Riverina Region Pest Management

Strategy

NSW NATIONAL PARKS AND WILDLIFE 2003 ­ 2006 SERVICE  NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, 2003. This work is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced without prior written permission from NPWS.

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 43 Bridge Street (PO Box 1967) Hurstville NSW 2220 Telephone: 02 9585 6444 www.npws.nsw.gov.au

For further information contact: Pest Management Officer Region, Western Directorate NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service PO Box 1049 Griffith NSW 2680 Telephone: 02 6966 8100

Cover image: NPWS staff fox baiting along a trail in the open grasslands of .

Photograph by NSW NPWS.

This plan should be cited as follows:

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. (2003). Riverina Region Pest Management Strategy 2003-2006. NPWS, Hurstville, NSW.

ISBN 0 7313 6696 4 Regional Pest Management Strategies

Foreword

Pest animals and weeds are the targets of the five regional pest management strategies for central and western NSW. The strategies are an initiative of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (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 draft strategies during August and September 2002, which provided an opportunity for the community to have their say in how they were developed.

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

The NPWS is committed to a regional approach to pest management where the programs are developed and often undertaken in collaboration with neighbours, other government agencies, 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 priority control programs. The aim is to apply best practice, humane, cost effective methods, which will have minimal impacts on the environment. In general this requires careful planning, to ensure an integrated approach is adopted using a range of techniques at critical times of the year, and often, the targeting of more than one species.

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

TERRY KORN DIRECTOR WESTERN Table of Contents

1 Background...... 1 1.1 Introduction...... 1 1.2 Riverina Region ...... 1 1.3 Legislation and Policy...... 2 1.3.1 National Parks and Wildlife (NPW) Act 1974 ...... 2 1.3.2 Threatened Species Conservation (TSC) Act 1995 ...... 3 1.3.3 Rural Lands Protection (RLP) Act 1998 ...... 3 1.3.4 Noxious Weeds Act 1993 ...... 3 1.3.5 Wild Dog Destruction (WDD) Act 1921 ...... 4 1.3.6 Other Relevant Legislation ...... 4 1.3.7 NPWS Field Management Policies ...... 4

2 Management Strategy ...... 4

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

4 Pest Programs and Threatened Species ...... 5 4.1 Past Pest Management ...... 5 4.1.1 Pest Animals ...... 6 4.1.2 Weeds ...... 6 4.2 Threatened Species...... 7

5 Regional Priorities ...... 9 5.1 Criteria for Prioritising Pests...... 9 5.2 Regional Assessment ...... 9

6 Programs ...... 12 6.1 Pest Animal Species...... 12 6.1.1 Feral Pig - Sus scrofa...... 12 6.1.2 European Red Fox - Vulpes vulpes...... 13 6.1.3 European Wild Rabbit - Oryctolagus cuniculus...... 13 6.1.4 Feral Goat – Capra hircus ...... 14 6.1.5 Feral Cat - Felis catus ...... 15 6.2 Weed Species...... 16 6.2.1 Horehound - Marrubium vulgare...... 16 6.2.2 Parthenium Weed - Parthenium hysterophorus ...... 16 6.2.3 St John’s Wort - Hypericum perforatum ...... 17 6.2.4 African Boxthorn – Lycium ferocissimum ...... 17 6.2.5 Bridal Creeper - Myrsiphyllum asparagoides...... 18 6.2.6 Purple-flowered Devil’s Claw - Proboscidea louisianica...... 19 6.2.7 Golden Dodder - Cuscuta campestris ...... 19 6.2.8 Blackberry - Rubus fruiticosus...... 19 6.2.9 Bathurst Burr - Xanthium spinosum...... 20 6.2.10 Noogoora Burr - Xanthium occidentale ...... 20 6.2.11 Spiny Emex - Emex australis...... 21 6.2.12 Khaki Weed - Alternanthera pungens ...... 21

7 Conclusion ...... 22

8 Acknowledgements ...... 22

9 Further Reading and References ...... 23 Index of Figures Figure 1: Map of Riverina Region indicating Local Government Area boundaries and NPWS estate...... 2

Index of Tables Table 1: Pest species occurring on NPWS estate in Riverina Region...... 7 Table 2: Threatened species protection programs in Riverina Region...... 8 Table 3: Priority classes for pest species...... 10 Table 4: Pest species priority classes for Riverina Region...... 10

Appendices Appendix 1: Timing of Pest Control Programs ...... 25 Appendix 2: Noxious Weeds in NPWS estate within Riverina Region ...... 26 Appendix 3: Emerging Pest Issues ...... 27 This Pest Management Strategy outlines 1 Background how the NPWS manages pest species. In this strategy, the term “pest species” refers to introduced species of weeds and pest 1.1 Introduction animals. Introduced pest species can seriously impact upon the biodiversity of reserved 1.2 Riverina Region areas by modifying species richness, Riverina Region covers an area of abundance and ecosystem function. They approximately 100,000 km² in south- can also have significant impacts on the western NSW, central NSW and the economic and social values of Riverina. The Region currently manages neighbouring areas. an estate area of 183,019 ha, comprising This Pest Management Strategy is a three national parks, 18 nature reserves review of the 1996 Riverina Region and one historic site. strategy (Balnaves 1996) and establishes Name of reserve Area (ha) the strategic direction for pest 8,358 management activities within lands 19,386 managed by the National Parks and Boginderra Hills Nature Reserve 551 Wildlife Service (NPWS) in the Riverina Big Bush Nature Reserve 640 Region over the period 2003 - 2006. Buddigower Nature Reserve 327 Priorities and programs for recent Cocoparra Nature Reserve 4,647 additions to the NPWS estate are still Goonawarra Nature Reserve 437 being finalised and will be included in Gubbata Nature Reserve 162 subsequent revisions of the strategies. Ingalba Nature Reserve 4,012 NR 37 This strategy incorporates further Koonadan Historic Site 22 information collated from Region-wide Lake Nature Reserve 302 weed surveys, neighbour liaison, weed Langtree Nature Reserve 235 mapping work and information received Loughnan Nature Reserve 385 from key stakeholders. The strategy also Nature Reserve 71 includes pest planning for the recent new Nombinnie Nature Reserve 70,000 additions to NPWS managed lands and the Nombinnie/Lysmoyle Lands 57,055* changes to the regional boundaries. Oolambeyan National Park 21,980 Pucawan Nature Reserve 274 The aim of this strategy is to maximise the Pulletop Nature Reserve 145 effectiveness of pest control programs. It Round Hill Nature Reserve 13,630 identifies the major pest species The Charcoal Tank Nature Reserve 86 populations within the Region, and The Rock Nature Reserve 347 establishes criteria for prioritising control Yanga Nature Reserve 1,944 programs. The strategy provides a brief summary of control programs to be *Lysmoyle Lands (located between undertaken. Specific details of individual gazetted portions of Nombinnie NR) are programs are addressed in operational pest owned by NPWS but have not been control plans. dedicated pending exploration for minerals. This property is managed as if it It is envisaged that this review of the were part of Nombinnie Nature Reserve. strategy will continue to improve the development, coordination and implementation of pest species management within Riverina Region.

1 Figure 1: Map of Riverina Region indicating Local Government Area boundaries and NPWS estate.

Reserves, Historic Sites and Aboriginal 1.3 Legislation and Areas with the Director-General of the NPWS. Key management objectives Policy include conservation, provision of appropriate scientific and educational The NPWS has a number of statutory opportunities, and management of fire and responsibilities in relation to pest species pest species. These are achieved through management, and has also adopted a the preparation and implementation of number of related policies. plans of management for each reserve, which identify pest species present, 1.3.1 National Parks and Wildlife control strategies and priorities for that (NPW) Act 1974 reserve. This pest management strategy incorporates actions identified in plans of This Act vests the care, control and management that have been completed management of National Parks, Nature within the Riverina Region.

