Complied by Michael Baer and Margo Smith
Edited by Symon Walpole
September 2004
Cover Pic: Catherine Hill Bay
EP 1660 Coastal Plant Guide New
15/12/04
10:57 AM
Page 1
Contents
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
Introduction
Issues
Responsibility for Managing Coastal Land
The Importance of Coastal Vegetation
Cultural Heritage Sites
Regulations and Policies
LMCC’s Position of Support on Coastline
Vegetation Management
Developing a Coastline Vegetation Rehabilitation Plan
Planting Guidelines
Vegetation Communities of Lake Macquarie’s Coastline
Recommendations for Planting in
Fire Hazard Reduction Areas
How to use the Lake Macquarie Coastline
Planting Guide Species List
Planting Methods
Weeds
Glossary
Further information
Websites
Bibliography
Native Plants of Lake Macquarie’s Coastline
Appendices
Appendix 1:
Process for undertaking projects with the Lake
Macquarie Landcare Resource Office
Appendix 2:
Common weeds found along Lake Macquarie’s coastline
LAKE MACQUARIE COASTAL PLANTING GUIDE
3
4
5
10
11
13
19
20
21
23
26
28
29
31
33
34
35
35
37
68
73
1
EP 1660 Coastal Plant Guide New
15/12/04
10:57 AM
Page 2
Acknowledgements
This publication has been greatly assisted by the work of
the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural
Resources and Coastcare on the coastline management
resource ‘NSW CPR - Coastline Plant Regeneration’, and
the Lake Macquarie Landcare Resource Office. Particular
thanks are given to Carl Fulton of the Lake Macquarie
Landcare Resource Office, Robbie Economos, Neale
Farmer and Norm Feeney of Lake Macquarie City
Council, Rod Kidd of DIPNR and Zoe Russell. Many
thanks to the project steering committee for their input to
the Guide.
2
LAKE MACQUARIE COASTAL PLANTING GUIDE
EP 1660 Coastal Plant Guide New
15/12/04
10:57 AM
Page 3
1. Introduction
The coastal area is the most populated belt of land on the Australian
continent. Approximately 85% of the Australian population lives
within 50 kilometres of the coast (ABS, 2004). An integral component
of Australian culture is the beach and beach life. But this love,
fascination and enjoyment of the coast is also impacting it: Australians
are loving the coast to death.
Population increase, coastal
development, services and industry all place pressure on the coastline.
The City of Lake Macquarie has 28 kilometres of coastline, of which
approximately 8 kilometres (29%) is owned and controlled by Council.
Ninety eight percent of this coastline is under a protective zoning. A
diversity of coastal environments exist in Lake Macquarie.
The City’s coastline is dominated by headlands such as Dudley, Redhead,
Swansea Heads, Caves Beach and Catherine Hill Bay. In between many
of these headlands lie steep coastal cliffs and hills. In contrast to the
steep and rocky terrain of the coast are the many kilometres of sand
dunes and beaches, including Dudley, Redhead, Nine Mile, Blacksmiths,
Crabs, Frenchman’s, Hams, Caves, Stinky Point, Pinny and Catherine Hill
Bay. A number of wetlands also occur in close proximity to the coast,
such as Jewells Wetland and Belmont Lagoon, and other smaller wetland
systems that exist behind the sand dune system.
Lake Macquarie’s coastal area is recognised for its lands of regional
significance that contribute to the environmental, recreational and scenic
landscape of the Hunter Region. Studies have recognised the prominent
ridge lines, coastal foreshores, Glenrock State Conservation Area,
Awabakal Nature Reserve and the large tracts of undeveloped land
south of Swansea as providing a significant contribution to the scenic
quality of the coastal landscape (LMCC, 1993).
The Lake Macquarie
Coastline Planting Guide
has been compiled to
assist
the
Lake
Macquarie Community
understand
coastal
vegetation
processes,
and identify suitable
native plant species to
use
in
coastal The coastline in temperate Australia is an incredibly
revegetation
projects. dynamic environment Photo: Paul Foley
LAKE MACQUARIE COASTAL PLANTING GUIDE
3
EP 1660 Coastal Plant Guide New
15/12/04
10:57 AM
Page 4
The Lake Macquarie Community includes Coastcare,
Landcare and environmental groups, coastline residents
and Council staff.
The Guide forms part of Council’s commitment to
enhance and improve coastline education, as identified
in clause 6.1.9(8) of the Lake Macquarie Coastline
Management Plan (Umwelt and Gardner Browne, 1999)
Additional detailed information on these coastal
processes and issues is contained in the Coastal Dune
Management Manual (DWLC 2001).
