WOLLSTONECRAFT BUSHLAND REMNANT

TITLE : Kerosene Bay/Oyster Cove/Bridge End (Tryon Avenue Bushland)

INTRODUCTION

The remnant bushland of Kerosene Bay/Oyster Cove/Bridge End is bordered by the waters of Sydney Harbour to the south, residential properties and the North Shore Railway line to the north, Tryon Avenue to the west and the Wondakiah residential development to the east.

The total bushland area is approximately 7 hectares. The dominant vegetation of the Open Forest (10ag) is Angophora costata (Smooth-barked Apple). There are also areas of Low Open Forest at Bridge End and Closed Forest along the creekline. The area contains good examples of remnant Hawksbury Sandstone vegetation . Bush regeneration is carried out by Councils = Bushland Management Team, Contractors and the dedicated Tryon Avenue Bushcare Group. Bridge End has a large variety of smaller bird species eg. wrens and robins. Tawny Frogmouths annually nest along Tryon Avenue and many Crinia signifera (Common Eastern Toadlet) are heard in various locations following periods of rain.

The gully area along the creekline is noted for the diverse fungi species that emerge after rain periods. It is the largest variety witnessed in any North Sydney Bushland Reserve. The remnant rainforest is noted by the presence of very mature large vines which reach high into the Ceratopetalum apetalum (Coachwood) and Acmena smithii (Lilypily) canopy.

Site History

Aboriginals frequented the bushland of the area. Many years ago a fresh water creek ran through Bridge End and behind Tryon Avenue bushland as it stands today. A small open section of this creek is still present through Bridge End and the remaining section now lies underground. The Aboriginal name for this place has been lost along with most verbal history of the local indigenous people. The successive generations of Aboriginal people had a deep respect for the area, living in natural harmony with the environment for many thousands of years.

Tryon Avenue was named after Sir George Tryon, Rear Admiral of the Royal Navy and in charge of the Australian Station between 1884-1887, was the first Admiral to occupy >Admiralty House =, Kirribilli.

The Tryon Avenue Bushcare Group was formed in 1993. The Bushcare site is situated opposite Cable Street and work a broad section of land adjoining the drainage line. The group have been responsible for the primary removal of Lantana (Lantana camara) and Large Leaf Privet (Ligustrum lucidum) from the canopy and the continuation of secondary and maintenance weeding in the bushland parcel. The Bushcare group have also reclaimed areas of invasive lawn as bushland and aided in the construction and maintenance of a stormwater dissipater drain created to control the urban runoff entering into the rehabilitating bushland.

The Bushcare Group have regenerated a number of areas to a condition of native bushland. Techniques employed in regeneration include primary, secondary and maintenance weeding; planting, spraying, erosion control and mulching.

Contract bush regenerators have worked in the Kerosene Bay area since 1996 concentrating on

1 primary and secondary weed removal along the western side of the drainage line opposite No.2 Tryon Avenue. Contractors also worked in the Bridge End area along the lower section of the open creekline removing vines for a short period in 1998.

North Sydney Council Bushland Management Team visits each bushland reserve on a weekly rotational basis. Oyster Cove was regenerated for approximately 6 weeks in 1998. Other days are set aside for Bushcare follow-up activities on the Monday following the weekend volunteer Bushcare Day in Tryon Avenue bushland.

BACKGROUND Reserve Summary

Area of Reserve 70 465 m 2

Level of Degradation:

<10% 34 449 m 2

10-30% 7 511 m 2

31-60% 17 633 m 2

>60% 10 872 m 2

Length of Boundaries 1 911 m

No. of Properties Adjoining Bushland 11

Length of (informal) walking tracks 485 m

1.0 FLORA

Refer to Map 1 -Vegetation Communities for location details.

Tryon Avenue bushland consists of 2 remnant vegetation communities which are part of the Sydney Sandstone Complex - Sydney Sandstone Gully Forest as indicated by Benson and Howell, 1994. The vegetation is representative of the North Shore and includes:

1. Open Forest/Woodland dominated by Angophora costata (Smooth-barked Apple) with varying associations throughout including Eucalyptus piperita (Sydney Peppermint) , Corymbia gummifera (Red Bloodwood) and Eucalyptus tereticornis (Forest Red Gum). Acacia sp. (wattle), Polyscias sambucifolia, Zieria smithii (Sandfly Zieria) and Pteridium esculentum (Bracken Fern) are common species of the understorey.

The understorey of bushland at Bridge End is similar to the above listed species but also contains distinct representations of Kunzea ambigua (Tick Bush) , Leptospermum laevigatum (Coast Tea Tree) , Phebalium dentatum, Melaleuca armilaris (Bracelet Honey Myrtle) and Astrotricha sp ..

2. Closed Forest in the gully adjacent to the creek with dominant native canopy species such as Ceratopetalum apetalum (Coachwood) and Acmena smithii (Lilypily) scattered throughout weed species such as Large Leaf Privet, Camphor Laurel and Pittosporum undulatum (Sweet Pittosporum).

2

For further information see: Appendices 3 - Table 1: Classification information on vegetation communities. Section 3 - Native plant species list for Tryon Avenue Bushland.

