An annual bitou bush control program that has been running along the Myall coast since 2009 will begin again soon, starting from May 11.
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The program is conducted cooperatively between National Parks and Wildlife Services (NWPS) and MidCoast Council and has seen a dramatic reduction in bitou bush along nearly 100km of coastline since its introduction.
The program benefits native ecosystems including the Myall Lakes wetlands, critically endangered littoral rainforests and the threatened Kangaroo Grass Headlands.
Some national park beaches and headlands will be temporarily closed for public safety during the operation.
These include:
- Booti Booti National Park
- Saltwater National Park
- Tomaree National Park
- Myall Lakes National Park, including Broughton Island
- Darawank Nature Reserve
- Khappinghat Nature Reserve
- Stormpetrel Nature Reserve
- Little Broughton Island Nature Reserve.
The program is expected to take eight to 10 days to complete, provided the weather is suitable.
The public is reminded to observe the temporary closures and follow any directions from NWPS staff during the operations.
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Native to South Africa, bitou bush is a very competitive weed that smothers native plants and destroys habitat for native wildlife.
It also threatens the conservation values of local national parks, threatened species and Aboriginal places.
Since its inception in the Myall Lakes National Park, the bitou bush control program has expanded to other national parks based on its success.
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