2 the NPWS are required to eradicate 1.3.2 Threatened Species (continuously suppress and destroy) pest Conservation (TSC) Act 1995 animals "…to the extent necessary to minimise the risk of the pest causing The main objective of the TSC Act is to damage to any land" using any lawful conserve biological diversity. The Act method or, if the Order specifies a method provides for the listing of threatened to be used, by the method specified species, populations and ecological [s.156(1)]. The Minister for Agriculture communities. The Act also provides for must consult with the Service before the preparation and implementation of making a Pest Control Order that applies recovery plans for threatened species, to lands managed by the NPWS [s.147]. populations and ecological communities and the designation of areas as habitat Fauna listed under Schedule 1 or 2 of the critical to the survival of those listed as Threatened Species Conservation Act endangered. The Act provides for the 1995 cannot be declared as pests identification of key threatening [s.143(5)]. The Minister for the processes, and the amelioration of these Environment must be consulted before any through the preparation and native fauna is declared a pest [s.144(2)]. implementation of threat abatement plans. The Pest Control Order for wild dogs, One of the major features of the Act is the gazetted on 2 October 2001, provides for integration of the conservation of the general destruction obligation for threatened species into the development lands listed in Schedule 2 of the Order control processes under the Environmental will be satisfied through a wild dog Planning and Assessment Act 1979. Thus, management plan [s.156(4)] that addresses proponents are required to assess the both control and conservation objectives likely impact of a development or activity and has been approved by the relevant on threatened species, populations or RLP Board for that District. Schedule 2 ecological communities or their habitats. lists 254 reserves considered to contain high quality Dingo habitat on lands managed by the NPWS, State Forests of 1.3.3 Rural Lands Protection (RLP) NSW, Catchment Authority and Act 1998 unoccupied Crown land managed by the The pest animal provisions of the RLP Act Department of Land and Water commenced on 28 September 2001. The Conservation. RLP Act sets out the conditions under which “animals, birds and insects” can 1.3.4 Noxious Weeds Act 1993 become "declared" pests and provides for the control of such pest species. Under this Act the Minister for Agriculture has the power to make Orders Gazettal of pest species occurs through declaring plants as “noxious weeds” Pest Control Orders [s.143] which allow (listed in Schedule 1 of the Act). Weeds the Minister for Agriculture to specify can be declared “noxious” if they pose a which species are pests, either on a threat to agriculture, the environment or statewide or local basis, and the conditions community health, and there is a public or factors that apply to the control of each benefit from such declaration. A number pest. Rabbits, wild dogs and feral pigs of environmental weeds have now been have been declared pest animals declared under this Act, for example, bitou throughout NSW. bush in all coastal councils and gorse in a number of tablelands and coastal councils. The RLP Act binds the Crown for the Noxious weeds are classified into four control of pest animals declared under the categories with different control Act [s.142]. Public land managers such as requirements.

3 1.3.5 Wild Dog Destruction (WDD) and fauna, or where NPWS reserves Act 1921 adjoin land not infested or agricultural land. Programs that are practical and The WWD Act requires landholders and involve techniques with little harmful or occupiers in the Western Division to residual environmental impact have destroy all wild dogs upon such land and preference. for the maintenance of the wild dog fence along the north-western parts of the Policy 2.3 states that Introduced Animals NSW/Queensland and NSW/South (with limited exceptions) shall not be Australian borders. The WDD Act does allowed to remain on NPWS reserves as not bind the Crown. they may prey on native fauna or have other adverse impacts on vegetation, soils and water quality. 1.3.6 Other Relevant Legislation Policy 2.6 Wild Dogs acknowledges the Ø Environment Protection and complexities inherent in the need to Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 conserve dingoes together with the need to Ø Agricultural and Veterinary control wild dogs. Baiting programs are Chemicals Code Act 1994 only undertaken on NPWS reserves where there is adequate evidence of wild dogs Ø Occupational Health and Safety Act coming from those reserves and killing or 2000 maiming stock.

Ø Environmental Planning and The Firearms Policy sets out procedures Assessment Act 1979 to ensure firearms are safely managed and used by NPWS staff in accordance with Ø Firearms Act 1996 and the Firearms the relevant legislation. (General Regulation) 1997

Ø Heritage Act 1977 2 Management

Ø Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act Strategy 1979 The National Parks & Wildlife Service is committed to a regional/catchment Ø Pesticides Act 1999 approach to pest management. The programs are developed and often Ø Occupational Health and Safety Act undertaken in collaboration with 1998 neighbours, other government agencies, Ø Wilderness Act 1987 rural lands protection boards, local government councils, regional pest Ø Native Vegetation Conservation Act committees, CSIRO, universities and 1997 community groups such as Landcare, and Bushcare volunteers, local Aboriginal Land Councils and Green Corp programs. 1.3.7 NPWS Field Management Policies The Service aims to manage populations of pest animals and weeds to minimise A number of field management policies their adverse impacts. Many of the are relevant to this strategy. Service’s weed control programs focus on environmental weeds because of the need Policy 1.9 Exotic Plant Species gives to reduce the adverse impacts of these priority for control programs to exotic species on biodiversity conservation. plants that are increasing in abundance However, to protect neighbouring and distribution, or displacing native flora

4 properties, the NPWS also undertakes activities proposed on NPWS land require numerous programs targeting noxious an appropriate level of assessment of their agricultural weeds e.g. Serrated Tussock, environmental impacts. The level of Bathurst Burr, Noogoora Burr, Johnson assessment undertaken relates to the Grass, Giant Parramatta Grass and Scotch probable degree of impact and can range Thistle. There is a clear recognition that from an initial analysis, to a Review of the eradication of introduced pests over Environmental Factors, to an large areas is rarely, if ever, possible and Environmental Impact Statement. resources must be directed to those species/localities where the benefits of control are likely to be greatest. 3 Objectives of Pest

Wherever possible a strategic approach to Control Programs pest management is adopted and the The overriding objective of NPWS pest reader is referred to the pest management control programs is to conserve publications by the Bureau of Resource biodiversity and cultural heritage. Sciences for greater detail on pest animals (see Further Reading list) or to various Programs also have the following specific references for weeds (see Further Reading goals: list). • Increase community understanding of The Service employs a large number of the adverse impacts of pests on specialist staff to develop and implement biodiversity and Aboriginal and effective pest management programs. The historic cultural heritage aim is to apply best practice, cost-effective methods that will have minimal impacts • Manage pest populations to minimise on the environment. In general this their movement into NPWS estate, or requires careful planning, to ensure an onto adjoining properties where they integrated approach is adopted using a impact on agricultural production range of techniques at critical times of the year, and often, the targeting of more than • Satisfy legislative responsibilities e.g. one species (e.g. foxes and wild dogs). Rural Lands Protection Act 1998, Noxious Weeds Act 1993 and Integrated pest management is likely to Threatened Species Conservation Act result in the most effective long-term 1995 reduction in pest populations and avoid selection for bait shy pest animals, or • Support cooperative approaches to herbicide resistant weeds. Biological pest management with other agencies control is incorporated into programs and the community where effective agents are available, but in most cases biocontrol must be • Foster community support. supplemented with conventional control techniques. The pest management approach adopted by the Service reflects a 4 Pest Programs and balance between the desire to use the most effective control technique (such as 1080 Threatened Species baiting for many animal pests) with a requirement to minimise non-target impacts and animal suffering. 4.1 Past Pest