1.1 Creekline Vegetation

The creek which runs through this area has been modified by the effects of stormwater and the lower section has been channelled underground before discharge into Balls Head Bay. The upper section of the creek which runs through Bridge End is affected by erosion, gouging and the >flushing-out = effects from the waters high velocity during rain periods. Various fern species can be found along the banks of the creek. The tree canopy consists of weed species such as Large Leaf Privet ( Ligustrum lucidum ) and Cotoneaster ( Cotoneaster glaucophyllus ) scattered amongst native species such as Ceratopetalum apetalum (Coachwood) and Acmena smithii (Lilypily) .

The waters along the perimeter of Kerosene Bay and the Oyster Cove Foreshore bushland are part of a large Intertidal Protection Area (IPA) for Sydney Harbour.

For further information see: The Department of Fisheries, Wollstonecraft.

Nearby Parks and Verges containing Remnant Vegetation

Newlands Lane

Newlands Lane contains a few remnant Eucalyptus pilularis (Blackbutt) and Angophora costata (Smooth-barked Apple) canopy trees. The area also contains a few Eucalyptus saligna (Blue Gum) trees which are the only specimens in North Sydney to be protected in bushland by Council zoning. The Newlands Lane Bushcare Group was formed in 1998 after residents expressed interest in rehabilitating remnant bushland areas adjacent to their properties. At present this area consists of scattered remnant vegetation, lawn, ornamental shrubs and weed species. This area will provide an important food source for local fauna and an important refuge for fauna travelling along the railway line corridor, linking this remnant with other remnants such as Bridge End bushland and Brennan Park.

Brennan Park

Rehabilitation of the lower western slope of Brennan Park will be completed in 1999 with a grant from the Rail Access Corporation. Bush regeneration contractors will be engaged to rehabilitate the area with local indigenous species to resemble bushland which would have once existed on this site. This area will provide a habitat refuge for our native fauna. The fauna will be able to utilise other bushland in the catchment via the railway corridor. The rehabilitation project is also being used to provide a screen of vegetation along this edge.

1.2 Weed Assessment

Refer to Map 2 - Land Management Issues for the location of Weed Zones.

Weed species have invaded the bushland of Tryon Avenue from several sources.

The bushland of Bridge End is affected by fill and past disturbance from the installation of the

3

North Shore Railway Line. Rubble, residential and industrial rubbish are visible underneath the wall of Lantana (Lantana camara) on the slope. Small Leaf Privet (Ligustrum sinense) and Large Leaf Privet (Ligustrum lucidum) are prolific along the perimeter of residential properties adjacent to the Railway Line.

A Bushcare Group could be encouraged in the area to assist in the rehabilitation and regeneration of the edges of the bushland that have been impacted upon by past developments eg. residential and railway line edges. This would ensure that weed species do not completely invade and encroach upon the diverse native species found in Bridge End.

During 1997 approximately 10 pampas grass plants were cut and poisoned in Bridge End after the ripened seed had been bagged. These noxious weeds had spread from the (then) vacated land of the Gas Works Site (now the Wondakiah residential development). Young pampas grass should continually be suppressed if found to be re-emerging.

Stormwater runoff that flows down the creek contributes to the presence of weeds behind No.25, 27, 29 Shirley Road and around the units at the end of the Tryon Avenue cul-de-sac due to their close proximity to the watercourse. The major weed species along the creek include Large Leaf Privet (Ligustrum lucidum) , Wandering Jew (Tradescantia albiflora) and several species of exotic garden plants. The presence of garden escapees in the bushland may suggest that dumping of garden refuse by residents has taken place in the past and recent inspection confirms this is still occurring.

The Oyster Cove Foreshore is being effectively colonised by Pittosporum undulatum and Asparagus Fern (Protoasparagus plumosus) due to lack of fire and past disturbance of the bushland by early industry. It has been suggested that the area was once used for a saw milling operation. The Pittosporum undulatum should be prevented from expanding any further and impacting upon the existing Eucalyptus tereticornis (Forest Red Gum) population which is the only significant stand left along the northern Sydney Harbour foreshore. Panic Velt Grass (Ehrharta erecta) and Wandering Jew (Tradescantia albiflora) are also encroaching from the roadside verge.

The bushland of Kerosene Bay is impacted upon by stormwater runoff which flows from an open drain opposite No.2 Tryon Avenue then spills out into a degraded gully. There is a high density of exotic plants scattered along the edges of the eroded gully and there is recent evidence of garden refuse dumping from local residents which is contributing to the weed problem in this area. Common weed species include Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) , Wandering Jew (Tradescantia albiflora) , Asparagus Fern (Protoasparagus plumosus) , Blackberry Nightshade (Solanum nigrum) and False Ginger Lily (Hedychium gardnerianum) .

For further information see: Appendices 3 - Table 2: Weed assessment details. Section 4 - Weed species list for North Sydney.

1.3 Vulnerable and Threatened Species

There are no known vulnerable or threatened flora species in the Kerosene Bay/Oyster Cove/Bridge End area as listed in the Threatened Species Conservation Act, 1995.

1.4 Locally rare species

The small community of Eucalyptus teretecornis (Forest Red Gum) is being impacted upon by the slowly encroaching growth of Pittosporum undulatum which is abundant on the headland of Oyster

4

Cove foreshore. Locally rare orchids such as Pterostylis longifolia (Tall Greenhood) and Acianthus fornicatus (Pixie Orchid) emerged from the ashes of a recent pile burn north of the Oyster Cove foreshore in 1998. Other locally rare species include Leptospermum laevigatum (Coast Tea Tree) and Solanum vescum (Gunyang) present at Bridge End.

