Council works with SCA to remove nasty pest
1 June 2009
Shoalhaven City Council has successfully completed the eradication of privet around the foreshores of Lake Yarrunga, under a private contract for the Sydney Catchment Authority (SCA).
The privet eradication was undertaken by Council staff over the past two and a half years and was the result of a successful tender for the work in 2006.
Council officers worked on controlling the noxious weed and native revegetation work on the foreshores of Lake Yarrunga and achieved a reduction of 93 percent of the privet in the foreshore areas.
Shoalhaven City Mayor Councillor Paul Green said the contract work shows that Council can engage as contractors in areas of work where Council has the known expertise.
"Privet control in these areas was difficult and at times in some inaccessible places, but Council was able to enjoy great success in the work," Clr Green said.
"Council's expertise in weed removal and the revegetation with natives in these areas has been recognised by the SCA."
Council staff worked to remove the weed in 30 areas around the lake.
Chief Executive of the SCA, Michael Bullen, said the project demonstrated the SCA's commitment to being a responsible landholder in the Kangaroo Valley community.
"Lake Yarrunga around Tallowa Dam is an important recreational facility in the region," Mr Bullen said.
"As owners and managers of the dam and the protected catchment areas around the lake, we want to ensure these areas are well maintained and valued by the local community.
"Removing privet from the foreshores was a high priority for us and we were pleased to contract Council to deliver the work on the ground for us. This work is part of the SCA's broader weed management strategy in the Kangaroo Valley and we continue to work on all of our lands to reduce weed infestations."
Council has had considerable experience in undertaking privet control and native vegetation revegetation in Kangaroo Valley. Privet growth prior to its eradication had been rapid in that area due to the wet summer season. Councils Natural Resources Area in City Services and Operations completed the work for the SCA.
Council also works in conjunction with more than 50 land and dune care groups in the Shoalhaven City to remove noxious weeds and also to revegetate natural areas in the city.
Media Contact Details
Name:Debbie Low
Phone:(02) 4725 2502
Mobile:
FAX:(02) 4725 2522
Email:debbie.low@sca.nsw.gov.au
