Central West Region

Pest Management Strategy

2003 - 2006

N S WNATIONALPARKS ANDWILDLIFESERVICE

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, 2003.This work is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no partmay be reproduced without prior written permission from NPWS.

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service43 Bridge Street(PO Box 1967)Hurstville NSW 2220Telephone: 02 9585 6444www.npws.nsw.gov.au

For further information contact:Pest Management OfficerCentral West Region, Western DirectorateNSW National Parks and Wildlife ServiceLevel 2, 203 – 209 Russell StBathurst NSW 2795Telephone: 02 6332 9488

Cover image: Central West Region staff trapping feral pigs with staff from Molong RuralLands Protection Board at Mount Canobolas SRA.

Photograph by Steve Woodhall (NSW NPWS).

This plan should be cited as follows:

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. (2003). Central West Region Pest ManagementStrategy 2003-2006. NPWS, Hurstville, NSW.

ISBN 0 7313 6693 X

Regional Pest Management Strategies

Foreword

Pest animals and weeds are the targets of the five regional pest management strategies forcentral and western NSW. The strategies are an initiative of the National Parks and WildlifeService (NPWS) and have been released by the Western Directorate for public information.The release of the pest management strategies follows a two-month public exhibition of draftstrategies during August and September 2002, which provided an opportunity for thecommunity to have their say in how they were developed.

These strategies recognise that pest species are a problem across the landscape and theyaim to maximise the effectiveness of pest control programs, particularly through cooperativeprograms with neighbours and others.

The NPWS is committed to a regional approach to pest management where the programs aredeveloped and often undertaken in collaboration with neighbours, other governmentagencies, rural lands protection boards, local government councils, regional pest committees,CSIRO, universities and community groups such as Landcare, and Bushcare volunteers.

These documents identify the major pest populations within the regions, and establish prioritycontrol programs. The aim is to apply best practice, humane, cost effective methods, whichwill have minimal impacts on the environment. In general this requires careful planning, toensure an integrated approach is adopted using a range of techniques at critical times of theyear, and often, the targeting of more than one species.

The pest management strategies establish direction for pest management activities within theNPWS' western regions until 2006. The year to year focus of control activities will vary withclimatic conditions and available funding. The annual work programs will be set out inRegional operation plans. For further information on these details I encourage you to contactthe Regional Manager in your Region.

TERRY KORNDIRECTOR WESTERN

Table of Contents

1 Background....................................................................................................................... 11.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................1

1.2 Central West Region ..................................................................................................1

1.3 Legislation and Policy .................................................................................................31.3.1 National Parks and Wildlife (NPW) Act 1974 ................................................................... 31.3.2 Threatened Species Conservation (TSC) Act 1995 ......................................................... 31.3.3 Rural Lands Protection (RLP) Act 1998 ........................................................................... 31.3.4 Noxious Weeds Act 1993 ................................................................................................. 41.3.5 Wild Dog Destruction (WDD) Act 1921 ............................................................................ 41.3.6 Other Relevant Legislation ............................................................................................... 41.3.7 NPWS Field Management Policies .................................................................................. 4

2 Management Strategy ...................................................................................................... 5

3 Objectives of Pest Control Programs............................................................................. 5

4 Pest Programs and Threatened Species ........................................................................ 64.1 Past Pest Management ..............................................................................................6

4.1.1 Pest animals..................................................................................................................... 64.1.2 Weeds .............................................................................................................................. 8

4.2 Threatened Species....................................................................................................9

5 Regional Priorities .......................................................................................................... 105.1 Criteria for Prioritising Pest Species Programs ........................................................10

5.2 Regional Assessment...............................................................................................11

6 Programs ......................................................................................................................... 136.1 Pest Animal Species.................................................................................................13

6.1.1 European Red Fox - Vulpes vulpes................................................................................ 136.1.2 Feral Pig - Sus scrofa ..................................................................................................... 146.1.3 Feral Goat – Capra hircus .............................................................................................. 156.1.4 European Wild Rabbit - Oryctolagus cuniculus .............................................................. 156.1.5 Wild Dogs – Canis familiaris .......................................................................................... 166.1.6 Feral Cat - Felis catus .................................................................................................... 166.1.7 Feral Deer species ......................................................................................................... 17

6.2 Weed Species ..........................................................................................................186.2.1 St John’s Wort – Hypercium perforatum ........................................................................ 186.2.2 Blackberry – Rubus fruiticosus ....................................................................................... 186.2.3 Serrated Tussock – Nassella trichotoma........................................................................ 19

7 Conclusion ...................................................................................................................... 20

8 Acknowledgements ........................................................................................................ 20

9 Further Reading and References .................................................................................. 21

Index of Figures

Figure 1: Map of Central West Region. ................................................................................2

Index of Tables

Table 1: Distribution of pest animal species in Central West Region. .............................7

Table 2: Distribution of weed species in Central West Region. ........................................9

Table 3: Threatened species protection programs in Central West Region. .................10

Table 4: Priority classes for pest species..........................................................................11

Table 5: Priority classification of pest animal control in Central West Region. ............12

Table 6: Priority classification of noxious weed control in Central West Region. ........12

Appendices

Appendix 1: Timing of Weed Control Programs………………………………………..…....23

Appendix 2: Timing of Pest Animal Control Programs…………………………………......23

Appendix 3: Noxious Weeds of Central West Region ......................................................24

Appendix 4: Emerging Pest Issues ....................................................................................25

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1 Background

1.1 IntroductionIntroduced pest species can seriouslyimpact upon the biodiversity of reservedareas by modifying species richness,abundance, and ecosystem function. Theycan also have significant impacts on theeconomic and social values ofneighbouring areas.

This Pest Management Strategy is areview of the 1997 Bathurst District PestManagement Plan and establishes thestrategic direction for pest managementactivities within lands managed by theNational Parks and Wildlife Service(NPWS) in the Central West Region overthe period 2003 - 2006. Priorities andprograms for recent additions to theNPWS estate are still being finalised andwill be included in subsequent revisions ofthe strategies.

This strategy incorporates furtherinformation collated from weed mapping,neighbour liaison, field survey work andinformation received from keystakeholders. The strategy also includespest planning for the recent new additionsto NPWS managed lands and the changesto the Regional boundaries.

The aim of this strategy is to maximise theeffectiveness of pest control programs,and identify the major pest speciespopulations within the Region, andestablishes criteria for prioritising controlprograms. The strategy provides a briefsummary of control programs to beundertaken. Specific details of individualprograms are addressed in operational pestcontrol plans.

It is envisaged that this review of thestrategy will continue to improve thedevelopment, coordination andimplementation of pest speciesmanagement within Central West Region.

This Pest Management Strategy outlineshow the NPWS manages pest species. Inthis strategy, the term “pest species” refersto introduced species of weeds and pestanimals.

1.2 Central West RegionThe Central West Region covers a 58,061square kilometre area, including 98,131hectares of estate managed by the NPWS.This consists of 12 nature reserves (NR),four national parks (NP), three historicsites (HS) and two state recreation areas(SRA). The operational management ofthe Region is undertaken by two Areas:Lachlan Area and Macquarie Area, basedat Forbes and Bathurst, respectively. TheRegion encompasses 13 LocalGovernment Areas and six Stateelectorates (Rigby 2000).

The landform types and associatedvegetation of the Region fall into threemain groupings: the sandstone complex(which has its western boundary in theregion of Lithgow); the CentralTablelands portion (the Bathurst-Orange-Carcoar-Portland area); and the CentralWestern Slopes to the west. In addition, asmall area falls within the Central WesternPlains of the state (Cardale 1987).