For further information see: Appendices 3 - Table 3: Locally rare species. Section 7 for the status of each locally rare species in North Sydney.

2.0 FAUNA

2.1 Terrestrial Vertebrates

An important feature of the Kerosene Bay and Oyster Cove bushland are the owls (eg. the Boobook Owl) which frequent the densely vegetated gullies, the birds of prey and Rosellas which frequent the more open areas. Bridge End is a safe haven for smaller birds (eg. wrens) due to the thick and protective midstorey of Kunzea ambigua (Tick Bush), Melaleuca armillaris (Bracelet Honey Myrtle), Leptospermum laevigatum (Coast Tea Tree) and Phebalium dentatum .

Ring-tail Possum dreys are seen regularly throughout the bushland and during rain periods the Common Eastern Froglet (Crinia signifera) are heard in constant chorus.

There is a lack of nesting hollows in the North Sydney area due to the lack of old native trees that tend to bear such hollows. Native birds, bees and bats suffer from the lack of safe nesting and roosting sites. These creatures play an important role in the ecology of the vegetation communities of Kerosene Bay/Oyster Cove/Bridge End.

Two Rosella nesting boxes were installed on the Tryon Avenue Bushcare Site in 1997.

For further information see: Section 5 - Fauna of North Sydney. Section 8 - Law and Policy: National Parks and Wildlife Act, 1974 .

2.2 Other Native Fauna Groups

-Terrestrial Invertebrates -Aquatic Vertebrates -Aquatic Invertebrates

A formal survey of the diversity and abundance of the above groups of organisms has never been undertaken by North Sydney Council. More detailed studies are required.

Various aquatic invertebrates can be witnessed in the still waters of the creek during dry weather periods. Tadpoles have been seen where water has formed ponds in some sections. The species has not been identified to date.

2.3 Introduced and Feral Animals

Tracks , scats and other traces of the Red Fox have been identified in Kerosene Bay/Oyster Cove/Bridge End. The remains of Ring-tailed Possums have been found in the bushland. Scattered

5 limbs have also been observed.

Various introduced bird species are occasionally seen around the perimeter of the bushland area.

For further information see: Section 5 - Fauna of North Sydney: Introduced Species.

2.4 Vulnerable and Threatened Species

There are no known vulnerable or threatened fauna species in the Kerosene Bay/Oyster Cove/Bridge End areas as identified in the Threatened Species Conservation Act, 1995.

2.5 Locally Rare Species

A formal survey on the diversity and population size of all existing fauna species in North Sydney has never been undertaken, therefore it is impossible to ascertain whether a species is rare or not. The precautionary principle is utilised in bush regeneration activities to accommodate this lack of knowledge. Current and ongoing data collection of fauna species exists as a result of the Wildlife Watch Program and various sightings made by Council Staff and Contractors. All fauna is protected in North Sydney and it is important to know what exists to assist better management practices.

3.0 BUSHLAND FRAGMENTATION

Refer to Map 2 - Land Management Issues for the location of informal tracks.

Kerosene Bay/Oyster Cove/Bridge End are bordered by roads, residential development and the marine environment. The bushland is edged by lawn along the Tryon Avenue perimeter and is in some places invading the natural bushland. This is a constant source of maintenance for the Bushland Management Team and the Tryon Avenue Bushcare Group.

Residents parking their cars on the lawn verge of Tryon Avenue adjacent to the bushland are causing soil compaction and in wet weather small areas turn to mud. Cars have been discouraged from parking along this edge by the scattered placement of large sandstone rocks.

There are a few informal tracks throughout the bushland parcel. It is imperative that a formal track system for the bushland is designed and implemented to accommodate the increased traffic expected after the completion of the Wondakiah residential development. All formal tracks should be sign- posted and the track should create a link from Tryon Avenue to Berry Island, Wondakiah and Bridge End. This is necessary to limit reserve users trampling through the bushland in an undirected manner; damaging vegetation, compacting soil and disturbing habitat for fauna. In the future this bushland will require increased maintenance due to the expected increase in reserve users if the bushland is to be sustained in its current state for future generations.

3.1 Habitat Corridors

The bushland of Kerosene Bay will be linked to Berry Island Reserve and Gore Cove by the Rehabilitation Actions outlined for these two areas. Possible vegetation corridors would include links to other areas of significant remnant vegetation via the railway line eg. Newlands Lane and Brennan Park. At present most of the railway line vegetation is not native, however, it provides a safe and continuous haven for animals to travel to adjoining remnant patches of bushland and parkland.

6

4.0 FIRE

Refer to Map 2 - Land Management Issues for details of fire history.

Five burn piles were conducted in 1997 at the end of Cable Street on the Tryon Avenue Bushcare Site. Many native species emerged from the ashes in this area which was previously been dominated by Lantana (Lantana camara) and Large Leaf Privet (Ligustrum lucidum) . The more common species to emerge were Dodonaea triquetra ( Hop Bush) , Zieria smithii (Sandfly Zieria), Acacia longifolia (Sydney Golden Wattle) , Acacia terminalis (Sunshine Wattle) , Kennedia rubicunda (Dusky Coral Pea) and various native grasses eg. Mircolaena stipoides, Poa affinis . A total of 24 different native species have emerged from these 5 pile burns. With the combination of bush regeneration practices and the use of fire in an area where the native species in the midstorey and understorey were low in diversity, the native plant regeneration from these burn piles has been highly successful.