As the lead conservation agency in NSW Management the Service has a duty to ensure its own Pest management has evolved from an activities comply with the law and are under-funded irregular activity in 1975 to environmentally sound. All pest control

5 a strategic, cooperative, regional land 4.1.1 Pest Animals management activity in 2001. Pest animal programs are undertaken Past pest management was largely reactive throughout the Region and cover a number crisis management prior to 1995. Griffith of species (Table 1). District allocated just 2% of recurrent budget funds to pest animal control with An aerial fox baiting program using a GPS virtually no funding for weed control. and computer navigation system has been Staff often expressed concern and developed for use at Nombinnie and frustration about the lack of adequate Round Hill Nature Reserves. funds to enable a more professional approach to pest management. GPS location and mapping of rabbit warrens is used for large-scale warren Pest animal control focused on rapid ripping projects in the Region. The population reduction mainly to appease system enables accurate planning, project neighbours and RLPBs. There was costing, efficient use of staff and insufficient consideration of conservation machinery, reduces negative outcomes, long-term control or welfare of environmental impacts and provides data pest animals. Aerial shooting was the for evaluation and monitoring. favoured strategy for goat and feral pig control. There are no wild dogs on lands managed by Riverina Region. Should they occur Since that time, Riverina Region has local control programs will be adopted a more strategic approach to pest implemented immediately. control management incorporating programs that were identified as high 4.1.2 Weeds priorities in the 1996 Pest Strategy. This includes weed mapping, integrated control Surveys of the distribution and abundance techniques, the development of short/long of weeds has been undertaken for all term coordinated strategies, environmental estate areas and mapping of some weed assessment, and monitoring and species has commenced. evaluation. Several weed control projects are Since 1995, cooperative pest management underway, including control of African programs have increased in number, scale, Boxthorn. and complexity in Riverina Region. One such program targeting foxes, rabbits, Biological control agents for control of goats and cats on Nombinnie and Round Bridal Creeper, Horehound and Hill Nature Reserves has been described Patterson’s Curse have been released and by NSW Agriculture as a showpiece of will continue to be monitored. large-scale integrated pest management in western NSW. One of the aims of this New reserve acquisitions will bring extra program is to protect threatened species workloads and challenges. However, the including the Malleefowl. provision of additional funding for pest programs to protect threatened species is Pest management priorities and programs encouraging. for recent additions to the NPWS estate are still being finalised and will be The list of weeds in this strategy (Table 1) included in subsequent revisions of this is not an exhaustive list of species strategy. occurring within Riverina Region. A number of other weeds occur on NPWS managed lands but are of less importance in natural areas and, therefore, have not been included in this pest strategy.

6 Noxious weeds recorded in Riverina Pest control programs are undertaken in Region are listed in Appendix 2. the Riverina Region by NPWS to protect those threatened species listed in Table 2.

4.2 Threatened Species In NSW, the threat abatement planning process is an excellent mechanism for The conservation of threatened species is delivering strategic statewide initiatives to of the upmost importance when protect threatened species. To date, a considering pest management programs. threat abatement plan has been finalised Every effort is made to minimise any for foxes, with others in preparation, e.g. disturbance to species, populations and feral cats, bitou bush and plague minnow. communities when planning pest management programs within the Riverina Region, on and off park.

Table 1: Pest species occurring on NPWS estate in Riverina Region.

Species Location PEST ANIMALS Feral Pig Cocoparra NP, Cocoparra NR, Willandra NP, Nombinnie NR, (Sus scrofa) Round Hill NR Goonawarra NR. Fox Major to moderate population densities occur in all national parks (Vulpes vulpes) and nature reserves within Region. Rabbit All national parks and nature reserves in the Region. Abundance is (Oryctolagus cuniculus) high in those areas of Nombinnie and Round Hill Nature Reserves that have not been ripped, and Oolambeyan NP; moderate in Willandra NP, Cocoparra NP, Cocoparra NR and Yanga NR; low in Langtree, Loughnan, Gubbata, Lake Urana NR and Koonadan HS following control programs, and naturally low in all other reserves. Feral Goat Widespread throughout the Region. Most commonly found in (Capra hircus) Cocoparra NP and NR, Willandra NP, Nombinnie and Round Hill NRs; and occasionally The Rock, Goonawarra and Ingalba NRs. Cat (Felis catus) Scattered populations in all areas. WEEDS Horehound Widespread. The main infestation occurs in Cocoparra NP, and to (Marrubium vulgare) a lesser degree in Willandra and Oolambeyan NPs, Nombinnie, Round Hill, Langtree, Lake Urana NRs and Koonadan Historic Site. All other reserves have minor infestations. Parthenium Weed Small infestations of Parthenium Weed have occurred along the (Parthenium hysterophorus) Kidman Way which bisects Nombinnie Nature Reserve. St John's Wort Boginderra Hills and The Rock NRs; Binya State forest adjacent (Hypericum perforatum) Cocoparra NP and along the railway line through Nombinnie and Round Hill Nature Reserves. African Boxthorn (Lycium Prior to control were widespread and abundant at Willandra NP, ferocissimum) Lake Urana and Cocoparra NRs, with minor infestations at several other reserves. Known to occur at Oolambeyan NP: abundance and distribution not yet determined, but believed to be a major problem. Bridal Creeper Cocoparra NP, The Rock Nature Reserve. It also occurs on (Myrsiphyllum asparagoides) roadsides adjacent Ingalba Nature Reserve. Purple-flowered Devil's Claw Willandra National Park, Nombinnie NR. (Proboscidea louisianica) Golden Dodder Frequent patches found along Willandra Creek and its lagoons. (Cuscuta campestris) Plants parasitized include Noogoora Burr but by no means restricted to this species. Blackberry (Rubus fruiticosus) Narrandera Nature Reserve. Bathurst Burr Widespread. Can be a major problem in Willandra and Cocoparra (Xanthium spinosum) National Parks and Nombinnie Nature Reserve. Known to occur at Oolambeyan NP: abundance and distribution not yet determined.

7 Species Location WEEDS (cont’d) Noogoora Burr Widespread along Willandra Creek and its lagoons, the (Xanthium occidentale) Murrumbidgee and systems and thus is a major problem in Willandra NP and Narrandera and Goonawarra NRs. Spiny Emex Occurs in Koonadan Historic Site and along roadsides and (Emex australis) firebreaks in Willandra and Cocoparra NPs. Khaki Weed Willandra National Park. Small Patches in disturbed areas at (Alternanthera pungens) Cocoparra National Park. Opium Poppy Cocoparra National Park. (Papaver somniferum)

Table 2: Threatened species protection programs in Riverina Region.

