tracks, provide formal access, raise community awareness of conservation of the coastal reserve.

•

Headland Rehabilitation Zone 6: Midway Point Priority actions: maintain good native vegetation and penguin habitat, control weeds, revegetate with penguin-friendly plants between the railway line and the sea, provide formal access for surfers and close informal access, consider erecting penguin fence.

Strategic Priorities have been identified as: 1. Protect Howth Beach and maintain its current very good condition and penguin habitat.

2. Focussed revegetation at Hogarth Reserve (Dunkies).

3. Cape Ivy control at Hall Point and continue the rehabilitation work already started.

4. Follow up Sea Spurge control and target isolated and notable bad weeds across the site.

5. Consult with DIER and railway managers to improve weed control practices.

6. Provide formal beach access at Preservation Bay and Station Beach and close informal tracks.

7. Maintain penguin fence from Howth Beach to Hogarth Reserve 8. Maintain existing revegetation across the site (e.g. address fallen guards, control weeds around plantings).

9. Involve the community by – Cradle Coast NRM and Central Coast Council continuing to support Coastcare and community groups in management of the coastal reserve, – providing educational signage, – conducting community events, etc.

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1 Introduction 1.1 Background 1

Cradle Coast NRM engaged Bushways Environmental Services Tasmania to provide a vegetation management plan for the Sulphur Creek Coastal Reserve from the Howth roundabout to Preservation Bay, in northern Tasmania. The coastal reserve is leased from the Crown and managed by the Central Coast Council and is bounded by the railway line and Preservation Drive.

The study area includes some excellent coastal vegetation and Little Penguin habitat and is valued by the community for walks, picnics, fishing and surfing, and by visitors for parking overnight campervans at Hall Point.

The study area is coastal reserve leased from the Crown by Central Coast Council with a recreational licence over the whole reserve.

This vegetation management plan identifies threats and sensitive areas for the Little Penguin colony and provides management recommendations and zoned work plans based on a broad vegetation and fauna habitat assessment of the coastal reserve.

The plan refers to Guidelines for Works in Areas of Little Penguin Habitat (Marker and Wind, revised 2008) and the Guide to Rehabilitation by Drew Lee, Marine Conservation Branch, Department of Primary Industries and Water (2003). It is prepared with reference to the Nature Conservation Branch Brief for Consultants (Lawrence, 2004), and in liaison with specified stakeholders.

1.2 Description of the study area The Sulphur Creek Coastal Reserve is located on the North West coast of Tasmania, and extends from Howth to Preservation Bay. Most of the study area is vegetated with native coastal scrub with some areas dominated by Marram Grass and some areas of mown introduced grasses with introduced shrubs and pines.

South of the reserve is Preservation Drive and the railway line, a residential area and some farming land. There are important vegetation remnants inland and to either side of the study area.

The coastal vegetation of the study area is thus also important within the broader landscape, being used by wildlife to move through the landscape and during migration. Although this plan focuses on the coastal reserve, its context within the surrounding area is also important.

The area has a northerly aspect and several creeks enter Bass Straight through the reserve.

The area can be found on the Burnie TASMAP 1:25000 map sheet no: 4045 from the western end at Howth E: 416660 N: 5451350 to the eastern end at Preservation Bay E: 420324 N: 5449445.

It is an important recreational area and has high scenic values for residents and visitors.

A location map of the area is overleaf.

Location names used here are local names nominated by Nan Sharman, long-term resident and historian. (For example, “Hogarth Reserve” is part of the whole Coastal Reserve, but has been known separately as this for many years. It has been known by more recent residents as “Dunkies” because of the shop opposite this carpark area. This shop is now known as “Highway Halt”, but due to the familiarity of the name “Dunkies”, we include that in our references to Hogarth Reserve. “Howth Beach” is used here to identify the good stretch of native vegetation, as well as its accompanying beach. “Hall Point” is marked on maps as Sulphur Creek Point.)

1

Cradle Coast NRM operates as a business unit of the Cradle Coast Authority

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1.3 Location map

1.4 Little Penguin life cycle and habitat use Little Penguins (Eudyptula minor) are the smallest penguins in the world and, fortunately, a considerable number of their colonies exist along the North West, North, East and South coasts of Tasmania (Watts 1999, Marker and Wind 2003).

Little Penguin colonies occupy a wide variety of habitats including rock crevices, deep burrows or simply scrapes in the sand beneath a dense vegetation canopy. Their habitat often extends from near the coast line, to over 100 metres above sea level (a.s.l.), and many colonies occupy the offshore islands of Tasmania (Pemberton et al. 2001).

Figure 2. Little Penguin (photo by Anna Wind) Little Penguin habitat generally occurs in coastal vegetation dominated by native plant species such as Boobialla, Coast Wattle (Acacia longiflora subsp. sophorae), Bower Spinach, Coastal Saltbush and Correas (Correa alba and C. backhouseana). Nevertheless, Little Penguins have regularly been recorded utilising habitat dominated by introduced species such as African Boxthorn, Blackberry, Mirrorbush, and Cape Ivy. Hence, weed management in Little Penguin colonies must allow for this, as Little Penguins may make use of any suitable habitat whether it is dominated by weeds or native plants (Marker and Wind 2003).

Adult birds may be present in a colony at any time throughout the year, although their numbers generally fluctuate in response to various stages of their life cycle. Pairs of birds breed annually and a clutch of two eggs may be laid as early as May, or as late as November. Male penguins return to the colony to renovate or dig their burrows between May and August, and as the female birds return, mates are chosen through noisy male courting displays. While Little Penguins select a single mate, they may not remain paired for life. An adult pair share incubation shifts of one-two days and hatching usually takes place within 33-37 days. At three to five weeks old the chicks are

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left unguarded by parents and at night can be seen outside burrows waiting to be fed. At an age of seven to eight weeks the chicks are ready to take to the sea where they will mature and then return to their original colony to begin breeding as young two year old birds. Once chick rearing is complete adult birds return to the sea to feed for about 15 -21 days before returning to commence moulting. Moulting takes place between February and April and can take up to 15 days to shed the old feathers and grow their replacements. During this time the penguins remain entirely in their burrows or on land, living off their food reserves (Marker and Wind 2003).

Figure 3. Little Penguins moulting (photo by Anna Wind) Little penguins are most susceptible to human disturbance during the chick raising and moulting periods. Furthermore, survey results have indicated that breeding in the colonies can be quite variable, reflecting variations in seasonal conditions and food supply. Hence, there is often only a small window of opportunity to undertake works such as revegetation, weeding and construction in little penguin colonies.

Figure 4. Penguin Life Cycle Calendar

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2 Survey Methodology 2.1 Background research A Natural Values Report was conducted through the Natural Values Atlas (DPIPWE, March 2010) for all threatened flora and fauna records within 5 kilometres of the site, as well as TASVEG communities. “Tasmania’s Threatened Fauna Handbook” (Bryant & Jackson 1999) was used to identify any other threatened fauna found within the area of the Burnie mapsheet 4045 that would be likely to occur in the study site.

On site meetings were held on 16/3/10 with Anna Wind and Hannah Sadler, Cradle Coast NRM, Haylee Alderson and Rachael Eberhardt from Central Coast Council.

Previous relevant reports of vegetation surveys in the study area were provided as supporting documentation by the Central Coast Council including the “Assessment of Foreshore Vegetation Sulphur Creek” (Milner 2009) and the “Howth to Preservation Bay Revegetation Draft Management Plan” (Fenton undated).

2.2 Vegetation survey and Little Penguin habitat assessment th

A field survey was conducted on 16 March 2010 by Helen Morgan, Anna Povey and Sam Morgan. Vegetation communities and major flora species, including weeds, and the general condition of the vegetation were identified. Evidence of Little Penguins including burrows, feathers, tunnels, tracks, carcasses and scats, were noted during the course of the survey. Issues arising from recreational use and other threats to vegetation and Little Penguin habitat were noted.

Data (unpublished) from Penguin counts in 2000 was kindly provided by Perviz Marker. Some more recent approximations of Penguin numbers in some areas were provided by Anna Wind and Pete Stronach.

Particular attention was paid to the apparent areas of Little Penguin habitat and the type and distribution of impacts including weeds, dog and cat control, informal tracks, erosion and loss of native vegetation.

Presence or signs of any other fauna were noted.

Ecological vegetation communities were described according to TASVEG Version 1.0 classifications (Harris & Kitchener 2005). All botanical names are in accordance with the recently updated “A Census of the Vascular Plants of Tasmania” (Buchanan, 2008).

Locations were recorded with a handheld GPS, using datum WGS84 (equivalent to GDA94).

2.3 Limitations A survey of this type can be expected to identify the vegetation communities and most vascular plant species. However the flora survey was not intended to be comprehensive, and any sampling technique is limited in what can be recorded during one or two visits. Some species vary in abundance from year to year. In particular many orchids emerge in different seasons or sporadically under conditions as yet poorly understood. Bryophytes and lichens were not surveyed. No threatened lower plants were recorded on the Natural Values Atlas as occurring within 5 km. A full fauna survey was not carried out.

Determining burrow or population density of the Little Penguin colony on this site is beyond the scope of this project. However, once knowledge and data pertaining to these is available it may be necessary to review the management aims and recommendations made in this document to ensure best possible outcomes for the penguins.

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3 Site Assessment 3.1 Site descriptions 3.1.1 Howth Beach This area has the best coastal vegetation of the Sulphur Creek area and probably the largest Little Penguin colony. Penguins are found in apparently large numbers, with abundant tracks and signs throughout most of this area.

Management here should be focussed on maintenance and improvement of its current very good condition, and should be amongst the highest priorities for coastal works.

Figure 5. Good native scrub lines Howth Beach. There is even some Beach Spinifex here, instead of the Marram Grass which dominates other sites.

Relatively little work would eradicate many serious weeds which are currently only sparsely scattered (e.g. Bridal Creeper, Mirrorbush, Boxthorn, Sea spurge, Boneseed, Cotoneaster, Briar Rose, Holly). There are also other, more entrenched weeds such as Cape Ivy, Rambling Dock and Blackberry in patches, but they are less prevalent than elsewhere in the area. However, weeds are denser at the eastern end of this zone (closer to Hogarth Reserve (“Dunkies”)), where they are tangled amongst native plants and will require more work to control.

Native vegetation, as elsewhere on site, is largely Coast Wattle Scrub, dominated by Coast Wattle and Boobialla with a ground cover of Bower Spinach and Coastal Saltbush. However, here there is a larger range of plant species (including some sizeable patches of Velvet Correa; occasional Prickly Box, Spreading Flaxlily and Forest Lignum; Black Gums and Paperbarks in damp areas; and occasional Beach Spinifex along the foredune) and the vegetation is wider. There are some grassy gaps in the scrub, which should be revegetated. There are some small Saltmarsh patches towards the coastal edge. This zone should be a reference area on which to base revegetation of other sites, an inspiration for the community (e.g. botany and fauna walks), and could be used for collection of seeds and cuttings for propagation.

There is also a small Blackwood swamp forest at Hiscutt’s Creek which has a very weedy understorey. This example of a different vegetation type could be improved by determined weed removal and revegetation with more appropriate understorey plants.

Some dog use of Howth Beach is a threat to the large penguin colony here, and the penguin fence needs maintenance. There is some illegal cutting which could impact on the health of coastal vegetation, although less than at other sites of Sulphur Creek. Residential areas do not seem to be impacting on this zone as elsewhere, which feels almost remote. Some informal access is being made over the penguin fence, which is not yet seriously degrading vegetation. Nevertheless, there are safety issues with such access and likely disturbance of penguins. Increased use would be likely to cause greater disturbance. It is important to ensure that this excellent stretch of coastal vegetation and penguin habitat does not become degraded by cutting, tracks and dog disturbance, or by ongoing encroachment by weeds.

Figure 6. Many penguins favour Howth Beach’s isolation and good habitat.

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3.1.2 Hogarth Reserve (also known as “Dunkies�)

Around the carpark area is a strip of very narrow coastal vegetation (1 - 6 m wide, or non-existent in some places), with several informal access tracks, some cutting of vegetation and excess mowing which is gradually reducing the width still further over time. There has been some coastal erosion, with storm surges undermining vegetation, and there is erosion at informal access points.

The western end of this area has wider vegetation, but an area has been cleared and is used for informal camping. With impacts on both sides of the vegetation in this area, its viability into the future is uncertain without determined widening and protection. Despite the impacts, some penguins exist here.

Figure 7. Very narrow, impacted vegetation does support Penguins but needs bolstering.

The vegetation consists mainly of Boobialla, Coast Wattle, Bower Spinach and Coast Saltbush, (with a small clump of Coast Paperbark at the creek which forms the eastern end of this area), but mixed with dense areas of weeds such as Cape Ivy, Periwinkle, Rambling Dock and Blackberry. There is some more native diversity in the wider vegetation at the western end of this zone, including Black Gum, Blackwood, and Bracken, but this is mixed with weeds. Some recent revegetation has been successful thus far, and more would help improve the vegetation health here. This is one of the few places at Sulphur Creek with any eucalypts, which are therefore important to protect and enhance with more plantings.

A narrow strip alongside the railway line has been revegetated recently, and provides some penguin habitat, but this has been slashed and sprayed during railway maintenance.

There is a boat ramp and a picnic table, but the area seems dominated by use as a carpark and turning area; there is little shelter and the overall impression is bleak. Revegetation could greatly improve the amenity of the area, while still allowing for public use and coastal views. As this is a very public spot, focused revegetation and care for penguins here could improve public awareness and encourage involvement in Coastcare activities.

Figure 8. The site is bleak, and would benefit from revegetation for amenity as well as habitat.

This area will continue to decline without determined management to enhance the narrow vegetation, control weeds, protect penguins and improve amenity for users.

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3.1.3 Station Beach The western end of Station Beach is a rocky foreshore with narrow dune vegetation. Small patches of native vegetation are present dominated by Coast Wattle with Coastal Saltbush and Bower Spinach. These areas are providing good penguin habitat as evidenced by signs of penguin presence.

Figure 9. Good condition and diverse native vegetation at the rocky western end of Station Beach.

Preservation Drive and the railway line is very close to the coast and rock walls have been constructed to support the trains in places where erosion has removed the vegetation and its substrate.

Figure 10. Train passing over eroding reinforced wall and narrow coastal vegetation at Station Beach

The residential area of Sulphur Creek is situated on the southern side of the road. The coastal vegetation opposite the houses is very weedy in patches with garden escapes and other environmental weeds and in places there is little or no native vegetation. Penguins are also using these areas.