During 1998, three piles of woody vegetation were burnt to the north of Oyster Cove foreshore. Three species of orchids were the first to emerge from the ashes. These are Acianthus fornicatus (Pixie Orchid) , Pterostylis longifolia (Tall Greenhood) and Pterostylis nutans (Nodding Greenhood) . Other species to later emerge are Calochlaena dubia (Soft Bracken), Acacia suaveolens (Sweet Scented Wattle) and Kenndia rubicunda (Dusky Coral Pea).

Fire is an essential ecological tool required to sustain the plant communities of Kerosene Bay, Oyster Cove and Bridge End bushland. There are several areas throughout which require burning for the purposes of maintaining diversity and stimulating the seed of species which have been eliminated by the absence of fire. The areas burnt shall not be intentionally burnt again within the time frames set out in Section 6 of the Bushland Fire Management Policy, 1997. The burns are integrative to the ongoing bushland management program and current weed control practices.

As addressed in the Bushland Fire Management Policy, 1997: Section 4, several areas that contain high fuel levels require burning not only for ecological purposes but also to manage the fuel levels on some sites. The designated areas for Kerosene Bay/Oyster Cove/Bridge End are outlined in the Action Plan.

For further information see: Appendices 3 - Table 4: Fire History of Tryon Avenue Bushland. Section 9 - Bushland Fire Management Policy for North Sydney Council.

5.0 URBAN RUNOFF

Refer to Map 2 - Land Management Issues for the location of stormwater channels.

Stormwater enters the bushland of Tryon Avenue from three major locations.

The largest enclosed drain enters an open creek in the northern section of Bridge End emerging from underneath the North Shore Railway Line (behind No.29 Shirley Road). During periods of rain the water flows at high velocity down the creekline causing extreme erosion and gouging especially at the end of the pipe where the water first emerges. This water delivers urban runoff and pollutants from the upper catchment. Data on the location and the incidence of erosion along this part of the creek needs to be collected.

7

The second stormwater drain is at the end of Cable Street, Wollstonecraft. In 1994 this drain was upgraded to slow the velocity of the stormwater and reduce the amount of seepage spreading into the surrounding bushland. The extra moisture and nutrients have contributed considerably to the extensive weed problems of the past. Councils Bushland Management Team and the Tryon Avenue Bushcare Group were the driving force behind the upgrade of the drain to a sandstone velocity dissipater which exists here today. The drain ends at the steep ledge adjacent to the Wondakiah residential development site where the water is then transported underground.

The third stormwater drain enters Kerosene Bay from opposite No.2 Tryon Avenue. The open drain ends at the top edge of the bushland where it then passes through the bushland and into Kerosene Bay. There are a great diversity of weed species in this area including many exotic plants from local gardens and others that have been washed down with the stormwater from the upper catchment.

For further information see: Appendices 3 - Table 5: Stormwater Characteristics of Tryon Avenue Bushland. Port Jackson North Stormwater Management Plan, 1999: Stanton Library.

6.0 ABORIGINAL CULTURAL SITES

All Aboriginal sites are significant and protected in the North Sydney area. All sites require specialist management and there are certain procedures which need to be undertaken in relation to bush regeneration practices, monitoring and maintenance processes. The identification and location of all known and potential Aboriginal sites in Tryon Avenue bushland have been recorded on a closed access database and an Aboriginal Site Management Strategy for this bushland area will be prepared in 1999 by North Sydney Council =s Aboriginal Heritage Officer.

For further information see: Section 8 - Law and Policy: Aboriginal Heritage Management. Aboriginal Site Management Strategy for Tryon Avenue bushland, 1999. Development Control Plan: Heritage and Cultural Resources, 1999.

7.0 EUROPEAN HERITAGE SITES

Bridge End bushland contains early sandstone structures which may have once been the edging to a large rectangular garden bed or similar early European endeavour. The area within this perimeter of sandstone is highly degraded with a dense cover of Large Leaf and Small Leaf Privet, Lantana and Cotoneaster. The weeds here are much more concentrated than they are in the surrounding bushland. This suggests major soil disturbance has occurred at some time in the past.

In the past the bushland of Oyster Cove has been partly cleared and ground levelled for an early European industrial activity indicated by the concrete slabs and abandoned equipment that still remain. It has been suggested that the industry could have been an early saw mill. There is also a line of sandstone edging which perhaps indicates that a small track was established to transport the wood to the main road.

The Oyster Cove Foreshore is scientifically important as it contains Athe best naturally occurring population of Forest Red Gum ( Eucalyptus tereticornis ) on a headland reserve around Sydney Harbour @ (Benson, 1992). This feature is recognised in the North Sydney Heritage Inventory (1993; NSHS 1134) as having local historic and social attributes as well as regional aesthetic value.

8

For further information see: North Sydney Heritage Study Review, 1993: Stanton Library. North Sydney Council Heritage Inventory Database: Stanton Library.

8.0 RESERVE USERS

There are a series of informal tracks throughout the bushland of Tryon Avenue.

It is commonly observed that there are a number of frequent reserve users. The community utilises the bushland of Oyster Cove and Bridge End for:

- Walking/dog exercise, and - Outdoor education purposes.