Threatened species Pest Program Reserve

Curly-bark Wattle (Acacia curranii) Goats Y Nombinnie & Round Hill NRs Lepidium monoplocoides Rabbits Y Lake Urana NR Woolly Ragwort (Senecio garlandii) Goats Y The Rock NR Swainsona murrayana Rabbits Y Willandra and Oolambeyan NPs Chariot Wheels (Maireana cheelii) Rabbits Y Oolambeyan NP Chestnut Quail-thrush (Cinclosoma Foxes, Y Cocoparra NP/NR, castanotus) cats Nombinnie NR, Round Hill NR Southern Scrub-robin (Drymodes Foxes. Y Nombinnie NR, brunneopygia) Cats Round Hill NR Shy Heathwren (Hylacola cauta) Foxes, Y Cocoparra NP/NR, Loughnan cats NR, Nombinnie NR, Round Hill NR Malleefowl (Leipoa ocellata) Foxes Y Nombinnie NR, Round Hill NR Southern Ningaui (Ningaui yvonneae) Foxes, Y Nombinnie NR, Round Hill Cats NR Gilbert’s Whistler (Pachycephala inomata) Foxes, Y Cocoparra NP/NR, Ingalba Cats NR, Nombinnie NR, Round Hill NR Red-lored Whistler (Pachycephala rufogularis) Foxes, Y Nombinnie NR, Cats Round Hill NR Plains-wanderer (Pedionomus torquatus) Foxes, Y Willandra NP, Cats Oolambeyan NP Bush Stone-curlew (Burhinus grallarius) Foxes Y Oolambeyan Stripe-faced Dunnart (Sminthopsis macroura) Foxes, Y Willandra NP Cats Western Blue-tongued Lizard (Tiliqua Foxes Y Nombinnie NR, Round Hill occipitalis) NR

These species are listed on Schedule 1 and 2 of the Threatened Species Conservation Act. The NPWS undertakes pest control programs to protect these species as well as broader conservation objectives.

8 benefits gained from previous control 5 Regional Priorities programs. H. A pest for which a window of 5.1 Criteria for opportunity occurs to undertake control activities (e.g. where an effective Prioritising Pests biocontrol agent is available, or feral pig control during floods or droughts). The following criteria reflect the key responsibilities and impacts that are I. A pest which must be considered by the NPWS when setting controlled/contained to allow another high regional priorities for pest management. priority management program to be The availability of suitable technology and effective. resources (financial, human and physical) also influences which programs are J. Other factors: For weeds, location implemented. of the infestation (i.e. within a water catchment or ease of access) and the A. A pest for which a national or potential of an area to regenerate state emergency control program has been naturally, will influence the priority given developed (e.g. feral animals implicated in to a program (natural regeneration is more any exotic disease outbreak). cost effective, reduces maintenance and maintains the genetic integrity of plant B. Any relevant action specified in a communities). threat abatement plan developed for a pest species which has been listed as a key The pest species in Riverina Region are threatening process under the Threatened prioritised for control based on the extent Species Conservation Act 1995. to which they satisfy the above criteria and on the probability of practical success C. Actions identified in recovery of a control operation. The latter is plans for threatened species. determined by:

D. A pest that the community has Ø the existence of an effective means of identified as a high priority for action (this controlling the pest species; includes, but is not restricted to, pests declared under the Noxious Weeds Act Ø the availability of resources to 1993 or the Rural Lands Protection Act undertake effective control; 1998). Priority will generally be given to those pests for which state or regional Ø The likely availability of resources in management strategies have been the medium to long-term to maintain developed, or where there is support for a control efforts. collaborative program.

E. A pest which threatens the 5.2 Regional Assessment conservation, cultural heritage or recreational values of an area. Table 3 illustrates how the criteria and probability of success are cross-referenced F. A pest population of limited in order to group pest species into three distribution but known to be an important priority classes. problem in other parks, or in other states or overseas.

G. A pest for which continued management is necessary to maintain

9 Table 3: Priority classes for pest species. Although the focus of NPWS pest Extent to which criteria satisfied management is the priority pest species, High Med Low monitoring for emerging pest problems is High 112 undertaken on an ongoing basis. NPWS Med 1 23 will continue to work with the Pest

Probability of success Low 2 3 3 Animal Council, NSW Agriculture, RLPBs and local councils to address Table 4: shows the application of the problems as they arise (e.g. outbreaks of criteria to reserves and pest species in Category W1 weeds). Appendix 3 lists Riverina Region, and the resultant priority emerging pest species for the Riverina classes. Region. The appropriate timing for pest control activities is given in Appendix 1.

Table 4: Pest species priority classes for Riverina Region. Pest Species Criteria Reserve Prob. of Priority success Pest Animals A B C D E F G H I J Feral Pig * * * Nombinnie NR H 1 * * * Willandra NP H 1 * * * Cocoparra NP H 1 * * * Goonawarra M 2 Fox * * * * * * * Nombinnie/Round H 1 Hill NR * * * * * * * Oolambeyan NP H 1 * * * * * * * Willandra NP M 1 * * * * * * Cocoparra NP, NR M 2 * * * Ingalba NR M 2 * * Loughnan NR M 2 * * * Big Bush NR M 2 * * * Charcoal Tank NR M 2 * * * Goonawarra NR M 2 * * * Koonadan H S M 2 * * * Lake Urana NR M 2 * * * Langtree NR M 2 * * Pucawan NR M 2 * * Pulletop NR M 2 * * The Rock NR M 2 * * * Buddigower NR M 3 * * * Gubbata NR L 3 * * * Narrandera NR L 3 * * Yanga NR L 3 Rabbit * * * * Willandra NP H 1 * * * * * Nombinnie/Round H 1 Hill NR, * * * * Koonadan HS H 1 * * * * Lake Urana NR H 1 * * * * Oolambeyan NP H 1 * * * * Langtree NR H 1 * * * * Yanga NR H 1 * * * * Cocoparra NP/NR M 2 * * * * Big Bush NR M 2 * * * * Ingalba NR M 2 * * * * Loughnan NR M 2 * * * * Pucawan NR M 2 * * * * Pulletop NR M 2 * * * * Boginderra Hills NR M 3 * * * * Buddigower NR M 3 * * * * Charcoal Tank NR M 3 * * * * The Rock NR M 3 * * * * Gubbata NR L 3 * * * * Narrandera NR L 3

10 Pest Species Criteria Reserve Prob. of Priority success Pest Animals A B C D E F G H I J Goat * * * Willandra NP H 1 * * * Cocoparra NP H 1 * * * Nombinnie/Round H 1 Hill NR * * * The Rock NR M 2 * * * Ingalba NR M 3 * * * Goonawarra NR L 3 Feral Cat * All reserves L 2

Weed Species A B C D E F G H I J African * * * Willandra NP H 1 Boxthorn * * * Cocoparra NP H 1 * * * Goonawarra NR H 1 * * * Oolambeyan NP H 1 * * * Lake Urana NR H 1 * * * Koonadan NR M 1 * * * Yanga NR M 1 Horehound * * * Willandra NP H 1 * * * Cocoparra NR H 1 * * * Lake Urana NR H 1 * * * Langtree NR H 1 * * * Nombinnie/Round M 2 Hill NR * * * Goonawarra NR M 2 * * * Ingalba NR M 2 * * * Koonadan NR M 2 * * * Loughnan NR M 2 * * * Pucawan NR M 2 * * * Buddigower NR M 2 * * * Oolambeyan NP M 2 St John’s Wort * * * Boginderra Hills NR H 1 * * * The Rock NR H 1 * * * Nombinnie NR H 1 Parthenium * * * * * Nombinnie NR H 1 Weed Bridal Creeper * * * * * Cocoparra NP NR H 1 * * * * * The Rock NR H 1 Golden Dodder * * * Willandra NP M 2 Purple-flowered * * * Willandra NP M 2 Devil’s Claw Nombinnie NR M 2 Blackberry * * * Narrandera NR H 1 Bathurst Burr * * * Willandra NP M 2 * * * Cocoparra NP M 2 * * * Oolambeyan NP M 2 * * * Nombinnie NR M 2 * * * Goonawarra NR M 2 * * * Ingalba NR M 2 * * * Koonadan HS M 2 Noogoora Burr * * * Willandra NP M 2 * * * Cocoparra NP M 2 * * * Goonawarra NP M 2 * * * Narrandera NR M 2 Spiny Emex * * * Willandra NP H 1 * * * Koonadan HS H 1 * * * Cocoparra NP/NR M 2 * * * Nombinnie NR M 2 Khaki Weed * * * Willandra NP H 1 * * * Cocoparra NP H 1