The native vegetation becomes wider, more continuous and in better condition from the ancient rocky outcrop east to Hall Point along the sandy end of the beach.

There is a high level of penguin habitation in the vegetation between the railway line and the foreshore evidenced by multiple tracks across the beach, scats observed on rocks, sand and leaf litter, burrows and feathers in the understorey. The native vegetation is dominated by Coast Wattle and Boobialla with Pigface, Coastal Saltbush and Bower Spinach providing excellent cover for penguins.

The condition of the native vegetation and habitat is threatened by weeds, informal tracks, and intentional damage to vegetation. Cape Ivy is very invasive in some areas, Sea Spurge occurs as isolated individuals, Marram Grass is scattered throughout and other weeds include Blackberry, Box Thorn and garden escapes. Informal tracks encourage erosion and weed invasion while some areas of native vegetation have been cut and pruned. However, there are some areas of native vegetation in good condition that can be enhanced and revegetation has begun which could be maintained and improved.

Figure 11. Station Beach looking west from good native vegetation to pruned vegetation

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3.1.4 Hall Point This small headland is situated between Station Beach and Sulphur Creek Beach and offers some elevated native habitat and recreational values. Fishing, walking and penguin viewing are popular pursuits. A large number of overnight campervans park here, with up to ten or more vans parked at the peak of the visitor season. If visitors have dogs or undertake penguin viewing activities, this can be a major disturbance to penguins.

Figure 12. Hall Point from Station Beach

A small creek, infested with Typha, Kikuyu and Water Cress, enters the sea on the western side of Hall Point. Large rocks placed on either side of the point and a steel barrier block vehicles from entering but a network of informal tracks, used also by penguins, criss-cross the point.

Native vegetation is in good condition on the southwestern side of the headland with diversity and structural integrity providing good habitat and foreshore protection.

Feathers, tracks, scats and burrows show that many penguins use Hall Point as habitat.

Figure 13. Penguin in burrow, moulting, at the northern end of Hall Point ( March 2010). Burrow protected only by introduced grass and Cape Ivy,

Hall Point has a history of past landfill and more recent environmental rehabilitation (Fenton undated). The rehabilitation is progressing quite successfully, such that the condition of this area now seems to be much better than when the original management plan (Fenton, undated) was written. Maintenance work is now necessary, especially weed control of Cape Ivy which is threatening the revegetation. Coast Wattle, Sheoak, Coastal Saltbush and Bower Spinach are establishing well in revegetation areas in the centre, northern and eastern side of Hall Point and occur in clumps and as scattered individuals offering shelter.

Kikuyu dominates the open and unplanted areas and other introduced grasses are also present.

Cape Ivy occurs throughout the Kikuyu and is beginning to invade planted shrubs and climbers. In the centre of the headland an area of landfill remains bare and gravelly with some patches of introduced grass and native Pigface.

Figure 14. Erosion on the eastern side of the point, with revegetation doing well but threatened by weeds, Kikuyu and Cape Ivy, and erosion.

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Sea level rise and storm surges are likely to be causing erosion, occurring on both sides of the headland. At the northern end, erosion is also caused by informal tracks and lack of native vegetation.

Figure 15. Pigface protecting the north western face of the point from erosion.

Some untargeted weed control has been carried out on the north of the point resulting in killing natives and leaving the weeds.

There is opportunity to control the Cape Ivy now, relatively easily, and continue revegetation to more completely rehabilitate the area.

3.1.5 Sulphur Creek Beach Sulphur Creek Beach stretches eastward from Halls Point for ~ 900 m. The coastal dune vegetation occupies a thin strip (~10-20 m) between the beach and the old Bass Highway. The railway line occupies the zone between the highway and the back-dune vegetation. Sulphur Creek flows into the sea at the western end of Sulphur Creek Beach.

There is a significant residential area south of Sulphur Creek Beach.

Figure 16. Sulphur Creek beach.

The native vegetation is degraded along this section of the coastline due to the thin nature of the coastal reserve, numerous informal access points and associated erosion, exotic plant invasion, and residents cutting back native vegetation to improve their views.

Dogs access is prohibited to Sulphur Creek Beach west of the formal access point at Creamery Rd. East of this access point, dogs are restricted to the beach between 7 pm and 9 am in December, January and February. There are no restrictions for the rest of the year. Another formal access point, in addition to the one at Creamery Rd, exists at the far eastern end of the beach.

Little Penguins are known to reside in the coastal vegetation between Hall Point and the formal access at Creamery Rd. During the survey significant penguin activity was noted in this area, including scats, feathers, tracks, and foot prints. Less evidence of Little Penguins was observed east of the Creamery Rd formal access point, despite the existence of suitable habitat.

Nevertheless, the occasional track and scat was noted in this area.

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3.1.6 Midway Point Midway Point is a headland through which the coastal reserve stretches between Sulphur Creek Beach and Preservation Bay. This area is slightly elevated in comparison to the surrounding coastline and it is fringed by large rock shelves rather than sand. The coastal reserve is wider at Midway Point (~ 50-90 m) than at Sulphur Creek Beach, as Preservation Drive is situated further south from the coast. The railway lies approximately equidistant between the coast and the road.

There are very few residences at Midway Point; the few that are present are a considerable distance from the coastal reserve. An informal stopping area for vehicles loops off the old Bass Highway into the coastal reserve at Midway Point. Little Point on the eastern side of Midway Point is favoured for surfing; foot and vehicle access is causing some degradation of vegetation.

The native coastal vegetation is in good condition between railway and the coast. Large patches of continuous vegetation are present with few weeds.

The condition of the coastal vegetation between the railway and the road, however, is poor. Large areas are dominated by introduced grasses and the majority of the woody plants, climbers and shrubs in this area are exotic. There is a large patch of Periwinkle. However, a small patch of native vegetation does exist at the western end of Midway Point between the railway and the highway. This area included some Black Gums, which are uncommon throughout the Reserve.

Dogs are unrestricted at Midway Point.

A lot of Little Penguin activity was noted around Midway Point. Evidence including feathers, scats and tracks were observed both within the coastal vegetation and along the rocky foreshore.

Although the majority of penguin activity was noted in the native coastal vegetation between the railway and the sea, evidence of penguins utilizing the weedy vegetation south of the railway was also observed. Numerous penguin deaths on the railway line have occurred in recent years (P.Stronach, pers.comm.). A large concrete retaining wall is present at the eastern end of Midway Point along ~ 100m of the coast line.

This wall is likely to block penguin access to some of the suitable coastal vegetation between it and the railway.

Figure 17. Boxthorn used by Penguins. Note vegetation death from railway maintenance spray.

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3.1.7 Preservation Bay Preservation Bay is a sandy beach of ~ 700 m in length that lies east of Midway Point. Similarly to Sulphur Creek Beach, the coastal reserve at Preservation Bay is restricted to a thin strip ~ 20-30 m wide between the old Bass Highway and the sea, of which only half is native coastal scrub. The foredune is covered by Marram Grass and Sea Spurge. A small creek flows onto the beach through a drain at the western end, and a smaller drain flows through the coastal reserve at the eastern end of the Bay near the Penguin Surf Lifesaving Club.

The native vegetation at the eastern end of Preservation Bay is in good condition; it is reasonably continuous and there are sparse weeds. This is no doubt thanks to work done by the local Coastcare group, which seems to have greatly improved the condition of the area since the original management plan (Fenton, undated) was written.

Figure 18. Narrow coastal scrub is bounded by Marram Grass and the railway line, with a mown area for recreational use. Mainland paperbarks have been planted at this end.

Nevertheless, some informal access points are degrading this section. A large section of the coastal reserve at the mid western end of the Bay has little or no native vegetation. This section is dominated by introduced Marram Grass and some revegetation has been attempted. Numerous informal access points are eroding the dune in this area. Some coastal scrub is still present at the far western end of Preservation Bay, which unlike the rest of the beach has a rocky foreshore. However, despite a healthy understorey this vegetation is showing significant signs of dieback.

Dogs have unrestricted access to Preservation Bay. Evidence of Little Penguins was observed at the far western end of Preservation Bay in the form of scats and feathers, and a couple of breeding pairs have been observed in the middle of the Bay (Wind 2010). Six pairs of penguins were recorded at Preservation Bay in 2000 (P.Marker, unpublished data). No penguin activity was observed during this survey at the eastern end of the Bay despite the presence of suitable native vegetation. However, four active burrows have been noted by local residents (P.Stronach, pers.comm.) at eastern Preservation Bay (west of the Creek outlet), this year and last year.

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3.2 Vegetation communities The narrow native vegetation along this coast consists almost entirely of Coast Wattle scrub (“Acacia longifolia coastal scrub”, Tasveg code SAC), as is typical of coastal dunes in Tasmania.

There are also small patches of Saltmarsh (Tasveg code AUS) in places where rocks reduce wave action and produce a sheltered microsite which is inundated occasionally by high tide. One small patch of Blackwoods at Hiscutts Creek can be considered a remnant of Blackwood Swamp Forest (“Acacia melanoxylon swamp forest, Tasveg code NAF). The Marram Grass along the foredunes of Preservation Bay forms introduced Marram grassland (Tasveg code FMG), which supports few native species and will not be described further.

None of these is listed as a threatened vegetation community (DPIW 2005), but they do provide essential environmental services, including protection of coastal sands from erosion, shelter of inland vegetation and residences, and habitat for fauna such as Little Penguins and others.

The native plant species found across the site are listed in Appendix 1, with introduced plants listed in Appendix 6. The vegetation communities are described in summary here.

3.2.1 Coast Wattle scrub Coast Wattle and Boobialla dominate this scrub, with Bower Spinach and Coastal Saltbush the major groundcovers. These species dominate because they are adapted to the harsh conditions of the coastal zone, with its dry, low nutrient and shifting sands, and strong salty winds. Some other hardy natives also occur, especially in areas of wider native vegetation and where weeds have not taken over, such as in Howth Beach and at Midway Point.

Other species include Prickly Box, Velvet Correa, Spreading Flaxlily, Common Buzzy, Native Pigface, Sheoak, Kangaroo Apple, Creeping Sea-celery and Knobby Clubsedge. Coast Speargrass and Coastal Tussockgrass, and occasional Beach Spinifex, are found to the seaward edge of this vegetation. Black Gum, Blackwood and Coastal Paperbark occur where there is more moisture or shelter. Usually more species would occur behind the foredunes, sheltered by this scrub, but at Sulphur Creek this vegetation has been cleared in the past and replaced by roads and urban development.

Figure 19. Typical scrub here consists predominantly of Coast Wattles, Bower Spinach and Coast Saltbush at various densities, with some weeds and other native species amongst them.

A wide variety of weeds are found in this vegetation, in varying densities across the site. The climber, Cape Ivy, is the most widespread and problematic weed, tangled over and amongst the native plants. Blackberry is also widespread. Rambling Dock is another climber which tangles amongst native plants and can be confused with some native climbers. Periwinkle forms dense patches at some impacted sites. Some Marram Grass occurs, but is only dense in Preservation Bay. Unusually (and thanks at least partly to previous control work), some nasty weeds are only sparse across the site, including Boxthorn, Boneseed, Bridal Creeper, Sea Spurge and Mirrorbush, but they have the potential to invade much of the coastal vegetation if control is not ongoing.

Dieback from coastal winds and excessive cutting of vegetation is apparent in some places.

Tracks, mowing and coastal erosion also threaten the coastal scrub.

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Vegetation and Habitat Management Plan Sulphur Creek to Preservation Bay Coastal Reserve April 2010

3.2.2 Saltmarsh Tiny patches of saltmarsh occur where sites are sheltered by rocks and inundated occasionally by high tide. Some patches are dominated by Beaded Glasswort, so are “succulent saline herbland” (Tasveg code ASS) while others are dominated by Searush and Chaffy Sawsedge, so are “saline sedgeland” (Tasveg code ARS), depending on frequency of inundation. Other plants to be found in these patches include Southern Seablite, Australian Saltgrass, Coast Speargrass, Creeping Brookweed (pretty white flowers) and Shiny Swampmat. These saltmarsh patches are in good condition, and should be preserved.

Figure 20. Small patch of succulent saltmarsh.

3.2.3 Blackwood Swamp Forest Blackwoods form a closed canopy in this small patch.

There is more moisture at this site, with a small creek on the eastern edge. Naturally, the understorey of this forest would consist of sedges such as Tall Sedge, Arching Swordsedge and Cutting Grass, and water ferns, perhaps with some Paperbarks and Teatrees. However here the understorey is almost exclusively weedy, apart from sparse Bracken, with Cape Ivy, Nasturtium, Rambling Dock and Blackberry taking advantage of the greater moisture here. There is also some Agapanthus, Montbretia and Mint, with the creek full of Bulrush and Watercress.

The Blackwoods are dense, but not large or mature, and there is some dieback on the coastal edge. Some weed control as well as revegetation at the seaward edge may help to protect this patch. Replacement of the weedy understorey with a native one would be beneficial, but must take into account some penguins which inhabit this patch.

Figure 21. A weedy understorey in the small Blackwood forest will need determined control and revegetation.

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3.3 Little Penguin habitat on site Evidence observed during this survey suggests that the Little Penguin population at this site is substantial, especially at Howth Beach. Hall Point, the beaches immediately on either side of it, and Midway Point also seem to have good populations. There are also occasional penguins elsewhere in the coastal vegetation throughout the study area, from Howth to the western half of Preservation Bay. Multiple tracks across the sand, networks of active runways through grass and many scats were evident. Many active burrows, indicated by penguin presence or cast feathers, were found in native vegetation and some weedy areas.

Baseline population counts in this area showed that 100 penguin pairs used Howth Beach, 50 penguin pairs used Station Beach, 10 pairs used Hall Point, and 6 pairs were recorded at Preservation Bay (Marker, unpublished data, 2000). Although counts have not been made more recently, at eastern Preservation Bay (west of the Creek outlet) there are at least 4 active nesting sites, this year and last year (P.Stronach, pers.comm.). Assessments of numbers at Hall Point vary, but many burrows are present now, indicating a sizeable population that appears to have increased since 2000 (A. Wind, pers.comm.).

Figure 22. Penguin tracks on Station Beach,

In this modified landscape, the very narrow coastal strip remaining here is critical habitat for these Little Penguins (and other species). Howth Beach provides the best habitat area, with coastal vegetation in very good condition. The sandy part of Station Beach, Hall Point and Midway Point are also evidently providing good penguin habitat. All of these areas should be protected and enhanced. There is opportunity to expand available habitat for the future on the elevated areas of Hall Point and Midway Point in the likelihood of sea level rise.