The close proximity of Kerosene Bay/Oyster Cove/Bridge End to Wollstonecraft train station makes the bushland reserve accessible to people all over Sydney. It is a future vision to link the walkway from Berry Island, through Kerosene Bay, Oyster Cove and Bridge End, continuing around the foreshore area, to join up with Balls Head Reserve which is in close proximity to Waverton train station.

8.1 Vandalism and Misuse

Vandalism throughout the bushland area is minimal.

For further information see: Section 8 - Law and Policy.

9.0 EXISTING PROPERTIES ADJOINING BUSHLAND

9.1 Noxious Weeds

Large Leaf Privet (Ligustrum lucidum) and Small Leaf Privet (Ligustrum sinense) are common along the creekline in the Bridge End bushland area. Other noxious and environmental weeds are common along the back of residential properties adjoining the bushland of Tryon Avenue.

As regeneration activities are initiated throughout Tryon Avenue bushland by the Bushland Management Team, Contractors and/or the Tryon Avenue Bushcare Group, Noxious Weed Notices will be sent to adjoining properties if such plants are present on their land.

For further information see: Section 4 for a Noxious Weed and Environmental Weed list for the North Sydney Council area. Section 8 - Law and Policy : Noxious Weeds Act, 1993.

9.2 Encroachment

There are several properties along Milray Avenue which have extended gardens and encroached upon the bushland of Gore Cove. The residents involved will be approached by Council and the concerning issues will be discussed.

9.3 Dumping

9

10

Dumping of garden refuse and household rubbish is prevalent in Bridge End and Kerosene Bay bushland. A dumping notice will be sent to residents in the vicinity of where dumping is occurring if it is considered that the dumping is degrading the bushland and/or creating an unnecessary fire hazard along the boundary of the property.

For further information see: Section 8 - Law and Policy: Local Government Act, 1919.

9.4 Pets

Dogs and cats are occasionally seen throughout the bushland of Tryon Avenue. Should you wish to exercise your dog in the bushland certain conditions apply. Cats may be kept in at night for the benefit of our nocturnal native fauna. For further information see: Section 8 - Law and Policy: Companion Animals Act, 1999 and Councils Policy on Dog Control in North Sydney.

11

12

10.0 ACTION PLAN

10.1 Rehabilitation Works Detailed information and the location of rehabilitation works to be carried out over the lifespan of this document in each bushland area. Each bushland reserve is divided into smaller Zones to provide a more detailed vision for each different location. The rehabilitation works are then given a priority rating.

10.2 Management Strategies and other Program These additional documents are required to assist a successful rehabilitation process.

10.0 ACTION PLAN

10.1 Rehabilitation Works

13

Priority

The priority ratings given to each action in the matrix are subject to the availability of staff, funding and existing ideologies at the time of creation. For these reasons modification of priorities may occur as special circumstances arise.

ST (Short Term) Action completed within 2 years.

MT (Medium Term) Action completed within 2-4 years.

LT (Long Term) Action commenced after 4 years.

O (Ongoing) Action is carried out on a regular basis for the life of this action plan.

C (Commenced) Action has commenced.

CP (Completed) Action has been carried out.

Identification numbers eg. 1A, 1B etc. shown in the Issues column of the Action Plan relate to the corresponding map for that zone and the actions required.

NOTE: The Rehabilitation Plan is designed to be relevant for a five year period and to be extensively reviewed and updated at the end of this time.

OBJECTIVES

Tryon Avenue Bushland

- To conserve and restore the remnant indigenous plant communities of the area,

- To rehabilitate disturbed bushland edges to reflect the floristic and structural diversity of former vegetation communities ,

14

- To conserve locally rare flora species and promote biodiversity,

- To control and reduce the spread of weeds throughout the bushland ,

- To provide native habitat for the local indigenous fauna,

- To protect and conserve areas of Aboriginal Heritage,

- To reduce the effects of stormwater pollution entering the Creek and other point sources of stormwater released into the surrounding bushland,

- To minimise the spread of weed species from adjacent land,

- To facilitate residents wishing to regenerate remnant bushland in their backyards or recreate the bushland which once existed there,

- To minimise the incidence and effects of informal tracks throughout the bushland, and

- To provide for responsible reserve use whilst protecting remnant bushland.

ZONE 1

Closed Forest creekline vegetation containing remnant species such as Ceratopetalum apetalum (Coachwood) and Acmena smithii (Lilypily). Impacted by stormwater release.

Issue Current Condition Proposed Action Priority Performance Indicator

Vegetation Prolific state of weed species along the back Promote community education and awareness of these C/O Formation of Bushcare Group has been Management of residential properties in the Bridge End issues and encourage the formation of a Bushcare encouraged and a community education and area (including the rear of Tresillian, Group in the Bridge End area. awareness program has been instigated.

15

Issue Current Condition Proposed Action Priority Performance Indicator residential properties of Shirley Road and the 1A cul-de-sac of Tryon Avenue).

Consult with Railway Services Australia regarding LT Railway Services Australia have been contacted rehabilitation of railway land adjacent to Bridge End at the appropriate time and the issues have been bushland as regeneration and rehabilitation of this area discussed. is carried out by Council.

Creekline Erosion and the spread of Large Leaf Privet Remove and/or suppress new growth of Large Leaf MT New growth of Large Leaf Privet has been Vegetation (Ligustrum lucidum) and other weed species Privet and other weed seedlings especially around suppressed around immature native plants along along the creek bank. native plant seedlings and existing native vegetation the creekline. throughout this zone.

