Nabiac Landcare Group
Nabiac Landcare Group
Bringing biodiversity back in the village of Nabiac
Taking Action -
LLCI015-031
The issue
The two Bushland remnant reserves in the rural village of Nabiac are under pressure from the impacts of exotic weeds, especially woody weeds and vine weeds. The reserves have extensive edges adjoining them to urban development and attendant garden escapees. Another problem threatening reserve ecosystems is inappropriate use including four-wheel-drives, waste dumping, and outright vandalism. They are also impacted by urban runoff, which can cause flash floods carrying rubbish and weed seeds.
The solution
Nabiac Landcare Group formed in 1994, starting with work on the Bullock Wharf Reserve. An active presence in the community has maintained a regular crew of volunteers over the years. Efforts have also gone into community education on garden escapee plants and supporting village residents in treating these plants in their gardens. The former Great Lakes Council (now MidCoast Council) has always been a key supporter as steward of public reserves, and provides volunteer inductions, tools, herbicides and plants. Karuah & Great Lakes Landcare sourced a $15K grant through Hunter Local Land Services in 2014, funding a professional bush regeneration crew to do primary treatment at Lilly Pilly Bend. The Nabiac Neighbourhood Centre has provided a low-cost auspice for the group since 2015.
The impact
Bullock Wharf Reserve is regenerating nicely, and although follow-up continues to be essential, it is becoming less onerous as native canopy closes and edges become thicker. Seemingly overwhelming infestations of Madeira Vine, Moth Vine, Lantana, Cassia and Camphor Laurel are now mostly eliminated. Lilly Pilly Bend is much more open with primary control of Privet and other woody weeds more or less complete. Persistent weed control has allowed native vegetation to regenerate, and the reserves to support more native wildlife. Good track maintenance and provision of a picnic table and shelter has improved public amenity and enjoyment of the reserves.
Learnings
- Social connections and friendly morning teas after weekly working bees are very important
- Assisted natural regeneration is much more efficient than active plantings in sites where irrigation water needs to be carried in
- Community engagement and education on weed plants is vital for the health of village/small urban reserves
- Follow-up is key to sustainable success, and primary weed treatment needs careful staging to avoid over-commitment to follow-up control.
Key facts
- 10 regular volunteers
- Weekly 3 hour working bees
- Approximately 10ha of reserved managed