Plants used as cover for burrows included Sagg, Pigface, Coastal Saltbush Bower Spinach and Coast Wattle.

Burrows were also found under weeds such as Cape Ivy, Boxthorn and Mirrorbush.

Figure 23. Active penguin burrow beneath Pigface and Coast Wattle on Station Beach

Penguin habitat has been impacted by loss of vegetation from human activity (informal tracks, cutting of vegetation) as well as erosion and sea-level rise which are likely to continue to reduce the habitat available to penguins between the railway line/road and the shoreline.

A penguin fence has been installed between the vegetation and the railway line from Howth Beach to Hogarth Reserve to prevent penguin deaths on the road and railway line. This fence is in need of maintenance in order to remain effective. At Midway Point, at least 10 penguins have been killed by trains in the last two years (P.Stronach, pers.comm.). This area should be considered for a penguin fence.

Figure 24. The fence along Howth Beach has been effective at reducing penguin deaths, but needs maintenance. Here penguins are getting under the fence.

Many threats to penguin habitat were identified during the survey and in discussion with local people and experts. These are discussed in more detail in Chapter 4.

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3.4 Plant species of conservation significance No threatened flora species were found on site.

Threatened flora species that were recorded as occurring in the vicinity are listed in Appendix 3.

Some threatened plants, especially orchids, may not have been visible at the time of the surveys.

3.5 Fauna species of conservation significance Little Penguins are not listed as threatened but are considered of high conservation significance, and are protected by legislation (Nature Conservation Act 2002).

Eastern Barred Bandicoot, listed as Vulnerable (EPBC Act 1999), are known on site (P.Stronach, pers.comm.) and have been recorded nearby (Natural Values Atlas, 3/10). Conical diggings found during this survey at Dial St Reserve are likely to be of Eastern Barred Bandicoots, and Howth Beach is also likely to provide habitat for this species.

Grey Goshawk, listed as endangered (TTSP Act 1995) have been recorded within 500m of Sulphur Creek and there is some potential habitat on site in Blackwoods near Howth Beach.

Other threatened fauna species such as Sea Eagle, Spotted-tailed Quoll, Tasmanian Devil and Masked Owl may hunt on site while moving through the landscape.

Shorebirds such as Red-capped Plovers and Sooty Oystercatchers have been recorded here during the Cradle Coast NRM Shorebird Survey in March 2010 (A. Wind, pers.comm.). Sooty Oystercatchers are of conservation concern due to low numbers and are declining on heavily used beaches (Bryant, 2002). Coastal birds, believed to be Red-capped Plovers, have nested on Preservation Beach in 2010, but may have been disturbed by dogs (P.Stronach, pers.comm.).

Most shorebirds are vulnerable to threats including human impacts, dogs, Marram Grass and natural coastal processes such as erosion and storm inundation (Bryant, 2002); all of which occur at Sulphur Creek.

There is some good habitat on site, especially at Howth Beach, for other animals such as reptiles, birds and invertebrates. Within this reserve and other remnants at Sulphur Creek, locals have noted Scrub Wrens, Grey and Brown Goshawks, Australian Hobby, Wedge- tailed Eagles, Whitebelllied Sea-eagle, Eastern Barred and Brown Bandicoots, Striated and Spotted Pardalotes, Dusky Robin, Wattlebirds, New Holland Honeyeaters, Blue Wrens, Grey Shrikethrush, Flame Robin, Grey Fantails, Masked Lapwings, Scarlet Robins, Gannets and Terns (P.Stronach, pers.comm.).

All these fauna species should be considered during management of the site.

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Vegetation and Habitat Management Plan Sulphur Creek to Preservation Bay Coastal Reserve April 2010

3.6 Weed infestations Weeds occur throughout the site (see Appendix 6 Weed List) and are noted in site descriptions above (section 3.1).

The most established weeds in the Coastal Reserve include Cape Ivy, Marram Grass, Blackberry, Rambling Dock and Kikuyu grass. Cape Ivy is especially concerning as it is found throughout the reserve and often invading good native vegetation.

Bridal Creeper is an extremely serious Weed of National Significance (WONS) which was found at only one location. Other WONS found on site were Gorse, Willow, Blackberry and Boneseed.

African Boxthorn, Boneseed and Sea Spurge have been controlled with obvious success. These control efforts require follow-up and continuing vigilance to maintain the achievements.

It is understood that a beetle (Tortix) larva for biological control of Boneseed was released here in September 2000 (Nan Sharman, pers.comm. 22/4/10; Fenton, undated) by the Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment. Previously Boneseed “riddled the foreshore” (Nan Sharman, pers.comm.). This beetle was very successful, although would not have eliminated the vigorous Boneseed on its own. Together with the beetle, determined hand-weeding by the Coastcare group has reduced the population of Boneseed here to scattered plants only.

There are many other weeds that presently exist in smaller numbers but have high invasive potential, such as Mirrorbush, Gorse, Cotoneaster, Myrtleleaf Milkwort, Holly, Ivy, Wandering Creeper, Montbretia, Crack Willow and Sydney Coast Wattle. These should be targeted for control.

Sea Spurge has been reasonably controlled and occurs as scattered isolated plants throughout most of the Coastal Reserve, but is continuous along the entire foreshore of Preservation Bay. Climbing and sprawling weeds Cape Ivy, Blackberry and Rambling Dock are prevalent throughout the site and are often intertwined with native vegetation. Periwinkle is a trailing plant which has dense patches, especially around Hogarth Reserve (“Dunkies”), and also intertwines with natives.

Control of such weeds tangled amongst natives should be done with extra care.

The storm water outlets and creeks are apparent hot spots for weeds. In these moist areas weeds such as Arum Lily, Crack Willow, Bulrush (cumbungi), Watercress, Nasturtium and New Zealand Flax are prevalent. Other widespread weeds are also present at these spots.

The highest priority weeds for control ASAP include: • Bridal Creeper – found at Howth Beach and should be eradicated immediately.

• Sea Spurge – isolated individuals and small scattered patches from Howth Beach to Midway Point indicates the successful control measures already undertaken and this should be followed up.

• Sparse weeds in vegetation at Howth Beach (inc. Mirrorbush, Boneseed, Boxthorn and Gorse) – currently controllable, but these serious weeds are likely to spread if not eradicated.

• Cape Ivy – on Hall Point threatening rehabilitation.

Isolated or patchy occurrences of weeds at Howth Beach are noted on a map (Figure 27), to assist with location and control in this important area. Some weeds are more widespread in this zone, so all locations could not be marked individually (e.g. Cape Ivy, pasture grasses), but this zone is nevertheless in comparatively excellent condition. The other zones have denser infestations of weeds almost ubiquitously, so these are not mapped.

The work of the local Coastcare group and other volunteers is to be credited for keeping many weeds under control and in small numbers.

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Vegetation and Habitat Management Plan Sulphur Creek to Preservation Bay Coastal Reserve April 2010

3.7 Existing revegetation Work by the Coastcare group and others has contributed to the health of native vegetation along this coast, with substantial revegetation conducted over time, most recently in September 2009.

Considerable work has been done at Hall Point, so that the condition of this area is now greatly improved. The species used have been generally local natives and appropriate for the site.

(Although a mainland paperbark, Melaleuca armillaris, was unfortunately chosen at the Surf Club end of Preservation Bay.) Revegetation has had varied results. At Hall Point and Hogarth Reserve (Dunkies) good success has been achieved, with the majority of plants surviving. However, revegetation efforts at Sulphur Creek Beach and Preservation Bay have largely failed. The majority of these plants appeared to have died at a very young age, perhaps due to the very dry summer and a lack of post-planting watering. Revegetation efforts between the railway and Hogarth Reserve car park had been very successful but are presently struggling, primarily due to over-zealous herbicide use for railway maintenance.

Plantings should be continued into native vegetation gaps, particularly at informal access points and large gaps in the coastal vegetation, as well as to widen excessively narrow vegetation. It is also important to promote natural regeneration wherever possible; this can be achieved by reducing mowing, closing informal access points, controlling competitive weeds and reducing opportunity for erosion.

Maintenance of plantings is important for success, including watering during the following summer if possible, straightening of guards and some weeding.

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4 Threats and Management Recommendations Threats to coastal vegetation and habitat at this site are described here, with recommendations of ways to address these.

4.1 Native vegetation loss and degradation The native vegetation along the coast here is extremely narrow, and cannot afford to become any narrower. Loss of native vegetation has occurred in the past and very recently, as a result of: • clearing, • erosion, • weed invasion, • removal of vegetation for views and railway maintenance (see 4.7 below), • “tidying up” of dead trees and fallen branches, • informal accesses, • mowing, and • increased local population, leading to increases in other impacts.

Narrow coastal vegetation is very vulnerable to dieback and erosion, so that incremental degradation of vegetation here (such as by cutting and excessive tracks) can lead to substantial losses in the end.

Figure 25. Vegetation cutting and an informal track leaves very little to protect the coast, the stream or the railway line from erosion.

Loss of coastal vegetation removes habitat, and exposes the coast to wind and a serious risk of dune erosion, with possible impacts on infrastructure. The railway line is very close to the coast and already threatened in places with erosion. Coastal vegetation is essential for protection of the dune and adjacent infrastructure.

A primary aim for coastal vegetation management should be to maintain both canopy species and understorey cover and diversity, thereby providing the habitat niches and structure required for fauna.

Figure 26. Mowing at Hogarth Reserve is preventing these Boobiallas from growing and widening the excessively narrow vegetation here.

Sulphur Creek is experiencing a rising local population, with several developments occurring, and this places greatly increased pressure on the reserve.

Any population increase typically exacerbates issues: more people using the beach, replacement of nearby vegetation (and habitat) with housing, more use of informal tracks, more dogs to walk, more cats, more weeds spreading from local gardens, and more vegetation cutting.

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Upgrade infrastructure (e.g. provision of formal accesses and closure of informal ones, maintenance of signs regarding dog access, etc) to prevent degradation of the reserve under a rising population.

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Raise community awareness of vegetation and wildlife protection needs.

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Retain all existing native vegetation and avoid damage.

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Leave fallen branches, dead trees and fallen logs as important wildlife habitat.

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Maximise width and connectivity of vegetation wherever possible, by reducing mowing and cutting, and by active revegetation.

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Maintain the good condition areas as a first priority. Work out from these to the surrounding areas, and reinforce poor areas.

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Areas to be targeted as focussed revegetation zones include Hogarth Reserve (Dunkies) car park and Hall Point.

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Revegetation at Preservation Bay, Station Beach and Sulphur Creek Beach should focus on replacing vegetation in informal access points, gaps in the native vegetation and weedy areas, and on widening vegetation where possible.

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There are areas recommended in Chapter 5 for revegetation in all management zones. Local native plants and plants suitable for penguin habitat should be utilised (see Appendix 2), and revegetation techniques are described in section 5.2.

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4.2 Weeds Weed invasion is one of the greatest threats to dry coastal vegetation in Tasmania (Kirkpatrick and Gilfedder 1999) and to the long term health of this reserve at present.

Weeds found during this survey are listed in Appendix 6 and recommendations for weed control are in Appendix 8. Note that there are some native species which resemble weeds but should be avoided. These are listed in Appendix 7.

Foredune weeds Marram Grass and Sea Spurge occur here. These are two of the three most devastating weeds found on Tasmanian beaches (Rudman 2003). Foredune weeds are found in all management zones, most densely at Preservation Bay. Where these weeds are currently sparse, control them as much as possible. Sea Spurge control has been carried out with successful results but will need follow-up maintenance.

Controlling Marram Grass has proven to be very difficult. Most management recommendations simply say that the best control method is to prevent population expansion through maintaining healthy native vegetation condition and to control small isolated or new populations (Rudman 2003).

Bridal Creeper, a serious Weed of National Significance (WONS) found at only one location, should be controlled immediately (with ongoing monitoring for regrowth). Other serious weeds which are currently in small numbers are also a high priority for control, especially in Howth Beach.

Many could be controlled with relatively small effort. These include WONS Gorse, Willow, Blackberry and Boneseed, as well as Sea Spurge, African Boxthorn, Mirrorbush, Cotoneaster, Myrtleleaf Milkwort, Holly, Ivy, Wandering Creeper, Montbretia, Crack Willow and Sydney Coast Wattle. Those recorded in Howth Beach are mapped in the figure below.

Figure 27. Weeds at Howth Beach.

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Figure 28. Cape Ivy in Kikuyu - both threats to good habitat areas and revegetation on Hall Point

Removal of Cape Ivy is a priority at Hall Point where large patches occur amongst introduced grasses, simplifying control. (However, check that Penguins are not sheltering beneath the weed, in which case control must be more gradual.)

Elsewhere across the site, this weed is often intertwined with native vegetation and represents a more complex problem. Refer to actions below and Appendix 8 for appropriate control methods in each situation.

Figure 29. Bridal Creeper’s delicate appearance belies its extremely tenacious and invasive nature.

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Control Bridal Creeper at Howth Beach, Cape Ivy at Hall Pt, and other sparse or serious weeds across the site as soon as possible, especially those at Howth Beach.

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Continue control of Sea Spurge, Boneseed, Cape Ivy and other weeds across the site.

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Plant natives into gaps in the Marram Grass and then ensure follow-up maintenance for their best chance of survival.

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Generally, target isolated or sparse weeds first, as minimal effort now can prevent further invasion.

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Follow-up control is almost always necessary.

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After control (and follow-up control) of weedy patches, natives should be planted.

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Focus efforts on preventing weed invasion of good native vegetation, before working towards weedier, more degraded areas.

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Some swathes of continuous weeds can be easily targeted, as herbicide spray may be used cost-effectively without excessive damage to native plants. These areas can then be revegetated, so that long-term benefits are gained. Do not spray large areas of weeds unless they are going to be revegetated, or without checking for penguins first.

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If using foliar spray, ensure spray does not drift onto nearby native vegetation. This is especially important when weeds are tangled amongst natives.

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In areas where weeds are tangled amongst native vegetation, they should be controlled using more sensitive techniques (e.g. cut-and-paint or stem-scrape method). Consult Weeds Officers for advice on techniques. These sites are a high priority where the weeds are still sparse so control can be most effective.

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Take care when controlling weeds in erosion prone areas. Preferably revegetate with natives prior to weed removal, or stage removal and revegetation.

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Care must be taken when controlling weeds around waterways, so that herbicide and surfactant do not enter the water.