11 Feral pigs can kill and eat lambs under 6 Programs two weeks of age, and as such can have an adverse impact on sheep breeding The following sections summarise the enterprises. They also compete with control programs to be undertaken in domestic livestock for pasture forbs, Riverina Region, based on the priorities damage crops (especially corn and cotton) established in Section 5. and introduced pastures. Pigs are a major potential host of a 6.1 Pest Animal Species number of exotic diseases such as Foot and Mouth, African Swine Fever and Rinderpest, as well as viruses to which 6.1.1 Feral Pig - Sus scrofa humans are susceptible, such as Murray Valley Encephalitis and Ross River Fever. Distribution Control Methods Major populations can occur in Willandra National Park and the southern section of Aerial shooting and trapping are currently Nombinnie Nature Reserve. Occasional the preferred methods of control. major infestations can occur in Cocoparra National Park. Here, several nearby Other control methods include: commercial piggeries may attract feral pigs and piggery escapees have been • 1080 baiting destroyed in the past. • ground shooting Impacts Management Strategy Feral pigs can cause severe environmental degradation by: Continue to monitor pig distributions and populations, using ground/aerial • selective feeding on plant inspections, comments from neighbours communities; and visitors, and knowledge of seasonal and flood-related population responses by • creation of drainage channels in pigs swamps; Evaluate and review effectiveness of • soil erosion and fouling of watering current control techniques. points by their habit of wallowing and rooting; Continue with existing control programs. Priority areas include high visitation areas, • direct predation on frogs, reptiles, homestead lawn and visitor facilities at ground-nesting birds and small Willandra NP. mammals; Maintain and improve cooperation and • competition for foods with some communication with adjoining species (e.g. Brolga); and landholders undertaking feral pig control.

• as an agent for the spread of plant Prepare a coordinated Region-wide disease such as Fusarian Wilt in cotton management strategy for pigs. crops.

Recreational hunting of pigs also results in illegal access on and damage to Service estate.

12 Performance Measures 2. Undertake fox control in conjunction with other pest control programs such Reduced feral pig populations as indicated as rabbit and goat control. by reduced evidence of pig activity and damage in reserves where they occur. 3. Undertake coordinated programs in cooperation with other agencies and Comments from neighbours and visitors. immediate neighbours and stakeholders to protect threatened and other native species (as per Threat 6.1.2 European Red Fox - Vulpes Abatement Plan). Priority reserves vulpes include Willandra NP, Nombinnie NR Distribution (Malleefowl) and Oolambeyan NP (Plains-wanderer). Widespread throughout NPWS managed lands in Riverina Region. 4. Undertake monitoring in areas where foxes are likely to have a high impact Impacts on threatened species (see above).

Fox predation is a major threat to native Performance Measures animal populations including threatened species such as Malleefowl Leipoa Increased recovery of threatened species ocellata, and Plains-wanderer Pedionomus (see 3. above). torquatus. Short-term reduction in fox numbers Foxes are an agent for the dispersal of indicated by bait uptake and spotlight noxious weeds and are a potential carrier surveys. of disease. Predation by foxes on farm livestock can be serious. Comments from neighbours.

Control Methods 6.1.3 European Wild Rabbit - Oryctolagus cuniculus Fox control should be undertaken in the peak dispersal period (autumn) but more Distribution frequently in relation to predation on threatened species (NSW NPWS 2001). Rabbits occur in all reserves and parks in the Region. Abundance is high in those Methods include: areas of Nombinnie and Round Hill Nature Reserves which have not been • aerial and ground baiting with 1080, ripped, Oolambeyan National Park; using best practice guidelines moderate in Willandra National Park, Cocoparra National Park, Cocoparra • den fumigation Nature Reserve and Yanga Nature Reserve; low in Langtree, Loughnan, • shooting. Gubbata, Lake Urana NRs and Koonadan HS following control programs; and Management Strategy naturally low in all other reserves.

Fox control will occur in accordance with Impacts management models proposed within the Fox Threat Abatement Plan (NSW NPWS Rabbits cause environmental damage in 2001). Management activities include: the following ways:

1. Monitor fox populations Region-wide. • land degradation;

13 • grazing on native vegetation and at Willandra NP, or as a comparison reducing regeneration; between ripped and unripped areas eg. at Nombinnie NR). • competition with native animals for suitable habitat; 6.1.4 Feral Goat – Capra hircus • provide habitat and food source for Distribution feral cats; and Widespread throughout the Region but • impact on historic sites through their range will often depend on the foundation disturbance. availability of water. Most commonly found in Cocoparra National Park, Control Methods Cocoparra Nature Reserve, Willandra National Park, and Nombinnie and Round Rabbit control uses a combination of Hill Nature Reserves; and occasionally control techniques, mainly warren The Rock, Goonawarra and Ingalba destruction and fumigation, but also Nature Reserves. including baiting, fencing, shooting and biological controls. Impacts

Programs also make use of natural Impacts include competition for water, outbreaks of myxomatosis and calicivirus food and shelter, soil erosion and to further suppress populations. compaction, modification of vegetation structure through overgrazing. Goats have Management Strategy the potential to spread disease, especially Footrot and Ovine Johnes Disease (OJD), Identify and monitor rabbit activity and and also damage Aboriginal heritage sites impacts in NPWS reserves. and art work. Control rabbit populations as part of Control Methods coordinated programs with neighbours in reserves such as Nombinnie and Round Control methods include aerial shooting, Hill, Lake Urana and Langtree. ground shooting, mustering and trapping. GPS warrens, evaluate impacts and Management Strategy develop control strategies for all new reserves, e.g. Oolambeyan National Park. Monitor the changing population sizes on NPWS managed lands, based on Performance Measures observations of mob sizes.

Implementation of coordinated control Management strategies vary between programs. reserves, according to severity of goat problem, landform and vegetation types, Ground inspections indicating a reduction water availability and prior management in rabbit populations in all reserves. outcomes. Population index measures include: Continue aerial shooting in Cocoparra • reduction of visible damage from National Park where access is extremely rabbit populations; difficult and the few open spaces and plentiful water in all but the driest years • decrease in number of active warrens; makes strategic mustering impossible. Regular aerial shooting in recent years has • improvement of vegetation condition reduced the goat population significantly. (assessed using monitoring exclosures

14 At Cocoparra NP, trapping at water points • catch per unit effort is used to was tried without success. However, this evaluate results of aerial shooting; strategy is used with limited success off park on the northern end by landholders • periodic aerial counts over larger with assistance from NPWS. reserves;

Fence selected ground tanks and cut drains • regeneration of key indicator species, to the other tanks on Nombinnie /Round eg. Western Rosewood. Photopoints Hill NRs, thus depriving goats of a regular are used to monitor regeneration. and plentiful water supply. Natural depressions sometimes hold significant amounts of water, thereby allowing 6.1.5 Feral Cat - Felis catus populations to persist. Distribution Mustering will continue to be used on Known to occur throughout the Region Nombinnie and Round Hill Nature but abundance unknown. Reserves. With high goat prices, continuous mustering and harvesting has Impact occurred in western NSW for several years reducing the regional unrestrained Feral cats predate on small mammals, goat population dramatically. This trend reptiles, frogs and birds, and act as a is expected to continue until mustering reservoir for diseases and parasites that becomes financially unviable. An can be transferred to native fauna, increase in the unrestrained regional domestic stock and humans. population will cause reinvasion of reserves to a level governed mainly by Control water availability and condition of fences. There are no pesticides currently Mustering with aerial support has registered for use on feral cats. The only previously yielded good results at control methods available are trapping and Willandra National Park. This technique opportunistic shooting but these are will continue to be employed, using a largely ineffective. Cats are a difficult fixed-wing aircraft to spot animals and pest animal to control and major advances direct ground crews. in cat control will depend on future developments such as the cat specific Opportunistic mustering or shooting will toxin and baiting system currently being be used on other reserves. developed.