The Central West is one of the mostdisturbed regions in Australia. It has along history of European agriculture, withsettlement commencing in 1815. Thishistory, combined with the undulatinglandform, has allowed extensive clearingand development. Land clearing hasaccounted for a 50% loss of vegetation inthe Central Tablelands, 86% loss in theCentral Western Slopes, and 82% loss inthe Central Western Plains.

Thus settlement intensification broughtextensive permanent changes to thenatural environment. Feral species, alongwith cultivation, fertilizers and extensiveuse of fire for pasture improvement led toreduced diversity, extent and quality ofhabitats, and the reduction or

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extermination of indigenous species(Goldney 1987).

The Central West can therefore beconsidered a disturbed natural ecosystemwith agriculture being the principleindustry. The Region has been describedas “an archipelago of woodland and forestislands in a sea of agriculture” (Goldney1987). Consequently, the limited areas ofremnant vegetation are extremelyimportant for the continued conservationof biodiversity in the Central West.

This extensive clearing has created a parksystem comprising a mosaic of fragmentedand isolated reserves, which emphasises

the importance of both on and off parkconservation. It is recognised that theimpacts from pest species cansignificantly threaten the conservationvalues of smaller fragmented reserves.

Hill End Historic Site and MountCanobolas SRA attract over 100,000visitors annually and are major regionalfeatures, providing important outdoorrecreation and tourism opportunities to theCentral West and Sydney area.

The largest protected area in the Region isthe 42,000 hectare Goobang NationalPark, which presents significantchallenges in fire and pest management.

Figure 1: Map of Central West Region. The NPWS Macquarie Area incorporates the Dubbo, Wellington,Blayney, Evans, Bathurst and Orange Local Government Areas (LGAs). Narromine, Parkes, Lachlan, Forbesand Weddin LGAs comprise the Lachlan Area. Cabonne LGA is split between the two Areas.

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1.3 Legislation andPolicy

The NPWS has a number of statutoryresponsibilities in relation to pest speciesmanagement, and has also established anumber of related policies.

1.3.1 National Parks and Wildlife(NPW) Act 1974

This Act vests the care, control andmanagement of National Parks, NatureReserves, Historic Sites and AboriginalAreas with the Director-General of theNPWS. Key management objectivesinclude conservation, provision ofappropriate scientific and educationalopportunities, and management of fire andpest species. These are achieved throughthe preparation and implementation ofPlans of Management for each reserve,which identify pest species present,control strategies and priorities for thatreserve. This Pest Management Strategyincorporates actions identified in Plans ofManagement that have been completedwithin the Central West Region.

1.3.2 Threatened SpeciesConservation (TSC) Act 1995

The main objective of the TSC Act is toconserve biological diversity. The Actprovides for the listing of threatenedspecies, populations and ecologicalcommunities. The Act also provides forthe preparation and implementation ofrecovery plans for threatened species,populations and ecological communitiesand the designation of areas as habitatcritical to the survival of those listed asendangered. The Act provides for theidentification of key threateningprocesses, and the amelioration of thesethrough the preparation andimplementation of threat abatement plans.

One of the major features of the Act is theintegration of the conservation ofthreatened species into the development

control processes under the EnvironmentalPlanning and Assessment Act 1979. Thus,proponents are required to assess thelikely impact of a development or activityon threatened species, populations orecological communities or their habitats.

1.3.3 Rural Lands Protection (RLP)Act 1998

The pest animal provisions of the RLP Actcommenced on 28 September 2001. TheRLP Act sets out the conditions underwhich “animals, birds and insects” canbecome "declared" pests and provides forthe control of such pest species.

Gazettal of pest species occurs throughPest Control Orders [s.143] which allowthe Minister for Agriculture to specifywhich species are pests, either on astatewide or local basis, and the conditionsor factors that apply to the control of eachpest. Rabbits, wild Dogs and feral Pigshave been declared pest animalsthroughout NSW.

The RLP Act binds the Crown for thecontrol of pest animals declared under theAct [s.142]. Public land managers such asthe NPWS are required to eradicate(continuously suppress and destroy) pestanimals "…to the extent necessary tominimise the risk of the pest causingdamage to any land" using any lawfulmethod or, if the Order specifies a methodto be used, by the method specified[s.156(1)]. The Minister for Agriculturemust consult with the Service beforemaking a Pest Control Order that appliesto lands managed by the NPWS [s.147].

Fauna listed under Schedule 1 or 2 of theThreatened Species Conservation Act1995 cannot be declared as pests[s.143(5)]. The Minister for theEnvironment must be consulted before anynative fauna is declared a pest [s.144(2)].

The Pest Control Order for wild Dogs,gazetted on 2 October 2001, provides forthe general destruction obligation forlands listed in Schedule 2 of the Order

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will be satisfied through a wild dogmanagement plan [s.156(4)] that addressesboth control and conservation objectivesand has been approved by the relevantRLP Board for that District. Schedule 2lists 254 reserves considered to containhigh quality Dingo habitat on landsmanaged by the NPWS, State Forests ofNSW, Sydney Catchment Authority andunoccupied Crown land managed by theDepartment of Land and WaterConservation.

1.3.4 Noxious Weeds Act 1993

Under this Act the Minister forAgriculture has the power to make Ordersdeclaring plants as “noxious weeds”(listed in Schedule 1 of the Act). Weedscan be declared “noxious” if they pose athreat to agriculture, the environment orcommunity health, and there is a publicbenefit from such declaration. A numberof environmental weeds have now beendeclared under this Act, for example, bitoubush in all coastal councils and gorse in anumber of tablelands and coastal councils.Noxious weeds are classified into fourcategories with different controlrequirements.

1.3.5 Wild Dog Destruction (WDD)Act 1921

The WWD Act requires landholders andoccupiers in the Western Division todestroy all wild dogs upon such land andfor the maintenance of the wild dog fencealong the north-western parts of theNSW/Queensland and NSW/SouthAustralian borders. The WDD Act doesnot bind the Crown.

1.3.6 Other Relevant Legislation

� Environment Protection andBiodiversity Conservation Act 1999

� Biological Controls Act 1985

� Agricultural and VeterinaryChemicals Code Act

� Occupational Health and Safety Act2000

� Environmental Planning andAssessment Act 1979

� Firearms Act 1996 and the Firearms(General Regulation) 1997

� Heritage Act

� Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act1979

� Pesticides Act 1999

� Occupational Health and Safety Act1983

� Wilderness Act 1987

� Native Vegetation Conservation Act1997

1.3.7 NPWS Field ManagementPolicies

A number of Field Management Policiesare relevant to this strategy.

Policy 1.9 Exotic Plant Species givespriority for control programs to exoticplants that are increasing in abundanceand distribution, or displacing native floraand fauna, or where Service estate adjoinsuninfested or agricultural land. Programsthat are practical and involve techniqueswith little harmful or residualenvironmental impact have preference.

Policy 2.3 states that Introduced Animals(with limited exceptions) shall not beallowed to remain on Service estate asthey may prey on native fauna or haveother adverse impacts on vegetation, soilsand water quality.

Policy 2.6 Wild Dogs acknowledges thecomplexities inherent in the need toconserve dingoes together with the need tocontrol wild dogs. Baiting programs areonly undertaken on Service estate wherethere is adequate evidence of wild dogscoming from Service estate and killing or

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maiming stock. Within Central WestRegion there are no wild dog managementissues.

