Ballina, Lismore, Kyogle and Richmond Valley shires are set to benefit from seven weed biosecurity projects, which the NSW government says will support the protection of native vegetation and the enhancement of wildlife habitats at key environmental sites.
North Coast utility Rous County Council manages weed programs and water sources and catchments, and said the funding was provided through the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund.
Bitou bush, alligator weed, groundsel bush targetted
They say the programs ‘will support the management of Bitou bush, Alligator weed, Groundsel bush and other invasive weeds at Crown reserves across the Ballina, Lismore, Kyogle and Richmond Valley local government areas’.
‘Together, the projects – delivered during 2026-27 – will improve more than 125 hectares of local Crown land in the region.
Rous Weed Biosecurity and Bush Regeneration Manager Philip Courtney said the funding would enable strategic weed control works with long-term environmental benefits.
‘The funding will allow Rous and local councils to undertake targeted weed management works that support the recovery of native vegetation and strengthen the natural resilience of these important areas,’ said Philip Courtney.
‘Invasive weeds can rapidly degrade natural ecosystems. By investing in intervention and ongoing control, we can help protect these important Crown land sites.’
‘Works will be undertaken in partnership with local councils at Albert Park, Jabiru Geneebeinga Wetlands, Tunglebung Public Recreational Reserve and Seven Mile Beach.
‘The projects also include follow-up treatment of Bitou bush regrowth at previously funded sites at Black Head, Skennars Head and the Lake Ainsworth Sport and Recreation Area.
‘At Albert Park, weed control will reduce infestations of Groundsel bush, Yellow bells and Giant devil’s fig, supporting native vegetation recovery.
‘At Jabiru Geneebeinga Wetlands, aquatic weed treatment will help reduce infestations into flood-prone areas, farmland and community spaces.
‘Weed management at Tunglebung Public Recreational Reserve will target Tropical soda apple, Chinese celtis and Cat’s claw, while work at Seven Mile Beach will focus on Bitou bush and other invasive weeds’.
Rous’ General Manager, Phillip Rudd welcomed the NSW Government’s funding and said it would enable important on-ground works to protect some of the region’s significant natural areas.
‘These projects build on previous successful weed management programs and will support the protection of important habitats, waterways and recreational areas.’
‘Partnerships and funding programs such as this are critical in helping us achieve impactful environmental outcomes across the region.
‘The Crown Reserves Improvement Fund provides financial support for the maintenance, improvement and development of Crown reserves across New South Wales. The program assists reserve managers to maintain public land and address threats such as invasive weeds and pest species that impact biodiversity and environmental values.’
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