Weed Management Plan for Araluen Creek, Araluen 2025
Background
The second project within the EU BIM broad project was identified and work commenced to deliver a remedial structure to an eroded portion of the Araluen Creek. However, during this planning period several rain events caused delays that have meant the project timeframe became both much longer than planned and increased the unpredictability of any planned end date.
In acknowledging our inability to guarantee the planned timeline due to possible weather events an alteration to the project would both satisfy predictability and undertake valuable work on the Araluen Creek line.
UDCLG in 2021 commissioned a Weed Management Plan (WMP) of the invasive woody/weeds along the Araluen Creek, within individual properties, to include recommendations for eradication, control and remediation. The project area extended between Neringla Road in the south and Majors Creek Mountain Road in the north.
Through field surveys, the WMP collected baseline data on the classification, presence and estimated projected cover of major weed species, and collected photographs at designated points. The WMP included suggested methods for weed eradication and control, weed disposal and site rehabilitation. Suggestions for monitoring the project area included photo monitoring and the replication of the systematic and targeted field surveys undertaken for the WMP.
Post this report an initial engagement of suitable Bush Re-Generation experts with landowners and UDCLG worked together. Of interest was the different methods demonstrated to initiate a control and management program. The combination of the Apical teams, UDCLG members and landowners meant much was accomplished and many were able to continue using the various methods taught to further control the infestations.
The value of this possible project means we now have an opportunity to review the initial survey and work done, and using our previous approach make inroads into the issues arising along the Creek line. By using this opportunity, we set UDCLG up for a continuous regular approach to advance both Creek line weed improvement, re-vegetation of suitable species and support community involvement and understanding along all the minor waterways in the Valley.
A New Climate Change Challenge with Temperate Weeds moving south.
Given changes in the climate better suiting the migration of these temperate weeds, they have been moving south into areas that used to restrict growing conditions due to the cold winters.
Previous experience as an outcome of the 2021 study has shown that using the Apical team with UDCLG members, landowners and volunteers has proved very efficient. This approach which utilised demonstration, working on ground with expert work support, confidence enhancing for landowners and volunteers. Thus, the knowledge and confidence gained can be used in an ongoing manner to maintain a
follow up program. This will be aimed at containment and possible reduction of the ongoing infestations along the streams in the catchment area.
Ongoing reviews and photo monitoring of the Creek banks will enable UDCLG to continue further support and ensure there is a body of community knowledge and understanding that can be drawn on over the next few years and as landowners change.
Project Proposal
UDCLG initial response to the WMP was successful although fairly limited given an absence of funds. To be able to pick up the WMP recommendations, especially given the last few years where funds have been scarce would:
- enable a concentrated effort along the creek banks,
- reduce downstream migration, particularly of incoming temperate weeds,
- by including Council weed workers would ensure improved understanding of this new threat,
- support well informed landowners and knowledgeable volunteers,
- equip UDCLG members with knowledge, practical experience under expert tuition and a bank of equipment to support volunteers to continue,
- set in train an ongoing approach by UDCLG including monitoring, routine working bees and effective re-vegetation strategies,
- leave a legacy of a successful initiative that prioritises environmental health around the Valley’s waterways
UDCLG is now seeking to re-visit the WMP. This review by Woodlands Environmental Management will enable us to review the Araluen Creek line in terms of the 2021 review. The weeds and woody weed infestations can be reviewed with a focus on any changes in the characteristics of the weeds/woody weed along the Creek banks.
The 2021 Weed Management Plan recommended:
Recommendation 1. It is recommended that a suitably qualified and experienced bush regenerator be engaged to oversee the implementation of the WMP.
Recommendation 2. It is recommended that photo monitoring be undertaken annually for a period of five years after the commencement of weed control and eradication measures.
Recommendation 3. It is recommended that field survey monitoring be undertaken bi-annually for a period of six years after the commencement of weed control and eradication measures.
Recommendation 4. To assist in the suppression of weed growth at sites where control / eradication has been undertaken, it is recommended that an Araluen Creek Revegetation Plan be developed to guide the re- introduction of native tree and shrub species.
The WMP included suggested methods for weed eradication and control, weed disposal and site rehabilitation. Suggestions for monitoring the project area included photo monitoring and the replication of the systematic and targeted field surveys undertaken for the WMP. These will be re-visited and reported upon.
To fully review this previous work will enable UDCLG to repeat the previous successful approach utilising an expert team alongside UDCLG members, volunteers and landowners to grow expertise in the community generally.
Ongoing photo review and identification of changes along the Araluen Creek banks will enable UDCLG to continually review and support both landowners and volunteers to continue effectively manage the Creek banks into the future.
Project Practicalities
Woodlands Environmental Management would be engaged to:
- project plan and general administration,
- develop a Management Plan utilising photo-monitoring and site assessment
- review WMP site survey and data collection
- WMP monitoring report including outcomes of approach to any new temperate weeds moving into the Creek line,
- Araluen Creek Revegetation Guide
A contractual arrangement with Apical Bush Re-generation team would see:
- two trucks with four staff for five days (20 person days) repeated four times in late September/October providing (80 person days) of concentrated effort both practical and a demonstrated learning opportunity,
- UDCLG members, landowners and volunteers work on major infestations along the Creek line,
- QPRC has also committed to sending team members of their Weed Management group to at least two workshop days to further their understanding and ensure their ability to manage emerging issues is up to date,
- the provision of suitable chemicals, equipment for UDCLG to use with members and volunteers will ensure effective use for the issues before us.
UDCLG holds all appropriate Volunteer Insurance as does Apical and all demonstrations and assistance will include a concentration on OH&S issues and safeguards. All equipment including chemicals will be used to the highest standard of safety.
A visual record of the project along with handouts on weed management approaches for major weeds and suggestions for re-vegetation options will be provided and included on UDCLG website.
Included is a schedule of work including dates with an end date of 30 December 2025.
A costing is also included with invoices available and dates to be supplied once Apical has confirmed the
four five-day periods.