The Firearms Policy sets out proceduresto ensure firearms are safely managed andused by NPWS staff in accordance withthe relevant legislation.

2 ManagementStrategy

The National Parks & Wildlife Service iscommitted to a regional/catchmentapproach to pest management where theprograms are developed and oftenundertaken in collaboration withneighbours, other government agencies,rural lands protection boards, localgovernment councils, regional pestcommittees, CSIRO, universities andcommunity groups such as Landcare,Bushcare and Green Corp volunteers, andlocal Aboriginal Land Councils.

The Service aims to manage populationsof pest animals and weeds to minimisetheir adverse impacts. Many of theService’s weed control programs focus onenvironmental weeds because of the needto reduce the adverse impacts of thesespecies on biodiversity conservation.However, to protect neighbouringproperties, the NPWS also undertakesnumerous programs targeting noxiousagricultural weeds e.g. Serrated Tussock,Bathurst Burr, Noogoora Burr, JohnsonGrass, Giant Parramatta Grass and ScotchThistle. There is a clear recognition thatthe eradication of introduced pests overlarge areas is rarely, if ever, possible andresources must be directed to thosespecies/localities where the benefits ofcontrol are likely to be greatest.

Wherever possible a strategic approach topest management is adopted and thereader is referred to the pest managementpublications by the Bureau of ResourceSciences for greater detail on pest animals(see Further Reading list) or to various

references for weeds (see Further Readinglist).

The Service employs a large number ofspecialist staff to develop and implementeffective pest management programs. Theaim is to apply best practice, cost-effectivemethods that will have minimal impactson the environment. In general, thisrequires careful planning to ensure anintegrated approach is adopted using arange of techniques at critical times of theyear, and often, the targeting of more thanone species (e.g. foxes and wild dogs).

Integrated pest management is likely toresult in the most effective long-termreduction in pest populations and avoidselection for bait shy pest animals, orherbicide resistant weeds. Biologicalcontrol is incorporated into programswhere effective agents are available, but inmost cases biocontrol must besupplemented with conventional controltechniques. The pest managementapproach adopted by the Service reflects abalance between the desire to use the mosteffective control technique (such as 1080baiting for many animal pests) with arequirement to minimise non-targetimpacts and animal suffering.

As the lead conservation agency in NSWthe Service has a duty to ensure its ownactivities comply with the law and areenvironmentally sound. All pest controlactivities proposed on NPWS land requirean appropriate level of assessment of theirenvironmental impacts. The level ofassessment undertaken relates to theprobable degree of impact and can rangefrom an initial analysis, to a Review ofEnvironmental Factors, to anEnvironmental Impact Statement.

3 Objectives of PestControl Programs

The overriding objective of NPWS pestcontrol programs is to conservebiodiversity and cultural heritage.

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Programs also have the following specificgoals:

• Increase community understanding ofthe adverse impacts of pests onbiodiversity and Aboriginal andhistoric cultural heritage

• Manage pest populations to minimisetheir movement into NPWS estate, oronto adjoining properties where theyimpact on agricultural production

• Satisfy legislative responsibilities e.g.Rural Lands Protection Act 1998,Noxious Weeds Act 1993 andThreatened Species Conservation Act1995

• Support cooperative approaches topest management with other agenciesand the community

• Foster community support.

4 Pest Programs andThreatened Species

4.1 Past PestManagement

Prior to 1995, pest programs in CentralWest Region occurred with limitedcoordination or other agency consultation.Pest management was approached with aless strategic emphasis and programpriority was determined primarily bystakeholder concerns and allocation of anextremely limited budget. The Regionwas able to implement some programswith stakeholders, such as the cooperativebaiting program with neighbours and otheragencies for feral dogs at WinburndaleNature Reserve. Pest managementprograms undertaken prior to 1995included:

� Annual aerial culling programs in alimited number of reserves tomanage populations of feral goatsand occasionally feral pigs;

� Weed management in select highconservation areas, principallyBlackberry infestations encroachingon stakeholders’ boundaries;

� Limited fox management.

With the initiation of a state-wide resourcepackage in 1994/1995 the Region was ableto develop strategic pest managementstrategies based on justification criteriaand service an expanded spectrum ofstakeholders. The Region now has a largenumber of strategically defined pestmanagement programs that incorporateparticipation by multi-agency consultativepest management committees and theinvolvement of local RLPB staff in manyon-ground operations.

Since that time, Central West Region hasadopted a more strategic approach to pestcontrol management incorporatingprograms that were identified as highpriorities in the 1995 Pest Strategy. Thisincludes weed mapping, integrated controltechniques, the development of short- andlong-term coordinated strategies,environmental assessment, and monitoringand evaluation. The Central West Regionhas been able to implement noxious weedand pest animal program within themajority of reserves. It has also increasedthe number of cooperative neighbour pestprograms, such as the successfulcooperative pest animal control programsin and around Goobang National Park.

Pest management priorities and programsfor recent additions to the NPWS estateare still being finalised and will beincluded in subsequent revisions of thisstrategy.

4.1.1 Pest animals

As with many other agriculturallandscapes, the Central West Region has asuite of pest species that threaten theconservation integrity of the Region’sprotected area system and biodiversity.

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Many of the pest species identified forcontrol by NPWS in the Central WestRegion are also regarded as pests by theagricultural community in this region.Such species compromise the corebusiness of both groups.

The Central West Region has identified a

number of pest animals for control withinthe protected area system (Table 1). Ofthese identified pest animals foxes are oneof the higher priorities for management.The Region considers the fox to be aregional priority and has focused onpriority reserves where the highestconservation outcomes can be achieved.

Reserve Name Area(ha)

Pest Animal

Fox FeralPig

FeralGoat

Rabbit Deer FeralCat

*WildDog

BartonNature Reserve

529✔ ✔ ✔

ConimblaNational Park

7 590✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

CoolbaggieNature Reserve

1 793✔ ✔ ✔

CopperhanniaNature Reserve

3 494✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

DapperNature Reserve

999✔ ✔

EugowraNature Reserve

120✔ ✔

FreemantleNature Reserve

361✔ ✔

GirralangNature Reserve

640✔ ✔ ✔

GoobangNational Park

42 080✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Hill EndHistoric Site

130✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Mount CanobolasSRA

1 673✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Mullion RangeSRA

1 025✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

NangarNational Park

9 196✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

TollingoNature Reserve

3 232✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

WamboolNature Reserve

194✔ ✔ ✔

Weddin MountainsNational Park

8 361✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

WinburndaleNature Reserve

10 048✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

WoggoonNature Reserve

6 565✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Wongarbon NatureReserve

99✔ ✔

Yuranigh’sAboriginal GraveHS

2✔

Table 1: Distribution of pest animal species on NPWS estate in Central West Region.

*Wild Dog - in this circumstance the definition departs from the common working definitionthe NPWS have adopted. In reference to the Central West Region the issue of “wild dog’relates to the issue of illegal and deliberate hunting activities using dogs within identifiedconservation reserves of the Region. This problem relates to the associated abandonment orloss of dogs during the hunting process and the damage that results from these huntinganimals cause to the environment and agriculture.

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Other regional pest species include feralgoats and feral pigs, both of which causesignificant environmental damage.Although management of these species iscurrently of a lower priority than that offoxes, the Region nevertheless commits tothe active management of these speciesthrough ground based and aerial controltechniques. One issue that complicatesthe management of feral pigs within theprotected area system of the Central WestRegion is the illegal activities on park, ofhunting and live transportation of theseanimals. To address this issue the Regionwill continue liaison with NSWAgriculture and local Rural LandsProtection Boards.