Riverina Region has purchased goat yards A trial 1080 poisoning program (for which that are available to adjacent landholders an off-label permit was granted) was to opportunistically trap goats. conducted at Willandra National Park in 1997 but was unsuccessful. Evaluate the control programs on all reserves and make any changes as Management Strategy required. Increase community awareness of Performance Measures responsible cat ownership in conjunction with local government, NPWS newsletters Reduced goat populations in Cocoparra etc. NP and NR, and in Nombinnie and Round Hill NRs as indicated by the following Undertake regular spotlight counts to population index measures: obtain a better understanding of the abundance and distribution of cats.

15 Undertake opportunistic shooting. Management Strategy

Cats are known to inhabit rabbit warrens Continue mapping distribution of with rabbits and foxes. Warren infestations in Cocoparra NP. destruction removes habitat and a food source (rabbits). This strategy is used at Strategic use of herbicides. Nombinnie and Round Hill Nature Reserves. Strategies for feral cat control Biological control agents are being on smaller Nature Reserves located close released as they become available. to villages or habitation, such as Gubbata, Narrandera and The Rock, have not yet Treatment of isolated outbreaks as they been developed. occur.

Undertake cat trapping when required for Performance Measures problem animals (e.g. around camping areas in Willandra NP). Ground inspections indicating a reduction in the degree of infestation, both in area Performance Measure and plant density.

Increased community awareness of Comments from visitors. responsible cat ownership. 6.2.2 Parthenium Weed - Better understanding obtained of the Parthenium hysterophorus abundance and distribution of cats. Distribution Removal of identified problem cats using available techniques. Infestations of Parthenium Weed have occurred along the Kidman Way, which bisects Nombinnie Nature Reserve. 6.2 Weed Species Localised infestations have been found on major roads in NSW. 6.2.1 Horehound - Marrubium vulgare Impacts

Distribution The weed affects human and animal health. Widespread throughout the Region. Once established Parthenium Weed is Impact difficult to control as it seeds prolifically and tolerates a wide variety of conditions. A highly invasive weed that is able to Each plant can produce 15,000 seeds in a grow and persist in very low fertility soils. growing season. It can germinate, flower This species has the ability to out-compete and set seed within four weeks. most native pasture species thereby slowing regeneration of disturbed areas. Control Methods

Control Methods These could include physical removal, strategic herbicide application, or Integrated approach using spot and boom quarantine of the affected area. spray application of herbicides, mechanical and hand removal of isolated Management Strategy infestations, and biological control agents such as Plume Moth, Horehound Continual vigilance by all land managers Clearwing Moth and Horehound Weevil. to prevent spread of new outbreaks.

16 Any infestation of Parthenium Weed on other understorey plant species. It spreads NPWS estate will require immediate by seeds and lateral roots, and can form commitment of resources and dense infestations of up to 250 stems per implementation of control measures. Its square metre. presence must be notified to the Local Control Authority (LCA) immediately. Control Methods The LCA will then advise the necessary actions to be taken to control the Strategic use of herbicides. infestation. The current outbreak at Nombinnie NR is being treated and Physical removal of isolated plants. monitored by Shire. Management Strategy Performance Measures Identify and map St John’s Wort All outbreaks of Parthenium Weed are infestations on NPWS managed lands. reported immediately to the LCA and all infestations are eradicated as advised by Continued treatment and reduction of the the LCA. Boginderra Hills NR infestation. Containment of the Nombinnie NR 6.2.3 St John’s Wort - Hypericum infestation. perforatum Continued strategic herbicide application Distribution at The Rock NR.

Widespread and common in the open Performance Measures portions of Boginderra Hills NR. Also present in The Rock Nature Reserve and Ground inspections indicating Binya State Forest adjacent to Cocoparra containment of all infestations. National Park.

In recent years St John’s Wort has been 6.2.4 African Boxthorn – Lycium spreading in this Region, particularly ferocissimum along railway lines and roads. Infestations have been found along the railway line Distribution through Nombinnie and Round Hill NRs. Prior to control, African Boxthorn was The Nombinnie infestations are now widespread and abundant at Willandra largely contained. National Park, Lake Urana and Cocoparra Nature Reserves, with minor infestations Impacts in several other reserves. Infestations are Invades disturbed areas with the capacity prevalent on the recently purchased estate to move into open forest and along Oolambeyan NP. creeklines. It is considered to be a serious agricultural weed. Impacts Can be an aggressive invader in areas This noxious weed is poisonous to stock where soil disturbance occurs. High soil and native fauna, and can cause exposed reserves of dormant seed can germinate skin to become photosensitive in many under ideal conditions. species. It also has the potential to cause irritation to humans. Often occurs along watercourses but can be widespread. It provides ideal cover for St John’s Wort competes with other plant feral pigs, rabbits and cats. Smothers and species for light and nutrients throughout outcompetes native vegetation and the year, and can outcompete almost all

17 threatens the conservation and recreational Homestead Creek and Woolshed Flat. It values of service estate. also occurs at The Rock Nature Reserve and on roadsides adjacent Ingalba Nature Seeds spread by birds. Reserve. Small infestations have been found and treated at Nombinnie and Control Methods Boginderra Hills Nature Reserves.

Cutting root system with a blade plough. Impacts

Physical removal of large plants (eg. using Aggressive climbing invader which a dozer, or tractor and root rake). Six entwines in native vegetation making months after physical removal, remaining herbicide control difficult. Fruit is small bushes and regrowth are spot attractive to birds, which then spread seed. sprayed with an appropriate herbicide (foliar treatment). Control Methods

Dead thickets may be broken up and burnt Application of registered herbicides to prevent their ongoing use by feral according to label directions. New plant animals for shelter. growth is treated extensively with herbicide prior to plant flowering. Management Strategy Physical removal of plants in large Identify and map African Boxthorn infestations was tried but the extensive infestations on Oolambeyan NP. This root system made that strategy impossible. reserve is a priority for treatment given the Physical removal of small outlying plants enormous area of infestation. should assist containment.

Continue an integrated approach using A biological control agent (rust) is being mechanical and chemical control measures trialed at Cocoparra National Park. on all reserves. Management Strategy Monitor for newly germinated plants, and for regrowth from treated plants. Continue an integrated approach using mechanical and chemical control Encourage neighbour participation in measures, applying herbicides at similar control programs. recommended rates. Cocoparra NP is the priority reserve for treatment of Bridal Performance Measures Creeper.