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Some weeds provide nesting habitat for Little Penguins. Issues such as whether to remove them at all, the timing and techniques for removal must be considered carefully. It is important that any weed control is performed according to guidelines outlined in section 4.9 (Works in Little Penguin Colonies)

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4.3 Climate change and sea level rise This area is likely to be affected by sea level rise and climate change in ways that we cannot yet be certain. The vulnerability to climate change of the North West Tasmanian coastline and infrastructure has been assessed (Sharples 2006) and flooding and erosion due to sea level rise and storm tides are identified threats. Sulphur Creek Beach and Preservation Bay are classified as “open sandy shores backed by soft sediment plains – potential erosion and shoreline recession vulnerability” (Sharples 2006). The rest of the coast line within the study area is unclassified; “Vulnerability unclassified – requires site-specific assessment of vulnerability or otherwise”.

There is little that can be done under this management plan to address climate change, but awareness of the potential issues may influence prioritisation of other actions. For example, identifying higher sites for long term habitat provision and protection of the dune vegetation are even more important given vulnerability to erosion.

The rocky nature of Hall Point and Midway Point, and their higher elevation, makes them high priority sites for penguin habitat in the future, considering potential threats to the lower sandy habitats from sea level rise, storm surges and associated erosion. Although not as elevated as the headlands at Hall Point and Midway point, Howth Beach also has parts of its coastline fringed with rock, providing some protection from storm surges and associated erosion. Furthermore, the excellent condition of the native vegetation in this area and obvious penguin activity should also provide more secure penguin habitat into the future than the lower sandy areas at Station Beach, Sulphur Creek Beach and Preservation Bay. •

Sulphur Creek Coastcare Group, with the help of Cradle Coast NRM and Penguin High School, may set up a monitoring point at a beach, using the Tasmanian Shoreline Monitoring Project (TASMARC). Contact Nick Bowden (Antarctic Climate and Ecosystems Cooperative Research Centre, ph: 62267694) for assistance.

4.4 Erosion Erosion is currently evident throughout the site where high tides and storm events are eroding the foredunes, even under existing vegetation, and will continue to be exacerbated by sea level rise.

Erosion was less in areas that are protected by the rocky foreshore, such as parts of Howth Beach and Midway Point. On sandy beaches erosion was more active. Areas such as Sulphur Creek Beach and Preservation Bay, where the remaining native vegetation is extremely narrow, are experiencing the most erosion activity. Furthermore the dominance of introduced Marram Grass and the presence of numerous informal access points exacerbate the issue in these areas.

Native plants, such as Coast Wattle, Bower Spinach and Coastal Saltbush, are better at reducing erosion than Marram Grass. Marram Grass severely affects the dynamics and movement of sand in the Foredune zone. Its rapid vertical growth and rates of spread trap large amounts of sand.

They form much taller and steeper dunes than native species would in the same situation, which are then more susceptible to erosion (Thorpe, 2005). Pigface has been noted at Hall Point providing excellent erosion protection on steep unstable banks. These plants, with their trailing branches and roots, also appear to provide access potential for Penguins which have trouble scaling steep banks.

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It may be necessary in some places to reinforce bank stability by undertaking erosion control works (e.g. jute matting).

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Promote vegetation cover to reduce erosion as long as possible.

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Use native plants such as Coast Wattle, Bower Spinach, Coastal Saltbush and Pigface.

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Closing informal tracks, restricting random access to the dunes from the beach and strengthening dune vegetation with revegetation will assist in reducing the effects of erosion.

Protect and enhance higher land and areas protected by rocky foreshores, as the best long-term future habitat areas.

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4.5 Dog and cat control Dog control is an important management issue for Little Penguin colonies as evidenced by dog kills at West Ulverstone Beach in January 2009, which reduced the penguin population by an estimated 50% (The Advocate 20.1.09). The beaches here are used by dog walkers, and some use the prohibited beaches.

Public access with a dog to this reserve is regulated by the Dog Control Act 2000 and the Dog Control Regulations 2001, which are administered by the Central Coast Council. Dogs are prohibited from accessing all of Hogarths Reserve, Station Beach, Hall Point and the western end of Sulphur Creek Beach up to the Creamery Rd formal access point. Dogs may be exercised on the western end of Sulphur Creek Beach except between the hours of 7pm and 9 am in December, January and February. Dogs are unrestricted on Midway Point and at Preservation Bay. The dog sign at the western end of Preservation Bay has been knocked over and should be re-erected.

Cats, both feral and domestic, are a threat to the penguin colony and other wildlife. They are regularly seen along the reserve, and have been observed to kill many bird species and Eastern Barred Bandicoots (P. Stronach, pers.comm.).

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Communication with dog owners and users of the reserve will need to be increased and targeted towards improving dog control.

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Any new formal accesses that are constructed should have clear dog signage regarding the regulation for that area.

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Dog signage should be checked regularly and replaced if necessary.

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Holding “Dogs Breakfasts” has proved successful in raising awareness of dog control on beaches.

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Cat owners should be encouraged to keep their cats at home and a feral trapping program should be established

4.6 Access tracks and recreational use Only a few formal access points are designated within the study area. There is access at the boat ramp at Hogarth Reserve (Dunkies), and two are located at Sulphur Creek Beach; at Creamery Rd and the far eastern end of the beach. Station Beach, Hall Point and Preservation Bay do not have formal access points. The present access from Hall Point onto Station beach is currently acceptable, so long as it remains grassed and foot traffic does not eventually erode the landscape.

Informal access points to the beaches are a serious issue within the study area. These unnecessary tracks generally correspond to the number of residences fringing the reserve, and contribute to native vegetation degradation, erosion, weed invasion and a loss of penguin habitat.

Informal tracks were particularly dense along Sulphur Creek Beach and Preservation Bay. The native vegetation in these places is already extremely narrow, thus further fragmentation as a result of informal tracks degrades its integrity.

Informal access points are generally associated with gaps in the native vegetation. Thus, they are ideal sites for revegetation, which will assist in stabilising the erosion that is often associated with foot traffic across an unprotected dune system.

Figure 30. Informal access through good native vegetation with a Marram Grass patch on the left.

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There are no obvious access tracks at Howth Beach between Howth and Hogarth Reserve, although minor tracks are being utilised and cross the penguin fence. The general lack of access contributes to the excellent condition of this area.

Vehicle access has been restricted to all of the beaches within the study area through the use of bollards and rock barriers.

Inappropriate penguin viewing can create problems for penguins with disturbance from bright lights, noise and the sight of humans; potentially at Hall Point and the western end of Sulphur Creek Beach where campers are present.

Included as part of the Midway Point area, Little Point (the point area bordering the west of Preservation Bay) has a significant amount of foot and vehicle traffic due to informal access for surfing at two prominent locations.

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New formal access points should be established at the far western end of Sulphur Creek Beach and at the far western end and middle of Preservation Bay.

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Informal access points on these beaches should be closed and revegetated as a high priority.

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Informal accesses at Howth Beach should be restricted as a priority, and the area monitored for any new tracks. Consider whether a formal access should be provided at the western end of this area, if this would reduce the use of informal tracks.

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Consider how to improve formal access for surfing at Midway Point, and reduce impacts.

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Don’t promote penguin viewing but encourage tourists to visit the nearby Burnie Penguin Centre.

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4.7 Vegetation removal and pruning Lopping and spraying of native vegetation along with weeds occurs along the railway line annually as part of their maintenance program. As a rule, these activities should only extend 3 meters from the nearest rail into the reserve along straight sections of track. Occasionally this distance may need to be extended around corners to improve vision for the train drivers. However, over-zealous maintenance activity has occurred throughout the study area and often the native vegetation is sprayed or pruned up to 6 meters from the railway line. Removing excessive vegetation in this way reduces its viability and robustness, potentially allowing weed species to become more vigorous as a result. It has also affected revegetation, with discouraging results for local volunteers.

Illegal removal of trees and pruning is occurring for views, particularly along Station Beach and Sulphur Creek Beach. In places the native vegetation has been hedged and pruned using chainsaws and hedge trimmers. This unnecessary behaviour removes habitat, increases light levels to the understorey and exposes the dunes to wind and erosion, and can increase weed invasion and dieback. It can also result in increases in noise and wind for local residents.

It was also noted during the survey that there appears to be an attitude amongst local residents that standing and fallen dead native vegetation must be ‘tidied up’ and is unsightly. Dead plant material is important for perching and shelter for animals, food for fungi and invertebrates, erosion mitigation, and improving soil structure.

•

Communicate with railway authorities to ensure that they understand the significance of this coastal vegetation and its importance as Little Penguin habitat.

•

Depot managers need to be aware of these issues, and maintenance contracts should reflect this (e.g. with limits to spray width and timing).

•

It is critical that railway maintenance is not undertaken during penguin moulting and nesting season and so timing of works to avoid these periods is very important. The optimum time for works in Little Penguin habitat is from May to July.

•

Local residents should be alerted to the importance of maintaining coastal vegetation, and strongly discouraged from cutting it. Awareness-raising could include signage, letter box drops and field days.

•

Educate the community about the important role of dead plant material in the natural environment.

•

Sites of extensive dieback should be revegetated to improve the aesthetic appeal of an area for residents, as well as to restore ecological functioning.

4.8 Fire Any bushland has the potential to burn. Random access and proximity of the bush to urban areas increases the risk of accidental fire, arson, and intentional burning off. Coastal vegetation is especially vulnerable to bushfire due to the dryness of the environment, volatility of some plants, and often windy conditions. The Tasmanian Bushcare Toolkit (Kirkpatrick & Gilfedder 1999) recommends that fire is not necessary and be excluded from coastal vegetation (or reduced in frequency in some vegetation types). Fire can make coastal dunes vulnerable to erosion, weed invasion, loss of species and habitat, and increased human access and impacts.

•

Every effort should be made to avoid fires in coastal vegetation.

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4.9 Works in Little Penguin colonies Works, including revegetation and weed control, can cause disturbance to Little Penguins especially during their breeding and moulting seasons; the most sensitive times for penguins.

Plan to undertake major works from May to July, to coincide with the least sensitive periods of their life cycle. Consider the likelihood of disturbance to penguins if planning works outside this time period. Works which disturb penguins include use of chainsaws and other machinery, control of weeds in which penguins are nesting, work involving large numbers of people, revegetation near their burrow or large scale works of any kind.

Have the site checked by a Biologist from the Biodiversity Conservation Branch or a Parks and Wildlife Ranger to be sure of the birds’ activity stage at that time (Marker and Wind 2003), as it can vary from year to year.

Weed removal must be considered carefully as weeds may be providing habitat. Penguins are known to nest under Cape Ivy, Boxthorn, Blackberry and Mirrorbush. Use by penguins is indicated by the presence of scats, feathers, burrows or runways.

•

• • • •

Do not remove weeds that are providing penguin habitat in the absence of native vegetation.

For example, African Boxthorn at Midway Point is providing good penguin habitat in an area otherwise dominated by introduced pasture. In this situation these plants should be left until alternative, native, penguin habitat has been established in this area.

Remove young weeds that are not yet developed as habitat.

Do remove weeds where there is already ample native vegetation for habitat. For example, in Howth Beach weeds such as Mirrorbush are a minor component of penguin habitat. Here, such invasive weeds should be controlled as they threaten the health of good vegetation.

Control of any weed actively used by penguins should only be done during May-July, avoiding disturbance to the penguins.

Large scale works should be staged, to minimise disturbance to penguins.

Removal techniques can ensure that least disturbance occurs: • • • • • • • • •

•

Kill weeds in situ, leaving roots in the ground and the dying tops standing. Plant quick-growing native climbers like Coastal Saltbush and Bower Spinach at the base.

Be sure, with this method, to cut, bag and remove from the site any seeds. Dispose of them properly.

Control weed seedlings while small.

In areas where weeds are dense, plan staged control so that there is minimum disturbance to canopy and habitat. Replant natives where weeds have been removed, either at the same time or once follow-up control has ensured successful weedkill.

Artificial burrows can be placed to provide for Penguins while revegetation develops.

Do not use chemicals before checking that there are no penguins present.

Use specific chemicals and preferred methods like cut and paint, drill and fill, and frilling.

Always adhere to safety directions and application rates (follow the herbicide label) Avoid foliar spraying as much as possible in nesting areas. If foliar spraying is used, do so in wind-free conditions, using a careful operator so that there is no risk of spray drift affecting surrounding natives or penguins. (Foliar spraying can be an effective way of controlling dense weed patches so that native habitat can be established.)

Follow-up control will be necessary as some vigorous weeds can reshoot.

Revegetation should be planned specifically for penguin habitat requirements: • •

Plant species similar to those in surrounding penguin habitat (also see Appendix 2).

In weeded or burnt sites, plant vigorous climbers, Coastal Saltbush and Bower Spinach, near remaining stumps and branches as frames for understorey canopy.

• Plant taller shrubs also, for canopy and increased shelter.

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Vegetation and Habitat Management Plan Sulphur Creek to Preservation Bay Coastal Reserve April 2010

5 Management Zones and Actions Specific management and aims are detailed by Management Zone (section 5.1) below.

Revegetation techniques are discussed in section 5.2. Access points for each zone are mapped in section 5.3. Monitoring and Community Involvement are discussed in sections 5.4 and 5.5. Other management actions which are common to most zones, including weed control and dog and cat control, have already been discussed in Chapter 4, above.

5.1 Management zones Four management zones have been defined based on environmental characteristics, habitat condition and recovery potential, benefits to be gained and the type of activity required.

Management zones were identified as: • Protection Zone: Howth Beach –good native vegetation and penguin habitat Priority actions: maintain good condition native vegetation and penguin habitat, protect from development, control weeds, maintain penguin protection fence, revegetate gaps, continue dog control, install educational signage, monitor for further impacts such as formation of informal tracks, loss of native vegetation etc.

•

Focussed Revegetation Zone: Hogarth Reserve (Dunkies) and Hall Point Priority actions: revegetation, control weeds, protect and enhance penguin habitat, interpretation signage and provide formal beach access.

•

Beach Rehabilitation Zone: Station Beach, Sulphur Creek Beach, Preservation Bay Priority actions: protect and maintain good vegetation areas, maintain revegetation, control weeds, close informal tracks, provide formal access, raise community awareness re conservation of the coastal reserve.

•

Headland Rehabilitation Zone 6: Midway Point Priority actions: maintain good native vegetation and penguin habitat, control weeds, revegetate with penguin friendly plants between the railway line and the sea, consider erection of a penguin fence.

Figure 17. Map of management zones

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Table 1. Management Zones Zone Name Protection Howth Beach Zone

Current Condition VERY GOOD native vegetation: continuous, diverse and intact with decent width and length for a coastal foreshore strip.