Rabbit management is confined to theLachlan Area of the Region with majorcommitments at Goobang and NangarNational Parks. Rabbit management isincreasing within the Region tocompliment the spread of RabbitHaemorrhagic Disease (RHD) throughoutthe Central West.

Many of these pest animals have widedistributions and fluctuating populationswithin the Central West, which makes theimplementation of control challenging.Through cooperative management withkey stakeholders the Region canimplement effective broad-based controlprograms.

Coordinated strategic pest animalmanagement is important in the CentralWest Region given the number of externalland management issues, and the numberand diversity of adjoining land tenures.Relevant issues include the control ofimmigration, emigration and recruitmentbetween the surrounding agriculturallandscape and conservation reserves. TheRegion will continue to endeavour tofacilitate community-orientated controlstrategies for the control of pest animals inconjunction with its stakeholders.

Fire Ants

Red Imported Fire Ants are not recordedin NSW, however there are several areasof concern in the state including urbanareas such as Sydney, the Central Coastand the Lower Hunter. These are areaswhere there is a large volume of goodsbeing imported from south-easternQueensland and also from countries wherethe fire ant is established. Major transportroutes leading into NSW from south-eastern Queensland, such as the NewellHighway, are also of concern.

Fire ants pose a major threat to theenvironment, as well as agriculture,tourism and human health. The NationalConsultative Committee for Exotic Pestsand Diseases is coordinating a nationalresponse to the ants.

Fire ants have the potential to spreadthroughout much of NSW and the NPWSis working closely with NSW Agricultureand the Queensland Department ofPrimary Industries to identify and monitorhigh risk areas where they could becomeestablished and provide awareness trainingas required.

4.1.2 Weeds

There are over 2 800 introduced plantspecies that are now naturalised inAustralia and it is estimated thatapproximately 25% of these aresignificant or potentially significantweeds. It is impossible to undertakecontrol programs for all weeds that occurin protected areas, hence priorities need tobe developed. The priority weed speciesin NPWS Central West Region are StJohn’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum),Blackberry (Rubus fruiticosus) andSerrated Tussock (Nassella trichotoma).St John’s Wort is by far the mostwidespread weed throughout the Region.To an extent Blackberry and SerratedTussock are confined to the MacquarieArea. However, significant infestationsoccur within a number of reserves.

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The Region has committed substantialfunds to establish zones of containmentwithin infested areas and has addressedareas of heavy infestation in many areas.

Opportunistic control of other importantweed species is undertaken within theRegion whenever possible.

Reserve Name Area(ha)

Weed Species

St John’sWort

Blackberry SerratedTussock

Willowspp.

Other weeds

BartonNature Reserve

529✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

ConimblaNational Park

7 590✔

CoolbaggieNature Reserve

1 793✔

CopperhanniaNature Reserve

3 494✔ ✔ ✔

DapperNature Reserve

999✔

EugowraNature Reserve

120

FreemantleNature Reserve

361✔ ✔

GirralangNature Reserve

640✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

GoobangNational Park

42 080✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Hill EndHistoric Site

130✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Mount CanobolasSRA

1 673✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Mullion RangeSRA

1 025✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

NangarNational Park

9 196✔ ✔

TollingoNature Reserve

3 232✔

WamboolNature Reserve

194✔ ✔ ✔

WeddinMountainsNational Park

8 361✔ ✔

WinburndaleNature Reserve

10 048✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

WoggoonNature Reserve

6 565✔

WongarbonNature Reserve

99✔

Yuranigh’sAboriginal GraveHistoric Site

2✔

Table 2: Distribution of weed species in Central West Region.

4.2 Threatened SpeciesThe conservation of threatened species isof the upmost importance whenconsidering pest management programs.Every effort is made to minimise anydisturbance to species, populations andcommunities when planning pest

management programs within the CentralWest Region, on and off park.

Pest control programs are undertaken inthe Central West Region by NPWS toprotect those threatened species listed inTable 3.

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In NSW, the threat abatement planningprocess is an excellent mechanism fordelivering strategic statewide initiatives toprotect threatened species. To date, a

threat abatement plan has been finalisedfor foxes, with others in preparation, e.g.feral cats, bitou bush and plague minnow.

Threatened species Pest/s Program Reserve

Purple Copperwing Butterfly Blackberry Y Winburndale NREucalyptus canobolensis Goat Y Mt Canobolas SRAMalleefowl Fox Y Coolbaggie NRGrassy White Box communities Weed

invasionY Central West Region

Table 3: Threatened species protection programs in Central West Region.

5 Regional Priorities

5.1 Criteria forPrioritising PestSpecies Programs

The following criteria reflect the keyresponsibilities and impacts that areconsidered by the NPWS when settingregional priorities for pest management.The availability of suitable technology andresources (financial, human and physical)also influences which programs areimplemented.

A. A pest for which a national orstate emergency control program has beendeveloped (e.g. feral animals implicated inany exotic disease outbreak).

B. Any relevant action specified in athreat abatement plan developed for a pestspecies which has been listed as a keythreatening process under the ThreatenedSpecies Conservation Act 1995.

C. Actions identified in recoveryplans for threatened species.

D. A pest that the community hasidentified as a high priority for action (thisincludes, but is not restricted to pestsdeclared under the Noxious Weeds Act1993 or the Rural Lands Protection Act1998). Priority will generally be given to

those pests for which state or regionalmanagement strategies have beendeveloped, or where there is support for acollaborative program.

E. A pest which threatens theconservation, cultural heritage orrecreational values of an area.

F. A pest population of limiteddistribution, but known to be an importantproblem in other parks, or in other statesor overseas.

G. A pest for which continuedmanagement is necessary to maintainbenefits gained from previous controlprograms.

H. A pest for which a window ofopportunity occurs to undertake controlactivities (e.g. where an effectivebiocontrol agent is available, or feral pigcontrol during floods or droughts).

I. A pest which must becontrolled/contained to allow another highpriority management program to beeffective.

J. Other factors: For weeds, locationof the infestation (ie. within awater catchment or ease of access)and the potential of an area toregenerate naturally, willinfluence the priority given to aprogram (natural regeneration ismore cost effective, reduces

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maintenance and maintains thegenetic integrity of plantcommunities).

The pest species in Central West Regionare prioritised for control based on theextent to which they satisfy the abovecriteria, and on the probability of practicalsuccess of a control operation. The latteris determined by:

� the existence of an effective means ofcontrolling the pest species;

� the availability of resources toundertake effective control;

� the likely availability of resources inthe medium to long-term to maintaincontrol efforts.

Three of the above criteria tend todominate the process of prioritising pestmanagement programs:

� where an endangered species isthreatened by the presence of a pestspecies,

� where infestations (principally weeds)are susceptible to an eradicationprogram,

� where legislative responsibilityrequires a program to be implemented.

5.2 Regional AssessmentTable 4 illustrates how the criteria andprobability of success are cross-referencedin order to group pest species into threepriority classes.

Table 4: Priority classes for pest species.

Extent to which criteria satisfiedHigh Med Low

High 1 1 2Med 1 2 3

Prob

abili

tyof

suc

cess

Low 2 3 3

Tables 5 and 6 show the application of thecriteria to reserves and pest species inCentral West Region, and the resultantpriority classes.

The appropriate timing for pest controlactivities is given in Appendices 1 & 2.