Visual assessments indicating a reduction Monitor and control spread from nearby in degree of infestation, both in area and infestations. plant density, and reduced requirements for follow up treatments in all areas. Performance Measures

Comments from neighbours. Ground inspections indicating a reduction in abundance and density of infestations, 6.2.5 Bridal Creeper - and requirements for follow up treatments. Myrsiphyllum asparagoides

Distribution

Bridal Creeper is proving to be a troublesome invader in Cocoparra National Park where it is confined to

18 6.2.6 Purple-flowered Devil’s Claw Impacts - Proboscidea louisianica Not yet determined. Golden Dodder Distribution attacks and degenerates native plant species, e.g. lignum. Widespread and common on the black clay floodplains in Willandra National Control Methods Park. Present as single plants or small patches particularly around disturbed Selective herbicide application prior to areas such as firebreaks, roads, old cattle flowering. camps and stock yards. Small infestations are also present in Nombinnie NR. Management Strategy

Impacts Continue strategic approach using chemical control measures, applying Not known but claw-like seed pods may herbicides at recommended rates. attach to animals and cause injury (e.g. in fur or wool around eyes). Performance Measures

Control Methods Reduction to low frequency of infestation, as indicated by ground inspections. Selective herbicide application according to label directions prior to flowering. 6.2.8 Blackberry - Rubus fruiticosus

Chipping small infestations. Distribution

Management Strategy Confined to Narrandera Nature Reserve.

Continue an integrated approach using Impacts mechanical and chemical control measures, applying herbicides at Blackberry forms dense thickets, thereby recommended rates. Willandra NP is the excluding light from the soil surface and priority reserve for treatment. reducing the area of ground available to native species. This enables it to seriously Performance Measure impede the regeneration of native species. It is highly visible to the public and Ground inspections indicating a reduction provides shelter and foraging habitats for in the degree of infestation, both in area feral animals. and plant density. Control Methods 6.2.7 Golden Dodder - Cuscuta campestris Strategic herbicide application is the principal method to control populations of Distribution Blackberry. Following a six month delay, dozing of large bushes allows exposure Frequent patches found along Willandra and treatment of new growth emanating Creek and its lagoons. In this area, from underground stolons around the Noogoora Burr is the principal, but not perimeter of the bushes. only, plant species parasitised by Dodder. Slashing/dozing can be used to reduce the physical size of infestations.

A biological control agent, Rust Fungus, exists but is not used in Riverina Region.

19 Management Strategy Control Methods

Continue an integrated approach using Physical removal, ensuring minimal soil mechanical and chemical control disturbance (e.g. grading, not ploughing, measures, applying herbicides at of fire breaks and trails). recommended rates. Selective herbicide application, via boom On-ground monitoring of treatment sites. and spot spraying.

Performance Measure Chipping to remove small patches.

Ground inspections indicating a reduction Management Strategy in the degree of infestation, both in area and plant density. Timely treatment of outbreaks before plants set seed can reduce impact of infestations. This is often difficult due to 6.2.9 Bathurst Burr - Xanthium the unpredictable nature of summer storms spinosum and subsequent rainfall. Priority sites are open areas where herbicide application is Distribution possible, or small areas where chipping is Widespread. Can be a major problem in appropriate. Willandra and Cocoparra National Parks and Nombinnie Nature Reserve. Degree A particular difficulty arises at Willandra of infestation on Oolambeyan NP remains National Park when, after a wet year, unclear. prolific burr growth occurs amongst native Blue Bush and Nitre Bush, making Impacts chemical control difficult.

A summer-growing invasive weed of Performance Measures disturbed areas such as along roadside drains, around natural and man-made Timely treatment to prevent seeding water points and on floodout areas. following germination events.

Designated as a noxious weed primarily Where treatment is possible, ground due to its spoiling effect on wool. inspections indicating a reduction in the degree of infestation, both in area and If soil and moisture conditions are plant density. suitable, prolific stands may occur. 6.2.10 Noogoora Burr - Xanthium Of the two seeds contained in each burr, occidentale usually only one germinates in a particular season, the other seed remaining dormant Distribution until the second or third year, with some seeds retaining viability for considerably Widespread along Willandra creek and its longer. Mature burrs are readily dispersed lagoons, the Murrumbidgee and Lachlan by animals and flowing water. River systems and is therefore a major Consequently, very dense and extensive problem in Willandra National Park and stands occur along river and creek Narrandera and Goonawarra Nature floodplains and flats after late spring or Reserves. The frequency and abundance summer flooding, with masses of of this weed has increased markedly seedlings establishing and crowding out during the past 35 years (Cunningham et other species of plants. al. 1981).

20 Impacts 6.2.11 Spiny Emex - Emex australis

Highly invasive weed of floodout areas on Distribution a range of soils. A vigorous competitor against all native pasture species. Present in Koonadan Historic Site and along roadsides and firebreaks in Designated as a noxious weed primarily Willandra and Cocoparra National Parks due to its spoiling effect on wool. and Nombinnie NR.

Each burr contains two seeds, one of Impacts which may not germinate for several seasons after the first seed has germinated. Abundance and distribution appears to be Mature burrs are readily dispersed by increasing. The sharp pointed fruits are animals and flowing water. Consequently, troublesome to animals and adherence to very dense and extensive stands occur animals, footwear and vehicle tyres may along river and creek floodplains and flats help spread the weed. after late spring or summer flooding, with masses of seedlings establishing and Control Methods crowding out other species of plants. Selective application of registered Control Methods herbicides at recommended rates prior to seeding. Selective herbicide application. Management Strategy Some hand pulling of small outbreaks. Timely treatment to prevent seeding Chipping. following germination events.

Management Strategy Opportunistic reduction of abundance particularly around areas frequented by Because of its prolific abundance along visitors will reduce impacts and entire river/creek systems it is not complaints. conceivable to control this weed in the near future without a biological control Prevention of new infestations requires the agent. At this stage control is confined to reduction of infestations in high visitation areas along Willandra Creek close to the areas, along trails and roads. homestead area and walking tracks. Performance Measure Contain current areas of infestation and monitor areas for new outbreaks. Ground inspections indicating a containment of the degree of infestation, Timely treatment to prevent seeding both in area and plant density. following germination events. 6.2.12 Khaki Weed - Alternanthera Performance Measures pungens Ground inspections indicating a Distribution containment of the area of infestation and, in sites where treatment is possible, a Disturbed areas around buildings and in reduction in the area of occurrence. the homestead lawn at Willandra National Park. Small patches occur in disturbed areas at Cocoparra National Park.

21 Impacts Successful pest management takes time. Programs are successful if they are well Khaki Weed readily invades disturbed planned ensuring the appropriate control soils and is poisonous to animals. Its most techniques are used and follow-up is objectionable feature is its prickly burrs undertaken. Programs are also more which adhere to rubber tyres, footwear, effective if neighbours are encouraged to clothing and animals. This may help become actively involved in the overall spread the weed. implementation of the programs across the landscape. Control Methods This management strategy is only a tool to Selective application of registered establish pest priorities and establish herbicides at recommended rates prior to broad management guidelines. More seeding. detailed plans for individual pests or reserves have been prepared or require Chipping small infestations. preparation as companions to this strategy.

Management Strategy The Riverina Region Pest Species Management Plan will be reviewed Continue selective herbicide application annually. prior to seeding. This strategy has reduced the problem at Willandra National 8 Acknowledgements Park to low levels. Opportunistic reduction of abundance particularly The following National Parks and Wildlife around priority areas (those frequented by Service staff provided assistance in the visitors) will reduce impacts, prevent preparation of this plan: John Brickhill, future spread, and reduce complaints. David Egan, Ross McDonnell, Mike Fleming and Melissa Schroder and Performance Measures Danielle Ayers.

Ground inspections indicating a reduction Additional information was prepared by in the degree of infestation, both in area Andrew Leys. and plant density

Containment of Willandra NP infestations Report Prepared by: to present low levels. Jim Balnaves PCO Riverina Region. 7 Conclusion

Pest management programs have been undertaken throughout the Riverina Region based on priorities and recommendations in the previous regional plan. This review of the 1996 Pest Management Strategy will assist in the continuation of works programs for 2003- 2006 and highlight planning needs.