Excellent penguin habitat

Highest Priority Focussed Revegetation Zone

Hogarth Reserve (Dunkies) Hall Point

Station Beach

Beach Rehabilitation Zone

Sulphur Creek Beach

Preservation Bay Headland rehabilitation Zone Lower priority

Midway Point

POOR native vegetation lacking and fragmented, very weedy, lot of bare ground, ugly.

FAIR rehabilitation site, moderately successful, patchy good native vegetation, weediness increasing now.

POOR at western end, patches of native vegetation, very weedy and no vegetation in places. Evidence of penguins in vegetated areas.

GOOD native vegetation at eastern end, some weeds, informal tracks, many penguins.

POOR narrow native vegetation, very weedy, many informal tracks, penguin activity at western end FAIR native vegetation at eastern end, weedy and fragmented, few penguin signs.

FAIR native vegetation and weeds providing active penguin habitat far western end POOR marram grass dominated vegetation in midwestern part of bay GOOD - native vegetation at eastern end of beach GOOD native vegetation with few weeds between railway and the sea providing good penguin habitat, currently highly active.

POOR between the railway and the road, very weedy, weeds providing some penguin habitat.

Management Aims Protect and enhance native vegetation and habitat.

Protect and enhance existing native vegetation and penguin habitat.

Rehabilitate native vegetation and habitat.

Priority Actions Protect native vegetation. Control weeds. Control Bridal Creeper, Sea Spurge and sparse weeds as a HIGH PRIORITY. Maintain penguin fence.

Monitor condition regularly - check for weeds, tracks, etc.

Revegetation.

Control weeds.

Control Cape Ivy at Hall Point as a HIGH PRIORITY. Interpretation signage.

Provide formal access.

Protect existing good native vegetation.

Minimise coastal erosion.

Weed control.

Enhance habitat for penguins and other fauna.

Plant vigorous natives into weedy areas.

Prevent development and impacts from degrading naturalness of area.

Revegetation to enhance habitat and aesthetics.

Provide formal accesses.

Close and rehabilitate informal access.

Protect and enhance native vegetation and habitat.

Provision of long-term habitat.

Increase dog control and signage.

Weed control.

Revegetate western end.

Revegetate south of railway.

Consider a penguin fence.

Consider formal access for surfers.

Vegetation and Habitat Management Plan Sulphur Creek to Preservation Bay Coastal Reserve April 2010

5.1.2 Protection Zone – Howth Beach This zone is the highest priority as it: • contains the highest biodiversity in the study area, • has the best condition vegetation, • is less affected by nearby infrastructure and residential areas, • provides excellent habitat for Little Penguin and other fauna, • offers the best value for conservation efforts.

The native vegetation and penguin habitat at Howth Beach is in very good condition and every effort should be made to maintain this by controlling the few weeds that are present and by managing the area for conservation.

Actions recommended: 1. Eradicate currently sparse weeds: Bridal Creeper, Sea Spurge, Mirrorbush, Boxthorn, Boneseed, Cotoneaster, Briar Rose, Holly.

2. Maintain penguin fence.

3. Close informal accesses. Consider whether formal access should be provided (e.g. at the western end) IF it would reduce impacts.

4. Monitor regularly and deal with any impacts (e.g. illegal vegetation cutting or new tracks).

5. Revegetate gaps in native vegetation or following weed control.

6. Control any illegal dog use of Howth Beach.

7. Tackle more established weeds strategically to reduce extent (e.g. Cape Ivy, Rambling Dock) and replace with native plantings.

8. In the Blackwood clump, control Nasturtium, etc, then plant native understorey as a future defined project.

9. Hold seed collecting/flora and fauna walks in this lovely area, to raise community awareness of the values of the reserve

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5.1.3 Focussed Revegetation Zone - Hogarth Reserve (Dunkies) and Hall Point Revegetation species and numbers for both Hogarth Reserve and Hall Point have been recommended in the Appendix 5 table, allowing for: • penguin habitat, • erosion control, • encouraging biodiversity, • low plants where views need to be maintained, • taller plants for shelter from wind and sun, and • some trees to improve visual amenity.

Hogarth Reserve (Dunkies) There is limited native vegetation around the edge of this area, which is being further reduced by weed invasion, mowing, access tracks, erosion and camping. There are some penguins in the narrow vegetation at this site. There is a need for more determined widening of native vegetation in this degraded area. Figure 32 shows suggested revegetation areas.

Actions recommended: 1.

Reduce area of mowing to allow natural regeneration at edges.

2.

Install barriers and revegetate to widen the narrow vegetation, protect penguins and improve amenity for users (details below).

3.

Block some informal accesses and formalize one at the picnic table.

4.

Control weeds as much as is cost-effective (see below), and replace with native plantings.

5.

Ensure that weeds do not spread from this area into Howth Beach’s better condition areas.

6.

Eucalypts here should be protected and enhanced by more plantings.

Sparse weeds such as Gorse (near area 1a) should be eradicated.

Dense infestations of Periwinkle and Cape Ivy at this site (e.g. in area 2a, and in native vegetation around 1a) could be sprayed in patches where there are few natives or any penguins to be affected by the spray, and then planted with natives. Consider penguins (see section 4.11) and see weed control recommendations in section 5.3 and Appendix 8.

Revegetation to widen native vegetation will provide more benefits than getting lost in the weeds at this site. The complex tangle of weeds and natives here is such that eradication of weeds is unlikely, so control of patches followed by infill revegetation is probably the best approach.

Revegetation with suitable local natives has already been done here in this way in September 2009, with most plants surviving at the time of this assessment on 16/3/10. These plantings were scattered infill plantings around the edge of areas 1a and 2a and in the bush between these.

Some are beside the railway line, and were doing well until sprayed during railway maintenance.

Any further infill plantings could be done using the species recommended in Appendix 2.

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Vegetation and Habitat Management Plan Sulphur Creek to Preservation Bay Coastal Reserve April 2010

The revegetation areas described here (with suggested planting lists in Appendix 5, Table A) are prioritised on the basis of wider and more sustainable coastal vegetation, more penguin habitat and greater erosion protection, as well as improved amenity in this open carpark and picnic area.

Area 1a - Illegal camping area, to be blocked off and revegetated in 2010.

Area 1b - Limit extent of spraying by railway management. Additional low plants,with spaced Sheoaks and Banksias to improve visual amenity.

Area 2a - Block off and cease mowing edge, to protect and widen coastal vegetation.

Control weeds. Plant low shrubs only, to preserve view.

Area 2b - Cease mowing. Widen and protect coastal vegetation.

Area 3a - Plant Coast Wattles to shelter picnic area and prevent car access.

Area 3b - Plant Sheoaks to protect picnic area from car access and retain filtered view.

Area 4 - Block off and revegetate as penguin habitat.

Timing of revegetation: A staged approach would allow for any consultation necessary, and for site preparation, placement of barriers and follow-up maintenance to improve success. Autumn-winter plantings would be best.

• • • • • •

Areas 1a-b and 2 a-b should be tackled first, with limited changes to public use of the area.

Areas 1a and 1b will be revegetated in 2010.

Areas 2a and 2b could begin natural regeneration immediately if mowing is ceased.

Areas 2a and 2b should also be revegetated as soon as possible (e.g. 2011), with barriers (e.g. rocks) to protect and widen the area.

Areas 3a and 3b are recommended for revegetation to improve amenity of picnic area, but will require placement of barriers (e.g. rocks). Could be included in early plantings e.g.

2011, as may be favourably received by the public, or later.

Area 4 could be revegetated at a later stage.

Consultation: Stakeholders (inc. Sulphur Creek Coastcare Group, Central Coast Council, Cradle Coast NRM and Burnie Polytechnic students) should determine the size and staging of revegetation areas, according to their ability to conduct and maintain revegetation.

The requirement for car access, parking and turning will need to be accommodated before deciding precise location of any barriers. Consult council.

Excess spray by railway managers has damaged otherwise successful revegetation here. A commitment should be obtained from railway management not to exceed the 3 metre limit, before additional plantings are made at area 1b.

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Vegetation and Habitat Management Plan Sulphur Creek to Preservation Bay Coastal Reserve April 2010

Figure 32. Site Map Hogarth Reserve (Dunkies)

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Vegetation and Habitat Management Plan Sulphur Creek to Preservation Bay Coastal Reserve April 2010

Hall Point Revegetation with suitable local natives has already been started in this area with many plants establishing well. These plantings of Coast Wattle, Correa, Banksia, Coastal Saltbush, Bower Spinach and Pigface took place around the centre, eastern and western edge of the point.

Further plantings would be valuable, especially in conjunction with weed control as gaps need to be filled. Open space in the landfill site can be preserved by planting Pigface and grasses such as Silver Tussock. Species for further plantings are recommended in Appendix 5, Table B. Approximately 1/3 hectare remains that can be planted.

These recommendations are based on the need for more habitat provision, erosion control and general aesthetic enhancement of native vegetation in this rehabilitation area. Habitat for Little Penguin is a special consideration as a Penguin colony exists here and the elevation of Hall Point could provide nesting habitat in the future with sea level rise.

Actions recommended: 1. Protect and enhance areas of excellent and good native vegetation (prevent weed invasion, avoid spray drift, avoid track development).

2. Weed control (Sea spurge, Boxthorn, strategic control of Cape Ivy as outlined below, and patches of Kikuyu grass, ready for revegetation).

3. Further revegetation (as outlined below).

4. Decide on a track for human access and use revegetation to close unnecessary tracks.

5. Install signage for nature interpretation and to guide human use of the area (e.g. special values, where to camp and walk, dog control,).

6. Install artificial penguin burrows The map below shows suggested areas for revegetation and weed control.

An immediate priority at Hall Point is control of Cape Ivy as this highly invasive weed is established in the grass and beginning to invade the revegetation. Unlike other zones, here Cape Ivy is currently largely contained. Once it becomes intermingled with natives it is much more difficult to control. It should be controlled immediately as a priority to rescue threatened revegetation and to control further invasion. Check for penguins before conducting weed control.

• Cape Ivy in kikuyu grass – blanket spray these areas ASAP and replant with native species - diligent follow up is necessary • Cape Ivy encroaching into revegetation – needs careful control: hand weed when too intertwined with natives and cut and paint. Avoid penguin disturbance.

• Cape Ivy in bare, eroding areas or where it is the only plant near penguin burrows - trim back Cape Ivy where possible without disturbing burrows, replant with natives, then followup control of Cape Ivy once revegetation established.

Revegetation: • Continue with planting using local native species as listed in Appendices 2 and 5, especially those species useful for Penguin habitat.

• Scatter Coast Wattles where further shelter and shade is required, in the centre and exposed edge areas. Do not plant this species everywhere or in dense clumps.

• Place Pigface on the edges for erosion control and as penguin habitat.

• Plant Pigface into the gravelly landfill site as it is surviving there where other things are not.

• Spot spray introduced grasses in landfill area and replace with clumps of Tussockgrass, Sagg, Tasmanian Flaxlily and Pigface.

• Clump taller shrubs together (Myoporum, Banksia) and areas of low growing plants together (Correa, Coastal Saltbush, Bower Spinach, Pigface) so that there are different microclimates, habitat niches and views available.

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• •

•

Plant Sheoaks together in the healthier ground immediately north of the landfill area to provide a grove of shade and space. These are hardy enough to grow here.

Northern end of headland – weed control needs to be more targeted (i.e. do not spray so that surrounding native plants are killed). Revegetate with native shrubs and dense ground covers for structure and habitat around weed control areas, and with Pigface, Coastal Saltbush and Bower Spinach in erosion areas.

Riparian revegetation will need to be planned with the weed control; a staged approach may be necessary depending on resources.

Artificial Penguin Burrows: • Install artificial penguin burrows with the revegetation to provide extra habitat while the plants are growing.

• Plant Coastal Saltbush, Pigface and Bower Spinach near them.

Timing of revegetation: • A staged approach would allow for any consultation necessary, and for site preparation, with follow-up maintenance to improve success.

• Works must follow the guidelines for penguin areas. Major works are limited to May – July.

This is a good time to plant.

• Control Cape Ivy in grass first • Revegetate these areas.

• Monitor and follow-up weed control once/twice a year.

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Vegetation and Habitat Management Plan Sulphur Creek to Preservation Bay Coastal Reserve April 2010

Figure 33. Site Map Hall Point

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Vegetation and Habitat Management Plan Sulphur Creek to Preservation Bay Coastal Reserve April 2010

5.1.4 Beach Rehabilitation Zone – Station Beach, Sulphur Creek Beach and Preservation Bay For this zone general management aims should be to rehabilitate native vegetation and habitat and minimise coastal erosion. The zone is characterised by very narrow coastal vegetation, numerous informal tracks, eroding dunes, and fairly poor condition throughout. Volunteers have successfully reduced the extent of Sea Spurge and Boneseed along these beaches, and intend ongoing follow-up control. Further revegetation, track consolidation and reduced illegal cutting along these beaches would further improve their condition. Their high public profile raises the priority of these beaches for work.

Actions recommended: 1. Provide formal beach accesses.

2. Close informal tracks.

3. Revegetate gaps and widen vegetation for habitat enhancement and erosion control.

4. Weed control, especially Sea Spurge.

5. Enforce control of illegal vegetation cutting.

6. Install educational signage to guide responsible use of the coastal reserve.

Preservation Bay The native vegetation at Preservation Bay is coastal scrub dominated by Coast Wattle, Boobialla, Coast Beardheath, White Correa, Coastal Saltbush and Bower Spinach. This scrub dominates the back-dune in a thin strip (10-20m wide) between the railway and the fore dune vegetation. The fore-dune vegetation is dominated by the invasive exotic species Marram Grass and Sea Spurge.

The Sulphur Creek Coastcare Group has been removing Sea Spurge here in recent working bees, which is greatly reducing the extent of this weed. Although this weed is still dense in areas here, ongoing removal by the group is planned. Once the whole beach has been addressed, follow-up control of this weed will be necessary into the future.

Two formal access points should be established: in the middle and at the western end of the Bay. Currently, the only formal access point is at the Surf Club at the eastern end of the Bay. As a result, numerous informal tracks cut through the native vegetation to the beach. Revegetation should be used to prevent informal access and encourage people to use formal beach access points.

Widen narrow scrub by planting into the foredune Marram Grass, and fill gaps also. A plan for revegetation is shown below. Total area for revegetation is 0.7 ha. A table of plant species and numbers is in Appendix 5 to assist ordering. It is understood that a planting of 150 plants is intended this winter.

These could be scattered across the site, as the Coastcare Group feels is best. Multiples of these proportions could be done as labour allows, until the area has been revegetated. (Some 700 or so plants would probably fill the area, depending on survival and growth).