Although the focus of NPWS pestmanagement is the priority pest species,monitoring for emerging pest problems isundertaken on an ongoing basis. NPWSwill continue to work with the PestAnimal Council, NSW Agriculture,RLPBs and local councils to addressproblems as they arise (e.g. outbreaks ofCategory W1 weeds). Appendix 4 listsemerging pest species for the Central WestRegion.

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Table 5: Priority classification of pest animal control in Central West Region.

Reserve Pest animalSpecies

Criteria Probability ofsuccess

Priority

A B C D E F G H I J Regionalmanagementissue

Fox✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ High 1

Winburndale NR ✔ ✔

Medium/Low 3

Mount Canobolas SRA ✔ ✔

Medium/Low 3

Goobang NP

Wild dog(ie. domestic/hunting context)

✔ ✔ Medium/Low 3 Regional managementissue

Feral goat

✔ ✔ ✔ High/ Medium 1

Goobang NP ✔ ✔ ✔ High 1 Mount Canobolas SRA

✔ ✔

✔

Medium 2

Winburndale NR ✔ ✔ ✔ Medium 2 Tollingo NR

Feral pig

✔ ✔ Medium 3 Goobang NP ✔ ✔ ✔ High/Medium 1 Nangar NP Rabbit ✔ ✔ ✔ Medium 2 RegionalmanagementIssue

Feral cat

✔ ✔ Low 3

Winburndale NR ✔ ✔ ✔ Low 3 Copperhannia NR ✔ ✔ ✔ Low 3 Weddin Mts NP

Feral deer ✔ ✔ ✔ Low 3

Table 6: Priority classification of major noxious weed control in Central West Region (see Appendix 3for comprehensive list of noxious weeds in this Region).

Reserve Weed Species Criteria Probability ofsuccess

Priority

A B C D E F G H I J Regionalmanagementissue

Blackberry

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ Medium 2

Regionalmanagementissue

St John’s Wort

✔ ✔ ✔ Medium/Low 2

MacquarieArea

SerratedTussock

✔ ✔ ✔ Medium 2

WinburndaleNR

Gorse

✔ ✔ Medium 2

Lachlan Area Tree of Heaven

✔ ✔ Medium/Low 2/3

MacquarieArea

Willow spp. ✔ ✔ Low 3

Regionalmanagementissue

Other weeds ofopportunity

✔ ✔ Medium/Low 2

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6 ProgramsThe following sections summarise thecontrol programs to be undertaken inCentral West Region, based on thepriorities established in Section 5.

6.1 Pest Animal SpeciesHIGH PRIORITY

6.1.1 European Red Fox - Vulpesvulpes

Distribution

Widespread throughout NPWS managedlands in Central West Region.

Impacts

Fox predation is a major threat to nativeanimal populations, including threatenedspecies. They are a particular problem forMalleefowl (Goonoo SF & CoolbaggieNR), several possum species and ground-dwelling native birds such as the Lyrebird(e.g. Winburndale NR). Foxes are anagent for the dispersal of noxious weeds(notably Blackberry and St John’s Wort)and are a potential carrier of disease.

Predation on farm livestock can beserious.

Control Methods

Fox control should be undertaken in thepeak dispersal period (Autumn) but morefrequently in relation to predation onthreatened species (NSW NPWS 2001).Control within the Central West Regionshould also compliment existing “Out Foxthe Fox” programs administered by NSWAgriculture.

Available methods include:

� ground baiting following best practiceguidelines;

� den fumigation;

� trapping; and

� opportunistic shooting (underendorsed shooting plans).

Management Strategy

A Review of Environmental Factors hasbeen completed to facilitate the active andstrategic management of foxes within highpriority conservation reserves of theRegion. Fox management will occur inaccordance with management modelsproposed within the Fox ThreatAbatement Plan (NSW NPWS 2001).

1. Investigate and identify foxpopulations Region-wide.

2. Undertake fox control in conjunctionwith other pest control programswithin identified priority areas(Coolbaggie NR, Weddin Mtns NP,Goobang NP and Winburndale NRand Goonoo SF).

3. Undertake coordinated programs incooperation with other agencies andimmediate neighbours/stakeholders toprotect threatened and other nativespecies (as per Threat AbatementPlan, NSW NPWS 2001).

4. Undertake monitoring in areas wherefoxes are likely to have a high impacton threatened species such asCoolbaggie Nature Reserve andGoonoo State Forest.

Performance Measures

1. Increased recovery of threatenedspecies as identified in the monitoringprogram in the Fox Threat AbatementPlan.

2. Short term reduction in fox numbersas measured by bait uptake.

3. Comments from neighbours.

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6.1.2 Feral Pig - Sus scrofa

Distribution

Widespread throughout the Central Westin varying population sizes. A Regionalmanagement issue with priority given toWinburndale Nature Reserve, MtCanobolas SRA and Goobang NationalPark.

Illegal hunting and seeding of new areaswith young pigs (e.g. Weddin MountainsNP and Nangar NP) remain difficultproblems to manage as this interferenceconsiderably reduces the effectiveness ofcoordinated control.

Pigs are also known to occur in smallpopulations in adjoining lands throughoutthe Region’s protected area system.

Impacts

Feral pigs can cause severe environmentaldegradation by:

� selective feeding on plantcommunities;

� creation of drainage channels inswamps;

� soil erosion and fouling of wateringpoints by their habit of wallowing androoting;

� direct predation on frogs, reptiles,ground-nesting birds and smallmammals;

� aggressive competition for resourceswith some species; and

� as an agent for the spread of weeds,particularly Blackberry and St John’sWort.

Feral Pigs can kill and eat lambs undertwo weeks of age and as such can have anadverse impact on sheep breedingenterprises. They also compete withdomestic livestock for pasture forbs,

damage cereal crops and introducedpastures, and damage fences.

Pigs are a major potential host of anumber of exotic diseases such as Footand Mouth, African Swine Fever andRinderpest, as well as viruses to whichhumans are susceptible, such as MurrayValley Encephalitis and Ross River Fever.

The deliberate release of piglets andjuveniles in rural areas and adjacent tosettled areas is common in some areas,and is resulting in increased illegal accesson and damage to Service estate byrecreational hunters.

Control Methods

Control methods include:

� strategic coordinated 1080 baiting;

� strategic live panel trapping;

� strategic aerial control programs.

Management Strategy

A REF has been completed to allowRegional staff to undertake active pigmanagement in identified priorityreserves. Management activities include:

1. Investigate pig distributions andpopulations on NPWS managed lands,using ground inspections.

2. Evaluate and review current controltechniques.

3. Continue with and expand on existingplanned strategic trapping/poisoning/aerial shooting programs.

4. Maintain and improve cooperation andcommunication with adjoininglandholders undertaking feral pigcontrol.

5. Establish a monitoring program thatevaluates the effectiveness andmigration rates post control inidentified priority reserves.

15

6. Prepare a coordinated region-widemanagement strategy for pigs.

Performance Measures

Reductions in the evidence of feral pigactivity both on NPWS lands andneighbouring lands.

6.1.3 Feral Goat – Capra hircus

Distribution

1. Feral goats occur throughout the entireCentral West Region, particularly inthe Lachlan Area. High profile areasfor continued feral goat controlinclude Conimbla, Goobang, Nangarand Weddin Mountains NationalParks. Priority areas also includeWinburndale NR and Mt CanobolasSRA.