Setting priorities is only the beginning of pest management. Once regional priorities are established, the planning, implementation of programs, monitoring and evaluation begins.

22 Environment Australia. (1999c). Threat 9 Further Reading and Abatement Plan for Competition and Land Degradation by Feral Goats. Biodiversity References Group, Environment Australia: Canberra.

Balnaves, J. (1996). Griffith District Pest Environment Australia. (1999d). Threat Management Strategy. NSW NPWS Abatement Plan for Predation by the Unpublished report. European Red Fox. Biodiversity Group, Environment Australia: Canberra. Blood, K. (2001). Environmental weeds: a field guide for SE Australia. CRC Weed Fleming, P., Corbett, L., Harden, R. and Management Systems. CH Jerram & Thomson, P. (2001). Managing the Associates – Science Publishers, Mt Impacts of Dingoes and Other Wild Dogs. Waverley. Bureau of Rural Sciences, Australian Government Publishing Service: Braysher, M. (1993). Managing Canberra. Vertebrate Pests: Principles and Strategies. Bureau of Resource Science, NSW Agriculture. (1996). Vertebrate Australian Government Publishing Pest Control Manual. NSW Agriculture, Service: Canberra. Orange.

Choquenot, D., McIlroy, J. and Korn, T. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. (1996). Managing Vertebrate Pests: (2001). Draft Threat Abatement Plan: Feral Pigs. Bureau of Resource Sciences, Predation by the Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes). Australian Government Publishing NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service: Canberra. Service: Hurstville.

Cunningham, G., Mullham, W., Olsen, P. (1998). Australia's Pest Milthorpe, P. and Leigh, J. (1981). Plants Animals: New Solutions to Old Problems. of Western . Soil Bureau of Resource Sciences and Conservation Service of NSW, NSW Kangaroo Press: East Roseville. Government Printing Office. Parkes, J., Henzell, R. and Pickles, G. Dickman, C. (1996). Overview of the (1996). Managing Vertebrate Pests: Impacts of Feral Cats on Australian Feral Goats. Bureau of Resource Native Fauna. Australian Nature Sciences, Australian Government Conservation Agency: Canberra. Publishing Service: Canberra.

Ensbey, R. (ed). (2001). Noxious and Parsons, W. T. and Cuthbertson, E. G. environmental weed control handbook – (1992). Noxious Weeds of Australia. 2001/2002. NSW Agriculture: Orange. Inkata Press: Melbourne.

Environment Australia. (1999a). Threat Saunders, G., Coman, B., Kinnear, J. and Abatement Plan for Predation by Feral Braysher, M. (1995). Managing Cats. Biodiversity Group, Environment vertebrate Pests: Foxes. Bureau of Australia: Canberra. Resource Sciences, Australian Government Publishing Service: Environment Australia. (1999b). Threat Canberra. Abatement Plan for Competition and Land Degradation by Feral Rabbits. Shepherd, R. C. H., Richardson, R. G. and Biodiversity Group, Environment Richardson, F. J. (2001). Plants of Australia: Canberra. Importance to Australia: A Checklist. R.G. and F.J. Richardson: Melbourne.

23 Sindel, B. M. ed. (2000). Australian Weed Management Systems. (R.G. and F.J. Richardson, Melbourne).

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

24 Appendix 1: Timing of Pest Control Programs The NPWS tries to adopt a strategic approach to pest animal control, whilst also allowing sufficient flexibility to capitalise on windows of opportunity which arise, (such as floods, droughts, fire). Similarly, some opportunistic weed control is undertaken in response to local events (e.g. control of mass germinations following flooding or rainfall events). Timing of control activities varies with the method used. For pest animal control activities, the timings indicated below are general in nature and are influenced by factors such as varying seasonal conditions. Factors that determine timing of herbicide application include growth stage of the plant, time of year, herbicide used, mode of application and weather conditions. Timing for weed species refer to herbicide treatment only. The following table outlines the best time for control of key pest species in the Riverina Region.

Species Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Feral Pig * * * * European **** ** * Red Fox European ** ****** Wild Rabbit Feral Goat * * * * * Feral Cat ***** African **** *** Boxthorn Bathurst ***** Burr Blackberry * * * Bridal **** * Creeper Devil’s Claw * * * Golden *** Dodder Galvanised **** Burr Horehound * * * * * * Khaki Weed * * * * Noogoora ** Burr Opium ***** Poppy Patterson’s *** * Curse Spiny Emex * * * St John’s ******* Wort

25 Appendix 2: Noxious Weeds in NPWS estate within Riverina Region

Common name Botanical name Bland Carrathool Cobar Hay Leeton Lockhart Murrumbidgee Narrandera Urana African Boxthorn Lycium ferocissium W2 W2 W2 W2 W2 W2 W2 Bathurst Burr Xanthium spinosum W2 W3 W3 W3 W2 Blackberry Rubus fruiticosus W2 Bridal Creeper Myrsiphyllum W4f W4f W4f asparagoides Golden Dodder Cuscuta spp. W2 W2 W2 Galvanised Burr Sclerolaena birchii W3 W3 W2 W2 Horehound Marrubium vulgare W3 W3 W2 Khaki Weed Alternanthera pungens Noogoora Burr Xanthium occidentale W2 W3 W3 Parthenium Weed Parthenium W1 W1 hysterophorus Paterson’s Curse Echium spp. W3 Purple-flowered Proboscidea W2 Devil’s Claw louisianica Silver-leaf Nightshade Solanum W3 elaeagnifolium Spiny Burr Grass Cenchrus sp. W4e Spiny Emex Emex australis W3 W3 St John’s Wort Hypericum perforatum W2 W2 W2

Table of Explanation: W1 The presence of the weed on land must be notified to the local control authority, and the weed must be fully and 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: (e) The weed must be fully and continuously suppressed and destroyed. All reasonable precautions must be taken to ensure produce, soil, livestock, equipment and vehicles are free of the weed before sale or movement from an infected area of the property. (f) The weed must not be sold, propagated or knowingly distributed. Any biological control or other control program directed by a local control authority must be implemented.

26 Appendix 3: Emerging Pest Issues Weed or pest animals which currently either do not occur or are suspected to occur on NPWS managed lands in Riverina Region and are a known problem in other natural areas. These species will be monitored and control programs developed where necessary.

Pest Locations

Parthenium Weed Potential to invade Nombinnie Nature Reserve. (Parthenium hysterophorus)

Willow Tree Potential to spread along Willandra Creek, through Willandra NP, and (Salix babylonica) along through Narrandera Nature Reserve.

St John’s Wort Potential to invade Nombinnie NR, Round Hill NR, Cocoparra NR, (Hypericum perforatum) Cocoparra NP, The Rock Nature Reserve.

Bathurst Burr Oolambeyan NP: known to occur, but degree of infestation unclear. (Xanthium spinosum)

European Carp Occurs in Willandra Creek, Murrumbidgee River, Lachlan River. (Cyprinus carpio)

Straying/lost/dumped All areas. Domestic Dogs

Straying/lost/dumped All areas. Domestic Cats

Domestic Goats Deliberate/accidental releases have occurred in the past at Nombinnie NR, Willandra NP and Cocoparra NP/NR.

Deer Reported at Ingalba NR and near Round Hill NR. Deer Farms are being established throughout the Region.

Feral Bees All reserves.

Fire Ants Potential to invade all reserves.

27 NSW NATIONAL PARKS AND WILDLIFE SERVICE

43 Bridge Street Hurstville 2220 (02) 9585 6444