Low plantings of shrubs (White Correa and Coast Beardheath), grasses (Coast Speargrass and Tussockgrass), Saggs and succulent ground covers and climbers (Coastal Saltbush, Bower Spinach and Pigface) can be effective for revegetation and penguin habitat, while not blocking views.

The large gap in the coastal scrub vegetation along the western half of Preservation Bay requires considerable revegetation efforts. Shrubs and groundcovers should form the majority of the plantings.

Taller Coast Wattle and Boobialla should be planted sparsely across the area. In a patch where dieback has occurred, but Bower Spinach forms a healthy understorey, plantings of trees such as Coast Wattle or Boobialla could help to restore some height and Penguin niches.

Along the eastern half of Preservation Bay, Coast Wattle and Boobialla are already well established, again low shrubs and groundcovers should form the majority of the plantings.

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Vegetation and Habitat Management Plan Sulphur Creek to Preservation Bay Coastal Reserve April 2010

Figure 34. Site map Preservation Bay

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Vegetation and Habitat Management Plan Sulphur Creek to Preservation Bay Coastal Reserve April 2010

Station Creek Beach and Sulphur Beach These beaches experience similar issues to Preservation Bay: even narrower coastal vegetation, substantial gaps, erosion, more vegetation cutting, weeds, and numerous access tracks. Penguins are more common on these beaches, especially either side of Hall Point.

Both need revegetation to widen coastal scrub where possible, and to fill gaps. Improved railway maintenance, with limited spray width, would allow more planting behind the coastal scrub. This would help to keep a viable strip of coastal vegetation and slow erosional loss.

Provision of formal accesses is important on these popular beaches, which would then allow the numerous informal accesses to be revegetated. Access points are shown in maps (Figures 3537), with suggestions for formal access sites.

Weed control is important along these beaches. The first priority is removal of sparse and isolated weeds before they get worse. There is little Sea Spurge along these beaches (compared with more dense infestations at Preservation Bay), so this weed should be targeted for elimination here ASAP. Then patches of dense weeds could also be controlled so that revegetation can be done into those patches.

Plantings should consist of coastal species recommended in Appendix 2. To maintain coastal biodiversity, provide shelter, compete with Marram Grass and reduce coastal erosion, a diversity of species and height is critical in protecting the narrow dune and adjacent infrastructure. As elsewhere on site, shrubs and groundcovers (such as Coast Saltbush and Bower Spinach, etc) should form the bulk of plantings, but scattered Coast Wattles and other large shrubs are also important.

Coast Wattle is a particularly effective competitor in time for Marram Grass (as recommended by Milner, 2009). Nevertheless, spot-spraying and weeding Marram Grass for revegetation will help lower plants to also establish quickly (see Revegetation section 5.2).

5.1.5 Headland Rehabilitation Zone – Midway Point Midway Point is valuable as an elevated site offering future habitat as sea level rise takes effect. , This zone has not been rated as high a priority as other sites, which require more urgent work.

However it has habitat values that should be maintained, and enhanced as resources become available.

Actions recommended: 1. Protect existing good native vegetation from weed invasion and clearing.

2. Contain and control weeds in highly infested area.

3. Protect penguin habitat during works and consider expanding habitat with artificial burrows and revegetation in the future.

4. Revegetation at the western end between the railway and foreshore.

5. Revegetation south of railway.

Vegetation and Habitat Management Plan Sulphur Creek to Preservation Bay Coastal Reserve April 2010

5.2 Revegetation Revegetation is recommended for most zones, to be done in stages during May to July according to penguin sensitivity. It should be integrated with the weed removal program and done in liaison with stakeholders. Priority sites for revegetation are Hogarth Reserve (Dunkies) and Hall Point and closed informal tracks in the Beach Rehabilitation zone.

The species in the Coastal Scrub vegetation community should guide revegetation efforts. Site specific revegetation lists have been provided in Appendix 5. The characteristics of each site, such as type of soil and level of moisture, will determine the most appropriate species and which are hardiest. In general, a mix of plants should be used, with some variety depending on different situations, as they have various values for coastal stability and shelter, and for habitat for penguins and other fauna. Appendix 2 is a list of suitable local native species and penguin friendly plants.

As a rule across the site, it is important to plant lower and shrubby plants, and these may form the bulk of plantings in many areas. Do not only plant Coast Wattle or at too dense a spacing, particularly in penguin habitat. Space Coast Wattles fairly widely (say 5-10 metres apart), unless aiming for a particularly dense screen.

Where there are Penguins, space Wattles more widely still or do not include them if not necessary for other values, and ensure that the bulk of plantings are of Penguin-preferred plants. It is considered that Penguins prefer species such as Bower Spinach, Coastal Saltbush and Correa for habitat (P. Marker and C.Shield, pers.comm.). See Appendix 2 for preferred species.

Coast Wattle is a very drought-hardy plant, provides wind shelter and improves the microclimate for other plants, helps slow erosion, and provides food for insects etc. Especially in harsh foredune areas (typically dominated by Marram Grass), Coast Wattles are an important component of vegetation and are easily established. However, other species are also important and should be included in plantings from the beginning. With localised control of Marram Grass (described below) before and after planting, a variety of coastal species can be planted immediately.

Key points for successful revegetation: • In introduced grass sites, spot spaying prior to planting will be necessary as grass is a very strong competitor. Spot spray 1 metre around where the plant will go.

• In Marram Grass sites, plant into bare patches, or spotspray or dig to create a 1 metre bare area. Continue to remove Marram Grass that grows into plant guards, until plants are well established.

• Water plants well following planting.

• Planting should be done from autumn to early spring, to ensure adequate soil moisture during establishment.

• When planting, ensure that the plant’s roots are deeply planted, sand/soil is firm around the plant, and ideally a small “dish” remains in the soil surface, to assist water penetration to the plant.

• Stake and guard plants against browsing and wind damage to ensure success.

• Monitor survival and plan future plantings accordingly.

• It is not advisable to plant Coast Tea Tree anywhere, even though a native, as it can be invasive and is not currently on site.

• Follow up weed control is absolutely essential for successful revegetation. A minimum of once every 12 months is required for re-spraying around bags in grassy areas.

• For best results check on plants two or three times a year to straighten bags, re-stake, water if possible, weed inside bags and generally monitor the health of the revegetation site.

Use existing good native vegetation as reference areas for planning revegetation. The structure and integration of different species for groundcovers, climbers and canopy is illustrated in the picture below. This small area of excellent foreshore vegetation was photographed at Hall Point.

Plantings should try to emulate this structural diversity as much as possible.

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Creeks in this area are very weedy, but could be weeded then revegetated as future focussed projects (e.g. Blackwood patch at Hiscutt’s Creek, Hall Point, Sulphur Creek). Revegetate creeks with suitable riparian species such as Blackwood, Black Gum, Hopbush, Paperbark, sedges, lilies and ferns.

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Vegetation and Habitat Management Plan Sulphur Creek to Preservation Bay Coastal Reserve April 2010

5.3 Beach access in each zone In all zones there is a need for formal access to be provided and for the informal tracks to be closed. This will require signage, replanting, weed control and community co-operation not to continue using them.

Community consultation and local expertise (Cradle Coast NRM and Central Coast Council) will help with decisions on where to place formal access points. Suggestions are marked on the following maps, along with current known locations of informal accesses.

No map is provided of Howth Beach, as there were no obvious informal access points. People do cross the penguin fence (A.Wind, pers.comm.) but the tracks are not yet sizeable enough to be easily distinguished from animal tracks. This situation should be monitored, so that the excellent condition of the reserve can be maintained.

Figure 35. Beach Access – Hogarth Reserve (Dunkies) to Hall Point.

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Figure 36. Beach Access – Sulphur Creek Beach.

Figure 37. Beach Access – Preservation Bay.

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5.4 Monitoring Monitoring is important for providing baseline information and to show trends over time. It can be invaluable to guide the progress of projects as well as measuring achievements. Comprehensive monitoring, however, may be more than volunteers can manage, so prioritise monitoring efforts. At the very least, keep a record of Coastcare activities.

Cradle Coast NRM may be able to assist with developing a monitoring program, providing guidelines and templates or facilitating training to improve community group’s skills. Where possible, GPS mapping of activity outcomes is considered good practice. A series of waypoints (at each significant turn) can be used to represent areas of revegetation or weed control, or lines of fencing or tracks closed.

Monitoring of the Little Penguin population and the way in which they use habitat would provide valuable information to guide management of the habitat area. Expert advice and support from the Biodiversity Conservation Branch (DPIPWE), Parks and Wildlife Service and Penguin Monitoring Group should be sought for Little Penguin monitoring.

Examples: • The numbers of penguins and how they use the habitat area • Density and distribution of burrows • Preferred vegetation structure and species for nests.

Variables to monitor for habitat condition could include: Weeds: • Take photos of site before and after weed control activity.

• Take notes of extent of weeds before weeding.

• Keep records of weed control methods used, especially any herbicides used.

• Inspect sites annually, take photos, and program follow-up weed control.

• Revegetation: • Keep records of numbers and species planted, site preparation, date, etc.

• Take photos of site at planting and as plants grow.

• Check and remove weed growth in early spring, especially around each plant.

• Check survival of plants (e.g. after summer). Consider cause of deaths and replant if possible. Plan management and re-plantings accordingly.

• Remove guards once plants are established.

Vegetation condition: • Photos can be taken every five years of various representative sites (fixed photo points are particularly useful for comparison), and notes taken of apparent condition.

• For measures of bushland condition such as species diversity, structural complexity, and regeneration of trees and shrubs, various simple monitoring methods are available.

Bushways or Cradle Coast NRM may assist with setting up monitoring systems.

Track recovery: • Establish photo points and take photos of site before and one year after track closure.

Erosion: • Establish photo points and take photos of sites on an annual basis, as well as recording any catastrophic event.

• Measure eroding rates with stakes (but not in volatile areas where more damage may occur from the stake).

Pest animals: • Dogs on site, off lead or unattended.

• Rabbit presence, numbers and burrow density and distribution.

• Cats trapped, numbers and locations, feral or domestic.

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5.5 Community involvement Community involvement is already effective here as evidenced by the excellent work of Sulphur Creek Coastcare Group, supported by Cradle Coast NRM and Central Coast Council. Weed control and revegetation has been carried out successfully.

•

Community involvement should be encouraged and supported to continue protecting and conserving native vegetation and Little Penguin habitat in the area.

•

News stories, field days, educational events will all help to involve and maintain community interest.

•

Involve local people in special events and related project activities such as bird surveys, working bees, monitoring activities, etc.

•

Letter box drop to local residents about the management plan and include brochures like “Creeping Backyards”, “Coastal Weeds of the Cradle Coast Region” and “Grow Local”.

•

Interpretation signage should be installed at several strategic points, eg: Hogarth Reserve (Dunkies), Hall Point and Preservation Bay.

•

Habitat rehabilitation signs should be placed where informal tracks are closed and revegetation is continuing, along with clear dog control signs.

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6 Strategic Priorities There are many actions described above to address threats to the coastal reserve and wildlife. For greatest overall effectiveness and to address the most immediate issues, efforts should initially be focussed on the following priorities: 1. Protect Howth Beach and maintain its current very good condition and penguin habitat.

2. Focussed revegetation at Hogarth Reserve (Dunkies).

3. Cape Ivy control at Hall Point and continue the rehabilitation work already started.

4. Follow up Sea Spurge control and target isolated and notable bad weeds across the site.

5. Consult with DIER and Railway managers to improve weed control practices.

6. Provide formal beach access at Preservation Bay and Station Beach and close informal tracks.

7. Maintain penguin fence from Howth Beach to Hogarth Reserve 8. Maintain existing revegetation across the site (e.g. address fallen guards, control weeds around plantings).

9. Involve the community by – Cradle Coast NRM and Central Coast Council continuing to support Coastcare and community groups in management of the coastal reserve, – providing educational signage, – conducting community events, etc.

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7 References Bryant, S. L. and Jackson, J. (1999), Tasmania’s Threatened Fauna Handbook. Threatened Species Unit, Parks and Wildlife Service, Hobart.

Bryant, S.L. (2002), Conservation assessment of beach nesting and migratory shorebirds in Tasmania. Natural Heritage Trust Project No NWP 11990. Nature Conservation Branch, Department Primary Industries Water and Environment Buchanan, A.M. (2007), A Census of the Vascular Plants of Tasmania, Tasmanian Herbarium website, www.tmag.tas.gov.au/Herbarium/TasVascPlants.pdf Cradle Coast Natural Resource Management Committee (2008), Coastal Weed Strategy for the Cradle Coast NRM Region. Cradle Coast Authority, Burnie.

DPIW (2005), Threatened Native Vegetation Communities List (Version 6.0). Department of Primary Industries and Water, Hobart, November 2005.

Fenton, G. (undated), Howth to Preservation Bay Revegetation Draft Management Plan. Report

by Sulphur Creek Coastcare Group.

Greening Australia (Tasmania) and the Cradle Coast Regional Weed Management Steering Committee, (2005) Cradle Coast Regional Weed Management Strategy. Greening Australia (Tasmania) and the Cradle Coast Regional Weed Management Steering Committee, Burnie.

Guidelines for the Listing of Species under the Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection Act 1995. www.dpipwe.tas.gov.au/inter.nsf/Attachments/LBUN-59X7G2?open Harris, S and Kitchener, A (2005), From Forest to Fjaeldmark: Descriptions of Tasmania’s Vegetation. Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment, Printing Authority of Tasmania. Hobart.

Kirkpatrick, J.B. and Gilfedder, L.A. (1999), Tasmanian Bushcare Toolkit. Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment, Hobart.

Lawrence, N. (2004), Nature Conservation Branch Brief for Consultants. Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment, Hobart.

Lee, D., (2003), A Guide to Rehabilitation of Little Penguin Habitat. Wildlife Marine Conservation Section, Biodiversity Conservation Branch DPIW, Hobart.

Marker P. and Wind A., (2003, revised 2008), Guidelines for Works in Areas of Little Penguin Habitat. Department of Primary Industries Water and Environment, Tasmania Milner, P. (2009), Assessment of Foreshore Vegetation, Sulphur Creek. Report 12/2/09 by Environmental Service and Design for Central Coast Council.