Impacts

Impacts include overgrazing of nativevegetation, which can substantially impacton vegetation structure, competition withnative species and livestock for water,shelter and through grazing, soilerosion/compaction, and the potential tospread disease, especially Footrot andOvine Johnes Disease (OJD). They canalso cause considerable damage toAboriginal heritage sites and art work.

Control Methods

Due to the complexity of topography andland tenures, the only appropriate controlmethod in Central West Region is astrategically planned aerial cullingprogram.

Management Strategy

1. Evaluate and review current controltechniques.

2. Undertake planned strategic aerialcontrol programs.

3. Monitor goat populations (visualassessments of vegetation) in areas

where control activities are beingundertaken.

Performance Measures

Reduced goat populations, as indicated bymonitoring programs.

Visual vegetation assessments indicatingregeneration of native plant speciessusceptible to grazing by feral goats.

Comments from neighbours and visitorsregarding feral goat sightings.

MEDIUM PRIORITY

6.1.4 European Wild Rabbit -Oryctolagus cuniculus

Distribution

Rabbits occur in scattered populationsthroughout the Region. Rabbitpopulations vary throughout all NPWSmanaged lands and are more common inareas of disturbance or on areas adjacentto agricultural lands (e.g Goobang andNangar National Parks).

Impacts

Rabbits cause environmental damage inthe following ways:

� soil erosion (land degradation);

� grazing of native vegetation andreducing regeneration;

� competition with native animals forsuitable habitat; and

� impacts on historic sites throughfoundation disturbance.

Control Methods

Rabbit control uses a combination ofcontrol techniques, mainly warrendestruction and fumigation, but alsoincluding baiting, fencing, trapping,shooting and biological controls.

16

Programs also make use of naturaloutbreaks of myxomatosis and calicivirusto further suppress populations.

Management Strategy

1. Undertake ground inspections toidentify, map and monitor rabbitactivity (e.g. impact levels, warrenactivity) in NPWS reserves.

2. Continue to control rabbit populationsas part of coordinated programs withneighbours in priority reserves such asGoobang NP.

Performance Measures

A reduction in rabbit populations and thevisible damage they cause.

LOW PRIORITY

6.1.5 Wild Dogs – Canis familiaris

Distribution

The Central West is predominantly not awild dog area, despite its proximity to theDingo Conservation Areas of the BlueMountains region, and the prevalence ofhunting activities that utilise dogs.Isolated and sporadic incursions occurwithin Winburndale NR, Mt CanobolasSRA and Goobang NP. The majority ofwild dog experiences in this region can beattributed to hybridised domestic dogs thathave been lost or abandoned.

Impacts

Wild dogs prey on domestic stock andnative fauna. They can act as a vector ofdiseases to native fauna.

Control Methods

Wild dog control methods include:

� 1080 baiting;

� trapping;

� shooting; and

� fencing.

Effective wild dog control requires timelyand targeted cooperative control withneighbours. Prompt notification of thelocal RLPBs of an issue can result in thedevelopment of a coordinated program toaddress particular concerns.

Management Strategy

1. Increase community awareness ofresponsible dog ownership in urbanareas in conjunction with localgovernment.

2. Improve communication andcooperation with adjoininglandholders.

3. Promote strategic feral pigmanagement techniques that avoid theuse of hunting dogs.

4. Undertake strategic responses (e.g.1080 poisoning program) to mitigatedamage following reports of wild dogattacks on livestock.

Performance Measures

Increased neighbour participation inidentifying where wild dogs are observed.

Increased neighbour participation instrategic feral pig management and regularinvolvement in fox/wild dog controlprograms.

Reduced incidence of wild dog problemsin key regional areas (like WinburndaleNR), as indicated by a reduction in thenumber of reports/complaints.

(LOW PRIORITY, NOT EFFECTIVE)

6.1.6 Feral Cat - Felis catus

Distribution

Known to occur throughout the Regionbut abundance unknown.

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Impacts

Feral cats predate on native reptiles, frogs,small mammals and bird species, competefor food and act as a reservoir for diseasesand parasites which can be transferred tonative fauna, domestic stock and humans.Ecological significance of these impacts isnot quantified (however, see Dickman1996).

Control Methods

There are currently no pesticidesregistered for use on feral cats. The onlycontrol methods available are trapping andopportunistic shooting, but these arelargely ineffective. Feral cats are adifficult pest to control and majoradvances in their control will depend onfurther progress with the cat-specific toxinand baiting system currently beingdeveloped.

Management Strategy

1. Record the distribution/abundance offeral cats on NPWS reserves.

2. Increase community awareness ofresponsible cat ownership inconjunction with local government,NPWS newsletters etc.

3. Undertake opportunistic cat trappingand strategic shooting when requiredfor emergent problem cats.

Performance Measures

Increased community awareness asindicated by community contribution tothe cat sightings database.

Better understanding of abundance anddistribution of cats.

6.1.7 Feral Deer species

Distribution

Isolated sporadic sightings (byneighbours), of individual animals nearCopperhannia and Winburndale NRs and

Weddin Mountains NP. It is possible thatthese animals escaped or were releasedfrom farming enterprises close toconservation and remnant vegetationareas, particularly during the 1990s crashof the deer farming industry.

Impacts

Impacts include competition throughgrazing, overgrazing and trampling ofnative vegetation, ringbarking, soilerosion/compaction, fouling of waterholes, and as a potential vector in thespread of livestock disease.

Control Methods

Opportunistic aerial culling as individualanimals are observed within the remoteareas of these nominated reserves.Animals are rarely observed in this way.

Management Strategy

1. Develop a database of deer sightings.

2. Liaise with neighbours to identify landdegradation issues so that controlefforts can be focused wherenecessary.

3. Undertake collaborative controlefforts with relevant neighbours andRLPBs.

4. Opportunistic control of individualanimals during scheduled aerialmanagement programs for feral goatsand pigs.

Performance Measures

Better understanding of abundance anddistribution of deer and their impacts onreserves.

Reduced deer populations, as indicated byfrequency of sightings and comments fromneighbours.

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6.2 Weed SpeciesHIGH

6.2.1 St John’s Wort – Hyperciumperforatum

Distribution

This weed is widespread and common.All Local Government Areas of theCentral West have identified it to be ofhigh priority for treatment.

The majority of reserves within theRegion have infestations of this weed, asdo the adjoining agricultural lands andlands managed by other agencies.

Active control programs for themanagement of St John’s Wort occurwithin 13 of the Region’s 21 reserves.

Impacts

Invades disturbed areas with the capacityto move into open forest and alongcreeklines. It is considered to be a seriousagricultural and environmental weed.

This noxious weed is poisonous to stockand native fauna, and can cause exposedskin to become photosensitive in manyspecies. It also has the potential to causeirritation to humans.

St John’s Wort competes with other plantspecies for light and nutrients throughoutthe year, and can outcompete almost allother understorey plant species. It spreadsby seeds and lateral roots, and can formdense infestations of up to 250 stems persquare metre.

Control Methods

� Effective biological control agents(e.g. Chrysolina insect) are availablesubject to approval.

� Strategic use of herbicides. Theoptimum stage of growth for sprayingoccurs in early spring when plants are

approaching the pre-budding stage andare actively growing.

� Physical removal of isolated plantscan also be employed.

Management Strategy

1. Treat St John’s Wort in highlyaccessible and/or recreational areas inall identified reserves.

2. Implement control and strategicherbicide application to isolatedinfestations in coordination with otherweed management control projects asthey are identified.

3. Continue existing programs for allinfestation areas within the Region’sprotected area system and liaise withLocal Control Authorities and NSWAgriculture.