2. Issues
Impacts on coastal vegetation occur through a lack of
awareness although many occur through a lack of care or
through sheer intent. On many occasions, these impacts will
lead to the damage and/or death of native vegetation.
Impacts include:
Recreation
• pressure from people
walking over dunes
and trampling fragile
dune vegetation
• compaction and
uprooting by
recreational vehicles
such as four-wheelFour-wheel drive vehicles can
drives, motor, trike
severely impact dune vegetation
and quad- bikes
Photo: Michael Baer
• removal of vegetation by campers and fishers for fires
• trampling by bush walkers and mountain bike riders
• smothering of vegetation by sand and soil eroded
from the careless creation of bush tracks and trails
Disregard
• removal by coastal residents to improve their views
• weed infestation - resulting from residents dumping
garden cuttings and/or grass clippings
• arson - intentional burning
4
LAKE MACQUARIE COASTAL PLANTING GUIDE
EP 1660 Coastal Plant Guide New
15/12/04
10:57 AM
Page 5
Development and works
•
•
•
•
encroachment by urban and industrial development
clearing adjacent to natural vegetation resulting in weed infestation
inappropriate landscaping and planting choices
urban rainwater runoff - increasing amounts and velocity of
runoff; increased sediment, nutrient and pollutant loads
• disturbance from construction works such as roads, drainage, water
pipes, sewer pipes, underground power, gas and telephone lines
• clearing for bushfire risk
management, including
slashing/mowing
• sand extraction and mining
Environmental
•
•
•
•
•
natural fire
weed invasion
feral animals, such as rabbits
coastline erosion
climate change
Sheer cliffs and headlands of Lake
Macquarie’s coastline contain a particular
vegetation community Photo: Andrew Monger
3. Responsibility for
Managing Coastal Land
Multiple types of land use exist along Lake Macquarie’s coastline. The
coastline contains a mosaic of publicly owned land, Crown or community
land, and privately owned land. Crown Land is land owned and managed
by the State Government, or managed by Lake Macquarie City Council (as
Trust Manager) under a ‘care and control’ agreement between Council and
the State government. Community land is predominantly open space land
owned by Council. Privately owned land includes land owned by private
companies such as Belmont Golf Club, coal companies, Hunter Water
Corporation, and private residences.
The Lake Macquarie Local Environment Plan 2004 (LMLEP 2004)
governs land use of the coast. The majority of Lake Macquarie’s coastal
area is zoned 7(4) Environmental (Coastline). Other zones include: 7(3)
Environmental (General); 7(1) Conservation (Primary); 7(2)
Conservation (Secondary); 8 National Park; 5 Infrastructure; 6(1) Open
LAKE MACQUARIE COASTAL PLANTING GUIDE
5
EP 1660 Coastal Plant Guide New
15/12/04
10:57 AM
Page 6
Space; 6(2) Tourism and Recreation; and 2(1) Residential.
For details on the objectives and development consent
requirements of these zones, refer to the LMLEP 2004.
Approximately 50% of the coastline is zoned for public
recreation, and there are requirements under the LMLEP
2004 for State Government and Council acquisition of
certain privately owned land.
Local Government ownership
Lake Macquarie City Council is responsible for land it
owns, and land it manages on behalf of the State
Government, to the mean high water mark of the coast.
This includes all beaches, rock platforms and headlands.
Land below the mean high water mark is the responsibilty
of State Government - Department of Lands.
State Government ownership
The State Government is responsible for land it owns
such as Crown land, Nature Reserves and State
Conservation Areas. The National Parks Estate consists
of the Glenrock State Recreation Area and Awabakal
Nature Reserve. Other State owned and managed land
includes the former BHP land behind Blacksmiths Beach.
Diagrams showing all community and Crown lands in Lake
Macquarie’s coastal area are shown on the following pages.