Muyt, A., (2001) Bush Invaders of South East Australia: a guide to the identification and control of environmental weeds found in South East Australia. R.G and F.J. Richardson PO Box 42 Meredith, Victoria 3333 Australia Natural Values Atlas, Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, Hobart. www.naturalvaluesatlas.dpiw.tas.gov.au Pemberton D., Pryor H. and Halley V. (2001), Tasmania’s Offshore Islands: seabirds and other natural features, Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, Hobart Bushways Environmental Services Tasmania 51

Vegetation and Habitat Management Plan Sulphur Creek to Preservation Bay Coastal Reserve April 2010

Rudman T. 2003. Tasmanian Beach Weed Strategy for marram grass, sea spurge, sea wheatgrass, pypgrass & beach daisy. Nature Conservation Report 03/2, Nature Conservation Branch, Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment, Tasmania Sharples, C., 2006: Indicative Mapping of Tasmanian Coastal Vulnerability to Climate Change and Sea-Level Rise: Explanatory Report (Second Edition); Consultant Report to Department of Primary Industries & Water, Tasmania, 173 pp., plus accompanying electronic (GIS) maps.

Stevenson, C., and Woehler, E. (2007), Population decreases in Little Penguins Eudyptula minor in southeastern Tasmania, Australia, over the past 45 years. Marine Ornithology 35: 61-66.

The Advocate, Tuesday 20th January 2009, p7, Penguin protection patrols turn high-tech.

Thorp, V. (2003), Community Coastcare Handbook – Caring for the Coast in Tasmania. Coastcare Tasmania Watts D. (1999), Field Guide to Tasmanian Birds. New Holland Publishers, Sydney

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8 Appendices Appendix 1. Native plants found Howth Beach to Preservation Bay. th Survey conducted by Bushways, 16 March 2010.

Major vascular plants only surveyed.

Family Species name Broad-leaved plants (DICOTYLEDONAE) Carpobrotus rossii AIZOACEAE Tetragonia implexicoma Apium prostratum APIACEAE Allocasuarina verticillata CASUARINACEAE Rhagodia candolleana CHENOPODIACEAE Sarcocornia quinqueflora Suaeda australis Dichondra repens CONVOLVULACEAE Selliera radicans GOODENIACEAE Acacia longifolia subsp.

MIMOSACEAE sophorae Acacia melanoxylon Myoporum insulare MYOPORACEAE Eucalyptus ovata MYRTACEAE Melaleuca ericifolia Bursaria spinosa PITTOSPORACEAE Muehlenbeckia gunnii POLYGONACEAE Samolus repens PRIMULACEAE Acaena novae-zelandiae ROSACEAE Rubus parvifolius Correa alba RUTACEAE Correa backhouseana Solanum laciniatum SOLANACEAE

Common name native pigface bower spinach sea-celery drooping sheoak coastal saltbush beaded glasswort southern seablite kidneyweed shiny swampmat coast wattle blackwood common boobialla black gum coast paperbark prickly box forest lignum creeping brookweed common buzzy Native raspberry white correa velvet correa kangaroo apple

Narrow –leaved plants (MONOCOTYLEDONAE) Cyperus lucidus CYPERACEAE Ficinia nodosa Gahnia filum Lepidosperma ensiforme Juncus kraussii JUNCACEAE Bulbine sp. (B. glauca?)

LILIACEAE Dianella revoluta Austrostipa stipoides POACEAE Distichlis distichophylla Phragmites australis Poa poiformis Spinifex sericeus XANTHORRHOEACEAE Lomandra longifolia

Leafy flatsedge knobby clubsedge chaffy sawsedge Arching swordsedge Sea rush Bulbine lily spreading flaxlily coast speargrass Australian saltgrass southern reed coast tussockgrass beach spinifex sagg

Ferns (PTERIDOPHYTA) DENNSTAEDTIACEAE

bracken

Pteridium esculentum

Status

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Appendix 2. Plants suitable for revegetation Plants in bold are those which should form the bulk of any planting, due to their high suitability for coastal conditions, penguin habitat and erosion control. Other plants are important for diversity.

Species name

Common name

Comments

Rhagodia candolleana

Coastal Saltbush

Excellent penguin habitat understorey plant.

Tetragonia implexicoma

Bower Spinach (ice plant)

Excellent penguin habitat understorey plant.

Acacia longifolia subsp. sophorae

Coast Wattle

Myoporum insulare

Common Boobialla

Correa alba

White Correa

Correa backhouseana

Velvet Correa

Carpobrotus rossii

Native Pigface

Lomandra longifolia

Sagg

Dianella revoluta and Dianella brevicaulis

flax lily

Leucopogon parviflorus

Coast Beardheath

Eucalyptus ovata

Black Gum

Eucalyptus viminalis

White Gum

Excellent shelter. Uncertain penguin habitat but an essential component of coastal vegetation and especially useful in harsh, sandy, dry sites.

Excellent penguin habitat, but should not be planted everywhere to the exclusion of understorey plants. Not as quick as Coast Wattle.

Hardy shrub once established. Excellent penguin habitat.

Hardy shrub once established. Excellent penguin habitat.

Dune plant, excellent ground cover. Be sure to propagate Native Pigface, not the larger weed Chilean Pigface.

Hardy tussock, probably best on heavier soils rather than dunes. Excellent penguin habitat.

Hind-dune plant or heavier soils, excellent ground cover.

Good penguin habitat.

Hardy once established and provides abundant fruits for birds and people. Worth persisting with – monitor planting success to learn its preferred sites.

Excellent habitat tree in hind-dune areas, especially poorlydrained sites and heavier soils.

Excellent habitat tree in hind-dune areas.

Melaleuca ericifolia

Coast Paperbark

Suitable for all damper sites.

Acacia melanoxylon

Blackwood

Banksia marginata

Banksia / honeysuckle

Bursaria spinosa

Prickly box

Allocasuarina verticillata

Sheoak

Leucophyta brownii

Cushion bush

Dodonaea viscosa

Hopbush

Moist hind-dune sites only.

Hardy small tree, most suitable for hind-dune areas such as Hogarth Reserve (Dunkies). Habitat for many birds (but not penguins); is an important near-coastal tree.

Hardy small tree, most suitable for hind-dune areas and rocky sites. Does not provide penguin habitat, but is an important near-coastal tree.

Hardy small tree, most suitable for more inland areas such as Hogarth Reserve and the surf club. Does not provide penguin habitat, but is an important near-coastal tree.

Lovely grey, compact shrub, suitable in any sunny site.

Especially effective for landscaping.

Hardy shrub, best on rocky sites and hind-dunes.

Ficinia nodosa

knobby clubsedge coast speargrass and coast tussockgrass

Austrostipa stipoides and Poa poiformis Spinifex sericeus

Beach Spinifex

Poa labillardierei

Silver tussockgrass

Hardy almost anywhere, especially swales between dunes.

Fore-dune plants, excellent ground covers. If available, use to replace foredune weeds An important trailing grass of the front of the dune, present in low numbers on site. Not easily propagated; if available it should be planted on foredune.

Suitable for damper hind-dune areas such as Hogarth Reserve

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Appendix 3 Threatened flora previously recorded within 5 km of site.

(Natural Values Atlas March 2010).

Key: Tasmanian status (Threatened Species Protection Act 1995): e = endangered; x = presumed extinct; v = vulnerable; r = rare; pv/pr = protected as vulnerable/rare (This taxon is either a component of a vulnerable/rare taxon, or the name has changed from that which appears in the official legislation.)

Commonwealth status (Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999): EX = extinct; CR = Critically Endangered; EN = Endangered; VU = Vulnerable.

Scientific name

Baumea gunnii Caladenia patersonii Caladenia pusilla

Common name

slender twigsedge patersons spiderorchid tiny fingers

Conservation Status State Cwth

Comments

r

Limited creek habitat here, but not found. Likely wet areas are probably too weedy.

v

No suitable heathland on site.

r

No suitable heathland on site.

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Appendix 4 Threatened fauna known or possible on site Species that have been recorded within 5 km of the site (*) or are possible under habitat mapping (Natural Values Atlas, March 2010). Species recorded within 500m are in bold.

Common name

Scientific name

Tas. status TSPA 1995

Cwth status EPBC 1999

Accipiter novaehollandiae

e

Wedge-tailed Eagle Giant Freshwater Crayfish

Aquila audax fleayi

e

EN

Astacopsis gouldi

v

VU

Azure kingfisher

Ceyx azurea

e

*Spotted-tailed Quoll Eastern Dwarf Galaxias

Dasyurus maculatus subsp. Maculatus

r

VU

Galaxiella pusilla

v

VU

White-bellied Seaeagle

Haliaeetus leucogaster

v

*Swift Parrot

Lathamus discolor

e

EN

Green and Gold Frog

Litoria raniformis

v

VU

*Eastern Barred Bandicoot

Perameles gunnii

*Australian Grayling

Prototroctes maraena

v

VU

*Tasmanian Devil

Sarcophilus harrisii

e

EN

*Masked Owl (Tasmanian)

Tyto novaehollandiae castanops

e

*Grey Goshawk

VU

Comments

Recorded within 500m of Sulphur Creek. Howth Beach and other remnants nearby contain blackwood and paperbark potential habitat (though currently low-quality as not old-growth and with minimal adjacent watercourses).

No nesting habitat here.

Very limited, poor-quality freshwater habitat here.

No suitable habitat (tree-lined waterways).

Very limited forest habitat here.

Potential habitat in creeks.

Likely to forage along coastline here. Few, small trees here are unlikely to provide nesting habitat.

May feed on Black Gum blossom here, but no suitable nesting habitat.

Potential poor-quality habitat in creeks.

Recorded with 500m of Sulphur Creek. Some suitable habitat available in Coastal Reserve. Leave grassy areas adjacent to dense vegetation for habitat and watch for distinctive conical diggings.

Potential habitat in creeks and sea.

Wide-ranging species, possible here.

No suitable trees or tree hollows on site, but may hunt here.

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Appendix 5. Focussed Revegetation Sites - Planting Lists Table A. Hogarth Reserve (Dunkies) 2010 Reveg 1a 10x25

(Timing of planting)->

(Area of planting mxm)-> Species Trees Eucalyptus ovata Eucalyptus viminalis Small trees Acacia longifolia subsp. sophorae Acacia melanoxylon Myoporum insulare Allocasuarina verticillata Banksia marginata Bursaria spinosa Melaleuca ericifolia Shrubs Correa alba Correa backhouseana Dodonaea viscosa Leucopogon parviflorus Groundcovers Rhagodia candolleana Tetragonia implexicoma Lomandra longifolia Poa labillardierei Poa poiformis Continued over page‌

2010 Reveg 1b 60x2.5

2011 Reveg 2a 40x5

2011 Reveg 2b 12x3.5

2010-12 Reveg 3a 3x3

3

3

2010-12 Reveg 3b 5x3

2012 Reveg 4 30x10

Common Name black gum white gum

3 3

coast wattle blackwood common boobialla Sheoak Banksia / honeysuckle prickly box swamp paperbark

5 3 5 5

white correa velvet correa hopbush coast beardheath coastal saltbush bower spinach (ice plant) sagg silver tussockgrass coast tussockgrass

3

12

3

3 3

3 3

3

3 3 3 3

3

9 9 9 5

5 5 9 6

9 5 5 5

6 6 5 5 11 11

3 3 5

5

9 9 9

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Table A. Hogarth Reserve (Dunkies) revegetation species (continued).

2010 Reveg 1a

(Timing of planting)->

Carpobrotus rossii Ficinia nodosa

native pigface knobby clubsedge

Dianella revoluta and Dianella brevicaulis Austrostipa stipoides TOTAL

flax lily coast speargrass

2010 Reveg 1b 5

2011 Reveg 2a 3

2011 Reveg 2b

2010-12 Reveg 3a

2010-12 Reveg 3b 5

2012 Reveg 4

13

73

5 5 70

50

5 45

12

11

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Table B. Hall Point * = plants excellent for Little Penguin habitat

(Timing of planting)->

20102011

2010-2011 Open Grass and Cape Ivy control

Gravelly area 30m x 12m

100m x 30m

2010-2011

2012

Sheoak plantings

Riparian area

12m x 6

45m x 5m

(Area of planting m x m)-> Species Trees

Common Name

Comments

Eucalyptus ovata

black gum

Riparian planting

5

Acacia melanoxylon Small trees

blackwood

Riparian planting

10

Acacia longifolia subsp.

Sophorae

coast wattle

Plant for shelter, structure and canopy. Remember they will become quite large. Avoid planting dense clumps of this one species; mix with ground cover and low shrub species.

Myoporum insulare*

common boobialla

Allocasuarina verticillata

Sheoak

Banksia marginata

Banksia / honeysuckle

Melaleuca ericifolia

swamp paperbark

Riparian Upper bank

10

Leptospermum lanigerum Shrubs

woolly teatree

Riparian Upper bank

5

Correa alba*

white correa

10

Correa backhouseana*

velvet correa

10

Dodonaea viscosa

hopbush

Leucopogon parviflorus Continued over page‌

10

5

10

5

Plant a small clump see map

6 10

5

5

coast beardheath

Slow grower

5

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Table B. Hall Point (continued) * = plants excellent for Little Penguin habitat

(Timing of planting)->

2010-2011

20102011

2010-2011

Open Grass and Cape Ivy control

Gravelly area

Sheoak plantings

2012 Riparian area

Groundcovers Rhagodia candolleana*

coastal saltbush

Tetragonia implexicoma* Lomandra longifolia*

5

Everywhere

20

bower spinach (ice plant)

Everywhere

20

5

sagg

Middle and edge of point

10

10

Poa labillardierei*

silver tussockgrass

Middle and edge of point

10

10

Carpobrotus rossii*

native pigface

Middle and edge

20

Carex appressa

tall sedge

Dianella tasmanica*

forest flax lily

Creek edge Upper creek bank and middle of point

Ficinia nodosa TOTAL

knobby clubsedge

Creek edge, mouth

10

Sedges and lilies 5 5 135

10

6

10 100

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Table C. Preservation Bay (Timing of planting)-> (Area of planting mxm)-> Species Trees Eucalyptus ovata Eucalyptus viminalis Small trees Acacia longifolia subsp. sophorae Acacia melanoxylon Myoporum insulare

2010 planting Common Name

Comments

black gum white gum coast wattle blackwood common boobialla

Allocasuarina verticillata Banksia marginata Bursaria spinosa Melaleuca ericifolia Shrubs Correa alba Correa backhouseana Dodonaea viscosa Leucopogon parviflorus Groundcovers Rhagodia candolleana Tetragonia implexicoma Lomandra longifolia Poa labillardierei Poa poiformis Carpobrotus rossii Spinifex sericeus Ficinia nodosa Dianella revoluta and Dianella brevicaulis Austrostipa stipoides TOTAL

Sheoak Banksia / honeysuckle prickly box swamp paperbark

Plant sparsely

8

Plant sparsely Shade tree in drier sites i.e. surf club Plant sparsely

8

3

Damp areas and creek banks

white correa velvet correa hopbush coast beardheath

Plant widely across the area Plant widely across the area

10 10

Plant widely across the area

6

coastal saltbush bower spinach (ice plant) sagg silver tussockgrass coast tussockgrass native pigface coastal spinifex knobby clubsedge flax lily coast speargrass

Plant widely across the area Plant widely across the area Plant widely across the area Swales and back dune Plant widely across the area Plant widely across the area front of dune

30 30 15

Plant widely across the area

5 10 5 5 5 150

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Appendix 6. Weeds found Howth Beach to Preservation Bay. Approximate locations of most weeds here are shown on zone maps, allowing for clarity of the maps. Some weeds are very widespread, while others have a single location.