4. Investigate the potential effectivenessand the practicality for strategicrelease of biological control agentsthroughout the Region subject toappropriate approval andenvironmental impact determinationprocess.

Performance Measures

Ground inspections indicating a reductionin the degree of infestation, both in areaand plant density, within identifiedreserves. Containment of the presentinfestations is the minimum acceptableperformance level.

6.2.2 Blackberry – Rubusfruiticosus

Distribution

Extensive infestations occur in theMacquarie Area of the Region, principallywithin Winburndale NR and MtCanobolas SRA where the infestations arewell-established and more complex. Atmost other sites this weed tends to occurin watercourses and throughout theadjoining catchment areas.

19

Primary treatment began on infestations in1994 across the Region.

Impacts

A highly visible and invasive specieswhich rapidly invades disturbed land byforming dense thickets from undergroundsuckers. It has the capacity to move intoopen forest and along creeklines.

It covers large areas with a dense canopythat excludes light from the soil surface.It is therefore able to outcompete mostnative plant species, and can seriouslyimpede the regeneration of native plants.At one site Blackberry thickets impingeupon and threaten the habitat of theendangered Purple Copper Butterfly.

This plant can also provide shelter andforaging habitats for feral animals.

Control Methods

� Strategic herbicide application is themost effective, efficient and cost-effective method to controlinfestations of Blackberry.

� A biological control agent, RustFungus, exists. Cold temperatureslimit effectiveness of this fungus, thusits success has been variable withinthe Macquarie Area.

Management Strategy

Identify and map Blackberry infestationon NPWS managed lands.

Treat and follow up previously untreatedinfestations annually. Priority reserves arethose with high visitation levels, such asMt Canobolas SRA and Hill End HistoricSite. Isolated infestations are ofparticularly high priority.

Annual monitoring of treatment sites forregeneration.

Performance Measures

Treatment is aimed at containment of thepresent infestations in all areas.Reduction in the degree of infestation,both in area and plant density will be aslow, incremental process.

6.2.3 Serrated Tussock – Nassellatrichotoma

Distribution

Occurs predominantly within theMacquarie Area, within which it is widelydistributed.

This species does not grow well in shadedsites. Infestations within reserves are oflight to medium densities, scattered overcleared (non-canopy cover) areas.

Impacts

Serrated Tussock forms thick mats,thereby providing little opportunity forother plants to establish underneath. Inthis way it greatly decreases plantdiversity once established. This grass haslittle nutritional value and is of littlepastoral value to stock or native grazingspecies.

Control Methods

� Strategic ground-applied herbicidetechniques are the most effective,efficient and cost-effective method tocontrol infestations.

Management Strategy

1. Identify and map Serrated Tussockinfestation on NPWS managed lands.

2. Treat in highly accessible and/orrecreational areas. Other priority sitesinclude exposed seed sources(although treatment is limited to moreaccessible locations).

3. Implement control and strategicherbicide application to isolatedinfestations in coordination with other

20

weed management control projects asthey are identified.

4. Continue existing programs for allinfestation areas, and liaise with LocalControl Authorities and NSWAgriculture for the continuedmanagement of Serrated Tussock inaccordance with the national strategy.

5. Annual monitoring of treatment sites,and follow-up treatment wherenecessary.

Performance Measures

Reduction in the degree of infestation,both in area and plant density, withinidentified reserves, as indicated by annualmonitoring.

7 ConclusionPest management programs have beenundertaken throughout Central WestRegion based on priorities andrecommendations in the previous regionalplan. This review of the 1998 PestManagement Strategy will assist in thecontinuation of works programs for 2003-2006 and highlight planning needs.

Setting priorities is only the beginning ofpest management. Once regionalpriorities are established, the planning,implementation of programs, monitoringand evaluation begins.

Successful pest management takes time.Programs are successful if they are wellplanned ensuring the appropriate controltechniques are used and follow-up isundertaken. Programs are also moreeffective if neighbours are encouraged tobecome actively involved in the overallimplementation of the programs across thelandscape.

This management strategy is only a tool toestablish pest priorities and establishbroad management guidelines. Moredetailed plans for individual pests or

reserves have been prepared or requirepreparation as companions to this strategy.

The Central West Region Pest SpeciesManagement Plan will be reviewedannually.

8 AcknowledgementsThe following National Parks and WildlifeService staff provided assistance in thepreparation of this plan: Peter Myler (AreaManager Macquarie) and Gavin Newton(Ranger). Additional information wasprepared by Andrew Leys (PestManagement Coordinator) and Dani Ayers(Western Directorate OSCU supportOfficer).

Report Prepared by:

Jason W. Neville

Pest Management Officer

Central West Region.

21

9 Further Reading andReferences

Beukers, P. (1995). DRAFT: Options forConserving Biodiversity in BathurstDistrict. NSW National Parks andWildlife Service.

Blood, K. (2001). Environmental weeds:a field guide for SE Australia. CRC WeedManagement Systems. CH Jerram &Associates – Science Publishers, MtWaverley.

Braysher, M. (1993). ManagingVertebrate Pests: Principles andStrategies. Bureau of Resource Sciences,Australian Government PublishingService: Canberra.

Breckwoldt, R. (1983). Wildlife in theHome Paddock, Nature conservation forAustralian farmers. Angus & RobertsonPublishers.

Cardale, S. 1987. The naturalenvironment: vegetation. pp. 111-136 inGoldney, D. C. and Bowie, I. J. S. (eds).National Trust of Australia, NSW Scenicand scientific survey of the central westregion. A report to the Australian heritagecommission. Vol 1. Mitchell College ofAdvanced Educaation, Bathurst.

Choquenot, D., McIlroy, J. and Korn, T.(1996). Managing Vertebrate Pests:Feral Pigs. Bureau of Resource Sciences,Australian Government PublishingService: Canberra.

Dickman, C. R. 1996. Overview of theimpacts of feral cats on Australian nativefauna. Prepared for the Australian NatureConservation Agency.

Ensbey, R. (ed). (2001). Noxious andenvironmental weed control handbook –2001/2002. NSW Agriculture: Orange.

Fleming, P., Corbett, L., Harden, R. andThomson, P. (2001). Managing theImpacts of Dingoes and Other Wild Dogs.

Bureau of Rural Sciences, AustralianGovernment Publishing Service:Canberra.

Goldney, D. C. (1987). History of thecentral west region. pp. 31-57 in Goldney,D. C. and Bowie, I. J. S. (eds). NationalTrust of Australia, NSW Scenic andscientific survey of the central westregion. A report to the Australian heritagecommission. Vol 1. Mitchell College ofAdvanced Educaation, Bathurst.

Harden, B. (1997). A Survey of VertebratePests in the Service Estate. Biodiversity.Survey and Research Division, NationalParks and Wildlife Service.

Hone, J., O’Grady, J. and Pedersen, H.(1980). Decisions in the Control of FeralPig Damage. NSW Department ofAgriculture. AG Bulletin.

Howling, G. M. (1997). RemnantVegetation in the Central West Catchment- Issues and Options for the Future.Central West Catchment Committee.

Kirkpatrick, J. (1994). A ContinentTransformed - Human Impact on theNatural Vegetation of Australia. OxfordUniversity Press.

Low, T. (2000). Feral Future – the untoldstory of Australia’s Exotic Invaders.Viking.

Norton, G. A. and Pech, R. P. (1988).Vertebrate Pest Management in Australia.CSIRO Division of Wildlife & Ecology.