Inject canopy weed species that surround struggling LT Mature weed species in the canopy that are native canopy species (to increase light penetration) smothering native canopy have been injected. with Bi-Active Roundup* (or similar with low surfactant) and maintain.

1B Dumping of garden refuse alongside the Issue letter to residences in the area to aid awareness ST Letter has been issued and the options have creekline in the northern section. and educate on the issue of dumping. Options may been explained. include removal or burning depending on each individual situation.

1C Monitor Cissus hypoglauca (Five Leaf Water Thin out where necessary. C Cissus hypoglauca has been thinned out where Vine) which has been growing rampant and it has been appropriate to do so. smothering the southern section of the open creekline.

1D Informal tracks throughout reserve. Suggested upgraded formal track system to be LT Track has been created, directional signage has instigated. The new track should blend with the been installed and the area is adequately surrounding bushland and complement the natural maintained. essence of the area. Directional signage will also be provided. Maintain.

16

17

ZONE 2

Open Forest/Woodland containing diverse native plant species. Naturally ponding fresh water following rain surrounded by Melaleuca armillaris (Bracelet Honey Myrtle), and Leptospermum laevigatum (Coast Tea Tree) with Kunzea ambigua (Tick Bush) scattered throughout. Excellent small bird habitat.

Issue Current Condition Proposed Action Priority Performance Indicator

Vegetation Weed species emerging in good bushland due Biannual sweep through the areas of good bush O Biannual weed invasions have been suppressed Management to natural dispersal processes. removing new weed growth especially along the and the area is adequately maintained. perimeter regions - working from the good bush out into the degraded areas.

2A Weed species in degraded areas encroaching Push back edges of weed along creekline and along the O Weeds species invading into the good bush are into good areas of bushland. Railway Line area. adequately suppressed and boundaries of bushland are being pushed back.

2B Continue to regenerate area behind the recent O Area is adequately and successfully regenerated. development at Bridge End. Re-emerging Pampas Grass has been adequately Possible re-emergence of Pampas Grass Annual investigation of the Bridge End site. Suppress O controlled and re-growth has been suppressed. (Cortaderia spp.) and control re-emerging Pampas Grass in the winter months as required by the Noxious Weeds Act, 1993.

Locally rare species Leptospermum Collect seed for the North Sydney Seed Bank and MT Leptospermum laevigatum (Coast Tea Tree) laevigatum (Coast Tea Tree) and Solanum propagate these species when required. Plant in and Solanum vescum (Gunyang) seed has been vescum (Gunyang) have been reduced to a appropriate areas that are being regenerated to increase collected, propagated and planted into few scattered specimens. the stock size of these plants and ensure their long-term regenerating areas of Bridge End bushland viability in the area. Maintain. where appropriate and maintained.

Ficus rubignosa slowly emerging throughout Assess affected localised vegetation community and thin O The area has been assessed and selected Ficus the bushland due to changing nutrient and out Ficus rubignosa where appropriate. rubignosa have been thinned out. water retention in the soil from hard surface runoff and lack of fire.

Fire Kunzea ambigua beginning to die back with Remove weed species adjacent to and amongst Kunzea MT Woody weed species have been removed and little natural regeneration due to impeding and stack woody material in preparation for a pile burn stacked on site in preparation for pile burn. 2C weed species and lack of fire. in the area in effort to stimulate native plant regeneration. LT Piles have been burnt and the area is adequately maintained.

Tracks Informal tracks throughout reserve. Suggested upgraded formal track system to be LT Formal track has been designed, planned,

18

Issue Current Condition Proposed Action Priority Performance Indicator 2D instigated. The new track should blend with the installed and the directional signage has been surrounding bushland and complement the natural erected and the are is adequately maintained. essence of the area. Directional signage will also be provided. Maintain.

ZONE 3

Open Forest/Woodland dominated by Angophora costata (Smooth-barked Apple) and Pteridium esculentum (Bracken Fern). This area also contains a locally rare Eucalyptus tereticornis (Forest Red Gum) community. Large areas of this zone are regenerated by the Tryon Avenue Bushcare Group.

Issue Current Condition Proposed Action Priority Performance Indicator

Vegetation Weed species emerging in good bushland due Biannual sweep through the areas of good bush removing C/O New weed growth in areas of remnant bushland Management to natural dispersal processes. new weed growth especially along the perimeter regions - containing less than 30% weed species has been

19

Issue Current Condition Proposed Action Priority Performance Indicator working from the good bush out into the degraded areas completed and adequately maintained.

3A Lawn grasses and Panic Velt Grass (Ehrharta Control invasive lawn species and Ehrharta from ST Lawn grass species and Ehrharta have been erecta) invading the bushland from the entering the bushland. Use moveable log borders to controlled from spreading into the bushland and roadside verge. encourage the bush back up to natural rock ledge. log boarders have been utilised as physical Maintain by spraying Bi-Active Roundup* (or similar barriers. with low surfactant) at regular intervals.

3B Plant native canopy species throughout the lawn verge. LT Native canopy trees have been planted Allow trees to mature (5-8 years) before beginning to throughout the lawn verge and maintained. reclaim the lawn verge as bushland in incremental stages.