Notes on poisonous species are provided where known, but do not assume that others are safe.

Further information should be sought.

WONS = Weed of National Significance.

Family Trees CUPRESSACEAE MIMOSACEAE MYRTACEAE ROSACEAE RUBIACEAE SALICACEAE Shrubs ASTERACEAE

AQUIFOLIACEAE FABACEAE MALVACEAE POLYGALACEAE ROSACEAE

RUBIACEAE SOLANACEAE Groundcovers AGAVACEAE ALOEACEAE ARACEAE APIACEAE APOCYNACEAE ASTERACEAE

BORAGINACEAE BRASSICACEAE

CARYOPHYLLACEAE CHENOPODIACEAE

COMMELINACEAE

Species name

Common name

Comments

Cupressus macrocarpa Acacia longifolia subsp. longifolia Melaleuca armillaris Malus pumila Coprosma repens Salix fragilis

monterey cypress

giant honey myrtle apple tree mirrorbush crack willow

WONS

Chrysanthemoides monilifera subsp. monilifera Ilex aquifolium Ulex europaeus Malva dendromorpha Polygala myrtifolia Cotoneaster sp.

Rubus fruticosus agg.

Rosa rubiginosa Coprosma repens Lycium ferocissimum

boneseed

WONS

Phormium tenax Aloe vera Zantedeschia aethiopica Conium maculatum Foeniculum vulgare Vinca major Arctotheca calendula Cirsium vulgare Gazania linearis Osteospermum fruticosum Echium candicans Cakile maritima Rorippa nasturtiumaquaticum Silene gallica Atriplex prostrata Chenopodium glaucum Tradescantia albiflora

New Zealand flax aloe vera arum lily

sydney coast wattle

holly gorse tree mallow myrtleleaf milkwort cotoneaster blackberry

WONS

WONS

sweet briar mirrorbush African boxthorn

hemlock fennel blue periwinkle capeweed spear thistle gazanias trailing daisy pride-of-Madeira searocket two-row watercress french catchfly creeping orache pale goosefoot wandering creeper

POISONOUS POISONOUS

Vegetation and Habitat Management Plan Sulphur Creek to Preservation Bay Coastal Reserve April 2010

CYPERACEAE EUPHORBIACEAE GERANIACEAE IRIDACEAE LAMIACEAE LILIACEAE

POLYGONACEAE RUBIACEAE SCROPHULARIACEAE SOLANACEAE TROPAEOLACEAE TYPHACEAE POACEAE

Climbers ARALIACEAE ASTERACEAE LILIACEAE POLYGONACEAE

Cyperus eragrostis Euphorbia lathyris Euphorbia paralias Geranium sp.

drain flatsedge caper spurge sea spurge geraniums (garden varieties) montbretia

Crocosmia Xcrocosmiiflora Mentha sp.

Agapanthus praecox ssp. orientalis Allium triquetrum

mint agapanthus

Amaryllis belladonna Rumex sp.

Galium aparine Verbascum virgatum Solanum nigrum Tropaeolum majus Typha latifolia Ammophila arenaria Arrhenatherum elatius var. bulbosum Dactylis glomerata Lagurus ovatus Paspalum dilatatum Stenotaphrum secundatum

Hedera helix Delairea odorata Asparagus asparagoides Acetosa sagittata

POISONOUS SAP POISONOUS SAP

POISONOUS

3 cornered/ triangular garlic naked lady dock cleavers twiggy mullein blackberry nightshade nasturtium bullrush marram grass bulbous oatgrass cocksfoot hare’s tail paspalum buffalo grass

ivy cape ivy bridal creeper

POISONOUS POISONOUS WONS

rambling dock

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Appendix 7. Some native species that resemble weeds It is important to be sure of the identification of a plant before removing it as a weed. Below is a selection of native species that are sometimes mistaken for weeds. The Tasmanian Herbarium can assist with plant identification.

Plants known to be on site are in bold.

WEED Weedy climbers e.g. Cape Ivy (Delairea odorata), Rambling Dock (Acetosa sagittata)

NATIVE PLANT Native climbers and scramblers e.g. Bower Spinach (Tetragonia implexicoma), Forest Lignum (Muehlenbeckia gunnii).

- become familiar with the precise shape and texture of leaves, to distinguish the various climbers.

Native Pigface (Carpobrotus rossii) - leaves 4-6cm - stamens have white filaments

Chilean Pigface (Carpobrotus aequilaterus) - is bigger in all parts (leaves 5-10cm) - stamens have yellow filaments (Yellow flowers belong to another weed, Hottentot Fig, Carpobrotus edulis.)

Sow thistle (Sonchus asper) - annual, with taproot - sticky white sap (can irritate skin & eyes) African Box-thorn (Lycium ferocissimum) - spines robust, very sharp - red berries Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus agg.)

Canary/Montpellier Broom (Genista monspessulana) English/Scotch Broom (Cytisus scoparius) and White Broom (Cytisus multiflorus)

Cape Wattle (Paraserianthes lophantha) - large feathery leaves fold up at dusk.

- flowers resemble bottlebrushes Marram Grass (Ammophila arenaria) - has underground rhizomes - very long pointed ligule (membrane where leaf comes away from stem)

Twitch, couch, buffalo grass and other creeping lawn grasses.

Sydney Coast Wattle (Acacia longifolia ssp. longifolia) Often sold as a “native” in nurseries, can become invasive.

- Phyllodes (“leaves”) longer (80-200mm) and pointer.

- Pod straight when mature.

Dune Thistle (Actites megalocarpa, was Sonchus megalocarpus) - perennial with stolons Prickly Box (Bursaria spinosa) - spines delicate and thin, very sharp - flat brown capsules Native Raspberry (Rubus parvifolius) - not currently any on site.

Goldentip (Goodia lotifolia) and other bushpeas - not currently any on site.

Drupe Bush (Leptomeria drupacea), Golden Spray (Viminaria juncea) and Broom Spurge (Amperea xiphoclada) - not currently any on site.

Silver Wattle (Acacia dealbata), Black Wattle (Acacia mearnsii) - not currently any on site.

Coast Fescue (Austrofestuca littoralis), Coast Speargrass (Austrostipa stipoides), Coast Tussockgrass (Poa poiformis), Silver Tussockgrass (Poa labillardierei), Spinifex (Spinifex sericeus) - most are tussocks, Spinifex has creeping stems. Obtain advice.

Australian Saltgrass (Distichlis distichophylla) - fine leaves arranged tightly in opposite rows Coast Wattle / False Boobialla (Acacia longifolia ssp. sophorae) - Phyllodes (“leaves”) shorter (50100mm) and rounder.

- Pod twisted when mature

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Vegetation and Habitat Management Plan Sulphur Creek to Preservation Bay Coastal Reserve April 2010

Appendix 8 Weed control recommendations (Rudman 2003; Tasmanian Bushcare Toolkit 2006; Marker and Wind 2003; Muyt 2001) ® ® ® ® Herbicides include non-selective Glyphosate (e.g. Roundup , Weedmaster , etc) and broadleaf-specific Metsulfuron Methyl (e.g. Brush Off , Brush Killer etc). Some herbicides come already mixed with a wetting agent (surfactant); others may need a wetter to be added so that the herbicide is absorbed by the plant. Marker dyes can also be useful.

Targeted control methods such as cut-and-paint are preferable to foliar spraying which may affect penguins.

ALWAYS READ THE LABEL BEFORE USING HERBICIDES AND FOLLOW LABEL INSTRUCTIONS. ALWAYS FOLLOW BEST PRACTICE GUIDELINES. Weed Treatment alternatives Follow up Dig up new seedlings while small.

Cape Ivy Cut-and-paint or stem-scrape-and-paint large vines and those intertwined with native vegetation and leave to die hanging.

Do not allow stems to contact soil.

Rambling Dock Cut-and-paint or spray regrowth.

Ivy

Spray (if clear of native vegetation) or paint foliage with herbicide. Beware of drips.

Broadleaf-specific herbicides (e.g. metsulfuron methyl) tend to have better results and do not affect grasses.

Dig up smaller plants, including roots, rhizomes and all tubers. Bag and remove seeds and tubers and dispose of safely.

Bridal Creeper

Seedlings and smaller plants can be dug out in the winter when soils are moist and before fruits form. The entire rhizome/tuber mass must be dug out to prevent regrowth. ® ® Large infestations can be sprayed with selective herbicide (e.g. Brush Off , Brush Killer etc) with surfactant.

For established plants repeated applications over 2 - 6 years are usually required.

Blue Periwinkle Wandering Creeper

Seedlings can be hand-pulled or dug-out, ensure all roots are removed to prevent regrowth. Larger plants should be sprayed with non-selective herbicide (i.e. glyphosate) in autumn. Surfactant may be necessary particularly for Blue Periwinkle.

Well established infestations will require treatments over 2 - 4 years before all material is destroyed.

Blackberry

Cut-and-paint (with glyphosate). Leave to die standing where they are providing habitat and wind protection etc.

Continue to follow up where needed every year.

Briar rose

Foliar spraying: Metsulfuron Methyl is the most effective herbicide to use for blackberry growing within grasses like Marram. Take every care to use away from any wet area and do not risk any run off or spray drift into water or onto native plants.

Blackberry control has already been done on site, but is likely to be an ongoing and long term management activity.

Boneseed

Continued over page…

Smaller plants can be easily hand pulled. Cut and paint any larger plants with Glyphosate. Bag and dispose of any fruiting bodies.

Seed remains viable in the soil for at least 10 years. Follow up hand pulling will be necessary.

Vegetation and Habitat Management Plan Sulphur Creek to Preservation Bay Coastal Reserve April 2010

Appendix 8 (continued). Weed control recommendations Weed

Treatment alternatives

Follow up

Mirrorbush

Establish native vegetation as alternative penguin habitat before removal of large Mirrorbush clumps.

Check every year and continue control until all are eradicated.

Frill-cut and poison larger trees and leave to die standing. This will reduce the risk of fruit or broken twigs re-establishing if removal was attempted and also retain some shelter for penguins while native plants establish.

Plant Bower Spinach to climb over dead Mirrorbushes.

Cut-and-paint smaller plants.

Hand pull or cut-and-paint seedlings.

Myrtle-leaf Milkwort

Cut-and-paint with glyphosate.

Tree Mallow

Any ripe fruit/pods/seeds should be removed carefully (e.g. in bags).

Check for seedlings and re-growth every year and control.

Crack Willow

Cut-and-paint with glyphosate.

Spray regrowth.

Sydney Coast-wattle (Acacia longifolia subsp. longifolia)

Cut-and-paint with herbicide, or drill-and-fill larger plants. NB careful identification will be necessary to distinguish this species from the native coastal wattle (Acacia longifolia subsp. sophorae).

Check for seedlings and re-growth every year and control.

Boxthorn

Cut-and-paint with herbicide, or drill-and-fill larger plants. Large plants providing penguin habitat should be left in-situ. Seedlings can be hand-pulled or dug out.

Plant Bower Spinach to climb over dead Boxthorn.

Gorse

Hand pull / dig out small seedlings. Treat larger plants with the cut and paint method using (with Glyphosate).

Regrowth from mature plants and seedling germination will need follow up control. For best results spray ® with selective herbicide (Brush Off ) before the regrowth turns woody.

Holly

Bag and dispose of any fruiting bodies.

Smaller plants which are highly branched may need to be sprayed with selective ® herbicide such as Brush Off .

Trailing Daisy

Dig up and remove.

Continue every year until eradicated.

Or spray with herbicide.

Agapanthus New Zealand Flax Arum Lily Continued over page…

Dig up if possible and remove, ensuring all corms / rhizomes are removed. Alternatively, spray or wipe with herbicide (wetting agent will be necessary). Bag and remove seeds.

Control any regrowth.

NB Agapanthus and Arum Lily parts and sap are poisonous and a skin irritant.

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Vegetation and Habitat Management Plan Sulphur Creek to Preservation Bay Coastal Reserve April 2010

Appendix 8 (continued). Weed control recommendations Weed

Treatment alternatives

Follow up

Bulrush (Cumbungi)

Cutting stems > 15 cm below water level in spring causes decay. Alternatively, hand pull and remove the entire rhizome.

Follow up pulling will be necessary in consecutive years.

Fennel

Dig out small plants, making sure to get all crowns and roots.

Hemlock

Cut-and-paint larger plants.

Monitoring and follow up control will be essential for success. Establish vigorous groundcover such as Bower Spinach to cover bare ground.

Spray (best in winter. Use a marker dye as people may harvest fennel).

NB Hemlock is very poisonous! Distinguish hemlock by the purple spots on stems.

Three-cornered garlic (angled onion)

Spray with glyphosate early in flowering period (late winter-early spring).Three-cornered garlic can be pulled or dug carefully, ensuring all bulbs are removed.

Control regrowth annually. Will require at least 2 - 5 years of followup.

Sea spurge

Protective clothing (e.g. gloves) must be worn to protect skin and eyes from the milky sap, which is toxic. Do not allow sap to enter eyes.

Pull out any plants that appear annually before they seed.

Substantial declines in density of sea spurge can be achieved by this method but it may take 3 or 4 years of concerted effort. Occasional seedlings may reappear.

Caper Spurge

Start with isolated clumps and eradicate in stages. Small sea spurge infestations can be eradicated by manually removing the plants. Small plants hand pull easily; large plants will need to be dug out. Seedlings may be present in large numbers. These are best left until large enough to pull, but before flowering, or they may be raked or buried.

An effective herbicide treatment is available where disturbance from hand pulling is unacceptable. Consult PWS and DPIWE if contemplating herbicide use.

Marram Grass

Do not control large areas. Control any small infestations in otherwise native areas. Dig out small area of rhizomes to a depth of 50 cm if possible before planting native plants into Marram grassland.

Pull up any marram grass invading revegetation plant guards until native plant is well established.

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