NSW Agriculture. (1993). NSW NoxiousWeed Legislation. Agnote.

NSW Agriculture. (1996). VertebratePest Control Manual. NSW Agriculture,Orange.

NSW Agriculture. (Sept 1999). NSWNoxious weeds List. Agnote.

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.(2001). Threat Abatement Plan forPredation by the Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes).

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NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.Hurstville.

Olsen, P. (1998). Australia's PestAnimals: New Solutions to Old Problems.Bureau of Resource Sciences andKangaroo Press: East Roseville.

Pandit, R. (1995). Impacts of MajorVertebrate Pests on ConservationReserves in NPWS Central andMetropolitan Regions. NSW NationalParks and Wildlife Service.

Parkes, J., Henzell, R. and Pickles, G.(1996). Managing Vertebrate Pests:Feral Goats. Bureau of Resource Science.Australian Government PublishingService: Canberra.

Parsons, W. T. and Cuthbertson, E. G.(1992). Noxious Weeds of Australia.Inkata Press: Melbourne.

Recher, H. F. Lunney, D. and Dunn, I.(1995). A Natural Legacy - Ecology inAustralia. 2nd edition. SNP Printing.

Rigby, N. (2000). Central West RegionOperation Plan 2000/2004. NSWNational Parks and Wildlife Service.

Saunders, G., Coman, B., Kinnear, J. andBraysher, M. (1995). Managingvertebrate Pests: Foxes. Bureau ofResource Sciences. AustralianGovernment Publishing Service:Canberra.

Sindel, B. M. (ed). (2000) AustralianWeed Management Systems. (R. G. and F.J. Richardson, Melbourne). 506pp.

Williams, K., Parer, I., Coman, J.B.,Burley, J. and Braysher, M. (1995).Managing Vertebrate Pests: Rabbits.Bureau of Resource Science. AustralianGovernment Publishing Service:Canberra.

23

Appendix 1: Timing of Weed Control Programs

The NPWS tries to adopt a strategic approach to weed control, whilst also allowing sufficientflexibility to capitalise on windows of opportunity which arise, (e.g. control of massgerminations following flooding or local rainfall events). Timing of control activities varies withthe method used. Factors that determine timing of herbicide application include growth stage ofthe plant, time of year, herbicide used, mode of application and weather conditions. Thefollowing table outlines the best time for control of key weeds using herbicide treatment only,within each Area of the Central West Region.

Species Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May JunBlackberry

MacquarieLachlan

St John’s WortMacquarie

Lachlan

SerratedTussock

Macquarie

Weeds ofopportunity

MacquarieLachlan

Appendix 2: Timing of Pest Animal Control Programs

The NPWS undertakes pest animal control with a similar approach to that taken for weed control(see Appendix 1). Many programs are developed strategically well in advance of the on-groundprogram control activities. Others are organised at short notice to capitalise on windows ofopportunity, (such as floods, droughts or fire). Timing of control activities also varies with themethod used. The following table outlines the best time for control of key pest species in theCentral West Region. The timings are approximate and are influenced by factors such as varyingseasonal conditions.

Species Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May JunFoxGoatPigRabbit

24

Appendix 3: Noxious Weeds of the Central West Region

Within the Central West Region, the Upper Macquarie County Council has the mostcomprehensive register of noxious weeds. This list also incorporates those noxious weedspresent in all Local Government Areas and Local Control Authorities within Central WestRegion, and the majority of weeds occurring with the larger Central West and Mid LachlanCatchment Planning areas.

Common name Scientific name Upper MacquarieCounty Council

African Boxthorn Lycium ferocissimum W2 African Lovegrass Eragrostis curvula W3 Alligator Weed Alternanthera philoxeroides W1 Bathurst Burr Xanthium spinosum W2 Noogoora Burr Xanthium occidentale W2 Californian Burrs Xanthium spp. W2 Cockle Burr Xanthium spp. W2 Black Knapweed Centaurea nigra W1 Blackberry Rubus fruticosus (agg. spp.) W3 Broomrape Orobanche spp. W1 Cabomba Cabomba spp. W4 Columbus Grass Sorghum x almum W2 Dodder Cuscuta Cuscuta campestris W2 Gorse Ulex europaeus W2 Green Cestrum Cestrum parqui W2 Harrisia Cactus Harrisia spp. W4f Hawkweed Hieracium spp. W1 Hemlock Conium maculatum W2 Horsetail Equisetum spp. W1 Johnson Grass Sorghum halepense W2 Karroo Thorn Acacia karroo W1 Kochia Kochia scoparia W1 Lagarosiphon Lagarosiphon major W1 Longstyle Feather Grass Pennisetum villosum W2 Mexican Feather Grass Nassella tenuissima syn Stipa tenuissima W1 Miconia Miconia spp. W1 Nodding Thistle Carduus nutans W3 Pampas Grass Cortaderia spp. W2 Parthenium Weed Parthenium hysterophorus W1 Prickly Pears Opuntia spp. W4f

Privet - broadleaf Ligustrum lucidum W4b Privet - narrowleaf Ligustrum sinense W4b Rhus Tree Toxicodendron succedaneum W2 Salvinia Salvinia molesta W1 Scotch Broom Cytisus scoparius W2 English Broom Cytisus scoparius W2 Scotch Thistle Onopordum spp. W3 Illyrian Thistle Onopordum spp. W3 Stemless Thistles Onopordum spp. W3 Senegal Tea Plant Gymnocoronis spilanthoides W1 Serrated Tussock Nassella trichotoma W3 Siam Weed Chromolaena odorata W1 Silverleaf Nightshade Solanum elaeagnifolium W2

25

Common name Scientific name Upper MacquarieCounty Council

Spiny Burrgrass Cenchrus incertus W2 Spiny Burrgrass Cenchrus longispinus W2 Spotted Knapweed Centaurea maculosa W1 St John's Wort Hypericum perforatum W3 Star Thistle Centaurea calcitrapa W2 Sweet Briar Rosa rubiginosa W3 Tree of Heaven Ailanthus altissima W2 Water Hyacinth Eichhornia crassipes W1 Water Lettuce Pistia stratiotes W1 Wild Radish Raphanus raphanistrum W2 Willows Salix spp. W4g

Table of Explanation:W1 The presence of the weed on land must be notified to the local control authority, and the weed must be fullyand continually suppressed and destroyed.W2 The weed must be fully & continually suppressed and destroyed.W3 The weed must be prevented from spreading & its numbers and distribution reduced.W4 Various actions according to the following categories:(f) The weed must not be sold, propagated or knowingly distributed. Any biological control or other control programdirected by a local control authority must be implemented.(g) The weed must not be sold, propagated or knowingly distributed.

Appendix 4: Emerging Pest Issues

Weed or pest animals which currently either do not occur or are suspected to occur on NPWSmanaged lands in Central West Region and are a known problem in other natural areas. Thesespecies will be monitored and removed from NPWS lands where possible.

Pest Locations

Feral Deer species Isolated sporadic sightings of individual animals near Copperhanniaand Winburndale NRs and Weddin Mountains NP.

Fire Ants Not known from Central West Region. Current NPWS managementis focused on preventing the spread and establishment of thisspecies, such as through the participation in community awarenessprograms. Vigilance is maintained within conservation areas, withregular observations undertaken for this species.

Parthenium Weed All estate. Localised infestations have been found on major roadsin NSW. Continual vigilance is required by all land managers toprevent spread of new outbreaks.

NSWNATIONALPARKS ANDWILDLIFESERVICE

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