Locally rare species Eucalyptus tereticornis Collect seed of the Eucalyptus tereticornis for the North MT Eucalyptus tereticornis (Forest Red Gum) seed (Forest Red Gum) have been reduced to a Sydney Seed Bank and propagate these species when has been collected, propagated and planted into small population of specimens. required. Plant in appropriate areas that are being regenerating areas of Bridge End bushland regenerated to increase the stock size of these plants and where appropriate and maintained. ensure their long-term viability in the area. Maintain.

Pterostylis longifolia (Tall Greenhood) and MT Steps have been taken to encourage conditions Acianthus fornicatus (Pixie Orchid) have for the growth of the Pterostylis longifolia (Tall recently emerged after fire due to the change Greenhood) and the Acianthus fornicatus (Pixie in light filtering through the canopy and the Orchid). absence of a thick layer of leaf litter on the forest floor.

Vegetation Pittosporum undulatum successfully Control this invasion by selective injection of no more O No more than 20% of existing Pittosporum Management colonising the foreshore area of Oyster Cove. than 20% of the Pittosporum sp. in any one year. Weed undulatum species have been injected in any 3C This species is beginning to impact on the species surrounding native canopy and native understorey one year and the area is adequately maintained. locally rare stand of Eucalyptus tereticornis plants will be given priority over any other area. (Forest Red Gum).

3D Bushcare sites under constant pressure from Continue to carry out secondary and maintenance O Secondary and maintenance weeding practices the threats of weed invasion. weeding practices. Continue to plant out areas where little are adequately and effectively carried out and natural regeneration is occurring. planting is utilised where appropriate.

Fauna Two Rosella nesting boxes erected in 1998. Seasonally monitor the nesting boxes to identify what C/O Nesting boxes are seasonally monitored and species are utilising them and to ensure feral animals have adequately maintained. not moved in. They will also be checked annually for

20

Issue Current Condition Proposed Action Priority Performance Indicator 3E bees throughout spring (bee swarming season) and to ensure that the box is not causing damage to the host tree. (See Nesting Box Installation Form).

Fire New growth and regenerating native species Maintenance of pile burn areas to allow for successful C/O Pile burns are adequately maintained and there 3F from the 1998 pile burns competing with growth and development of native plants without is successful growth of native species. weed species for survival. competition from weed species.

Reserve Users Informal tracks throughout reserve. Suggested upgraded formal track system to be instigated. LT Formal track has been designed, planned, 3G The new track should blend with the surrounding installed and the directional signage has been bushland and complement the natural essence of the area. erected and the are is adequately maintained. Directional signage will also be provided. Maintain.

Encroachment Cars parking on the grass verge creating loss Placement of sandstone rocks along the edge to prevent CP Sandstone rocks have been placed in 3H of grass cover and soil. this from recurring. appropriate positions and cars are no longer utilising the area.

ZONE 4

Open Forest/Woodland dominated by Angophora costata (Smooth-barked Apple) , Banksia integrifolia (Coast Banksia) and Allocasuarina littoralis (Black She Oak) situated adjacent to small beach.

Issue Current Condition Proposed Action Priority Performance Indicator

Vegetation Weed species emerging in good bushland Biannual sweep through the areas of good bush O Biannual maintenance of seasonal weed Management due to natural dispersal processes. removing new weed growth especially along the invasion is undertaken and new weed growth perimeter regions - working from the good bush out into is adequately suppressed. the degraded areas.

Lawn grasses and Panic Velt Grass ( Ehrharta Control invasive lawn species and Ehrharta from ST Lawn grass species and Ehrharta have been 4A erecta) invading the bushland from the entering the bushland. Use moveable log borders to controlled from spreading into the bushland roadside verge. encourage the bush back up to edge of lawn. Maintain and log boarders have been utilised as by spraying at regular intervals. physical barriers.

21

Issue Current Condition Proposed Action Priority Performance Indicator 4B Plant native canopy species along the lawn verge. Allow LT Native canopy trees have been planted trees to mature (5-8 years) before beginning to reclaim throughout the lawn verge and maintained. the lawn verge as bushland in incremental stages.

4C Regenerate the perimeter of bushland existing along the Perimeter of bushland along the edge of the edge of the small beach area. Regenerate to protect the LT Perimeter of beach side bushland is beach degraded by the effects of stormwater small areas of naturally ponding water from natural successfully regenerated and adequately and the threats of weed invasion. seepage through the rock layers as it is home to many maintained. frog species.

Stormwater Stormwater runoff from drain opposite No. 2 Rehabilitate this area. The aim of the design and method LT Actions have been taken to successfully Management/ Tryon Avenue contributing to the prolific of rehabilitation should reflect natural stream conditions rehabilitate the eroded gully and the area is Dumping weed species along this watercourse. and blend in with the surrounding environment. Plant adequately maintained. 4D edges with native plants that are tolerant to high moisture and nutrient conditions.

Dumped garden refuse adding to the diversity Issue letter to residences in the area to aid awareness and ST Letter has been issued and the options have of weed species present. educate on the issue of dumping. Options will include been explained. removal or burning depending on each individual situation.

Tracks Informal tracks throughout reserve. Suggested upgraded formal track system to be instigated. LT Formal track has been designed, planned, 4E The new track should blend with the surrounding installed and the directional signage has been bushland and complement the natural essence of the erected and the are is adequately maintained. area. Directional signage will also be provided. Maintain.

