Vegetation Issues in the Shire
Bellingen Shire, due to its climate and topography supports a wide range of vegetation types and communities.
Vegetation Management
Council's role in vegetation management is focussed on the following key areas;
- Noxious Weeds
- Environmental Weeds
- Coastal zone vegetation
- Reserve management
Council staff are available to provide advice and information on weed and vegetation management.
Noxious Weeds
Noxious weeds are those that landholders must control in accordance with the Noxious Weeds Act 1993. NSW Department of Primary Industries plays an active role in Noxious weed management in NSW and provide information for NSW.
Council works cooperatively with other shires in the region to address weeds. It is an active member of the NSW North Coast Weeds Advisory Committee which coordinates a regional response to weed issues.
Council has a number of Policies on how it fulfils its requirements under the Act.
Council also undertakes noxious weed control on shire roadsides and reserves.
Environmental Weeds
Environmental weeds are plants that represent a threat to the conservation values of natural ecosystems. They invade native plant communities and out-compete them causing a reduction in plant diversity and resulting in a loss of habitat for native animals.
Council participates in a regional approach to identifying and managing environmental weeds through the Bushland Friendly Nursery Scheme.
Coastal Zone Vegetation
In cooperation with Bellinger Landcare and NSW Department of Lands Council has undertaken weed management activities in the coastal zone for the past 10 years. In 2006 Council and the Northern Rivers Catchment Management Authority mapped vegetation types across the coastal zone. This mapping project provided information on vegetation types, Endangered Ecological Communities and gave management priorities.
Reserve Management
Council is actively involved in management of vegetation across its reserve system. Of particular note is the work on Bellingen Island, Dangar Falls, and throughout Urban Bellingen Council is supported in these endeavours through the invaluable assistance from volunteers.
Contact details
Ian Turnbull - Manager Vegetation & Environment
02 6655 7338 (ph)
council@bellingen.nsw.gov.au