22

10.2 Management Strategies and other Programs required for a successful rehabilitation process

Management Strategy/Program Priority Responsibility

Creekline Management Strategy LT Bushland Management Team

Fire Management Strategy MT Bushland Management Team

Fauna Study LT Bushland Management Team

Feral Animal Control Program MT Bushland Management Team

Wildlife Corridor Strategy MT Bushland Management Team

Community Education Program C/O Bushland Management Team

23

APPENDICES 3

VEGETATION COMMUNITIES

Table 1: Vegetation Communities of Kerosene Bay/Oyster Cove/Bridge End.

Zone Remnant Dominant Canopy Dominant Midstorey Dominant Vegetation No. Structure Species Species Understorey Species Classification

1 Sydney Eucalyptus piperita Ceratopetalum Pandorea pandorana Closed Forest Sandstone apetalum Lomandra longifolia Gully Forest Acmena smithii (10ag) Callicoma serratifolia

2 Sydney Angophora costata Kunzea ambigua Lomandra longifolia Open Sandstone Leptospermum Forest/Woodland Gully Forest laevigatum (10ag) Melaleuca armillaris

3 Sydney Angophora costata Acacia longifolia Calochlaena dubia Open Sandstone Eucalyptus Pittosporum revolutm Poa affinis Forest/Woodland Gully Forest teretecornis Zieria smithii Lomandra longifolia (10ag) Notolaea longifolia

4 Sydney Banksia integrifolia Glochidion ferdinandi Microlaena stipoides Open Forest/ Sandstone Angophora costata Pteridium esculentum Woodland Gully Forest Calochlaena dubia (10ag) Lomandra longifolia

The scientific name of native species is written in italics: the common name of weed species is written in normal text.

WEED ASSESSMENT

Table 2 : Weed Zones of Tryon Avenue bushland.

Weed Dominant % Weed Rating Causal Factors Weed Classification Zone Weed Layer Cover

1 Understorey 80% very poor abcde U4abcde

2 Understorey 10% good f -natural dispersal U1f

3 Understorey 30% fair abd U2abd

4 Understorey 55% poor adcde U3abcde

Causal Factor Codes (a) Physical disturbance of soil. (b) Imported soil fill. (c)Dumped garden refuse. (d) Physical disturbance of vegetation. (e) Impacts from stormwater runoff. (f) Other - as suggested

LOCALLY RARE SPECIES

KEY LC - Lane Cove National Park , Ma - Manly Dam Memorial Park , Wa - Wallumata Nature Reserve , and SH - Sydney Harbour National Park including (North Head, Dobroyd Head, Bradleys Head and Neilson Park). (Benson & Howell, 1994).

Table 3: Locally Rare Species

Scientific Name of Represented in which Status in the bushland Represented in other Locally Rare Species Reserves in North of Lane Cove Conservation Areas of the Sydney? Municipality North Shore?

LC Ma Wa SH

Leptospermum laevigatum Bridge End - Τ Τ

Solanum vescum Bridge End -

Eucalyptus tereticornis Oyster Cove Foreshore - Τ Τ

Acianthus fornicatus Oyster Cove Foreshore Common Τ REF: (SA, 1998) (LCMC, 1996) (Benson & Howell, 1994)

FIRE HISTORY

Table 4: Pile burns used to stimulate native seed withinTryon Avenue bushland

Date Location Area (m 2) Flame Height Suppression Comment (m) Authority

1997 Five pile burns at the 2m 2 each 1m - 1.5m Crows Nest Fire Two piles burnt on the northern bottom of the hill below Brigade side of the drainage line and the end of Cable St. three piles burnt on the southern side of the drainage line.

1998 Five pile burns located at 5m 2 each 1.5m - 2m Crows Nest Fire Three piles burnt along the various stages along the Brigade informal track that runs informal track. parrallel to the cliffline adjacent to the Wondakiah Residential Development and two piles burnt where this track crosses the track leading out onto the peninsula. The most western burn pile was the largest of the five in area in 1998.

STORMWATER CHARACTERISTICS

Table 5: Location and Characteristics of Stormwater Channels and Hard Surface Runoff Pipes.

Drain Location Diameter Channel Erosion Solid Comments No. (mm) Width (m) Waste

1 Behind No. 29 Shirley 500mm 2m High Low Resident of 29D Shirley Rd. Road is trying to save the loss of his backyard by the constant high level of erosion occuring in this area.

2 Behind No. 24 Tryon 500mm 1m Low Low Water flows from pipe and Avenue - entering the directly into the creekline. creek from the eastern side. The stormwater originates from Bridge End cul-de-ac.

3 At the end of Cable 500mm 1m NIL Low Man made drainage line Street on the bushland ea. constructed with velocity side. Two stormwater dissipators to slow the flow pipes diverted along of stormwater. semi-enclosed sandstone drainage line.

One stormwater pipe Overflow N/A NIL Low Adding extra nutrients and travelling underground only moisture to the bushland. with grate in bushland where excess water escapes in heavy rainfall.

4 In front of No. 2 Tryon 300mm 0.5m Medium Low At end of pipe the first 5m is Avenue. a semi-enclosed smooth concrete drainage line. At the end of this drain the water spills over into the bushland and has, over time, significantly eroded the gully.

NOTE: Any drain diameter 300mm or larger is considered a stormwater drain. All pipe diameters under 300mm are considered hard surface runoff drainage pipes from residential properties.