6
LAKE MACQUARIE COASTAL PLANTING GUIDE
EP 1660 Coastal Plant Guide New
15/12/04
10:57 AM
Page 7
Community and Crown lands between Dudley and Redhead
LAKE MACQUARIE COASTAL PLANTING GUIDE
7
EP 1660 Coastal Plant Guide New
15/12/04
10:57 AM
Page 8
Community and Crown lands between Redhead and Blacksmiths
8
LAKE MACQUARIE COASTAL PLANTING GUIDE
EP 1660 Coastal Plant Guide New
15/12/04
10:57 AM
Page 9
Community and Crown lands between Blacksmiths and Catherine Hill Bay
LAKE MACQUARIE COASTAL PLANTING GUIDE
9
EP 1660 Coastal Plant Guide New
15/12/04
10:57 AM
Page 10
4. The Importance
of Coastal Vegetation
Coastal plants, like all
plants, have a function in
the environment. Plant
roots help to bind and hold
soil and sand together and
provide shelter, homes
and food for animals. The
beachfront, rock platforms
and cliffs are the first
point of attack on our
coastline by severe storms
that may cause coastline
erosion. Cliffs and rock
platforms, while containing
relatively little vegetation,
are structurally equipped
Photo: Stefan Moore
to resist coastal erosion.
However, vegetation on rocky cliffs is still vital to
preserving the long-term integrity of our coastline.
Beaches and sand dunes are particularly fragile and
dynamic environments; they are easily eroded by severe
storms and wave action as part of a natural cycle of
erosion and sand accumulation. Studies predict that
there will be a net erosion (or recession) of the coastline
over the next 50-100 years (Umwelt and Gardner Browne,
1999). The vegetation on sand dunes is critical to help
bind sand together and stabilise sand dunes. This
prevents wind action on the loose sand accelerating
erosion rates.
Paths formed by people walking over the vegetation on
sand dunes and not staying on designated pathways will
trample and damage dune vegetation, which contributes
to dune and beach erosion.
10
LAKE MACQUARIE COASTAL PLANTING GUIDE
EP 1660 Coastal Plant Guide New
15/12/04
10:57 AM
Page 11
How does a sand dune form
and coastline vegetation establish?
The first building blocks of a sand dune
are marine plants growing in the sea and
on rock platforms. Kelp and marine
algae (seaweed), and seagrass from Lake
Macquarie wash up onto our beaches.
Tide, wave and wind motion push the
marine plants to the upper limit of the
beach. Sand grains stick to the marine
plants. The plants become heavier and
mat with other marine plants. This and
other clumps of sand-caked, matted
marine plants then act as a trap for sand
being blown up the beach. Loose sand
eventually buries the clump, forming a
slightly elevated step above the beach
gradient. The process continues over
and over. Some infant dune structure is
Kelp and other marine plants
lost to big surf, forming a beach berm, growing on rock platforms are part
often during winter. The process of of the building blocks to forming
binding and building continues until sand dunes Photo: Paul Foley
vegetation establishes, either from seed
carried by the wind, birds, washed up from other beaches or spreading
from adjacent vegetated areas. The first plant to establish is usually
beach Spinifex (Spinifex sericeus). Due to their growth form, these plants
assist dune formation by trapping and accelerating sand accumulation.
5. Cultural Heritage Sites
The coastline of Lake Macquarie is known to contain numerous sites
of Aboriginal and European heritage which contribute to the historic
and cultural significance of our region.
Aboriginal people whose traditional lands and waters encompassed
areas of Lake Macquarie and the coastline left numerous sites of
historic and cultural significance as examples of their daily life. These
sites include camp sites, shell middens, burial grounds, scar trees,
stone arrangements, axe grinding grooves, water holes and stone
quarries. While many of these known sites have been destroyed by
later human activity and urban development, there remains the
LAKE MACQUARIE COASTAL PLANTING GUIDE
11
EP 1660 Coastal Plant Guide New
15/12/04
10:57 AM
Page 12
potential for other sites to exist along the coastline.
European heritage sites include the township of
Catherine Hill Bay, Catherine Hill Bay Cemetery, old
radar installations at Radar Hill and the shark tower at
Redhead Beach.
Anyone undertaking a revegetation project along the
coastline should be mindful that shifting sands from years
of dynamic coastal activity and thick weed infestations
may easily have covered a site of significance. Council
approval should be obtained prior to any excavation or
digging. In particular you should consult with Council’s
Heritage Officer regarding the location of possible cultural
sites. Any digging or excavation work should occur
cautiously and sensitively as it may uncover part of our
heritage. If this work is to be undertaken in an area
suspected to contain Aboriginal cultural heritage sites,
then a Section 87 Permit is required from the NSW
National Parks and Wildlife Service, as required under the
National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 (NSW). If a cultural site
is known to exist, a permit to destroy is required under
Section 90 of the same Act. Any disturbance of European
heritage will require a permit is required under Section 140
of the Heritage Act 1977 (NSW).
If an Aboriginal cultural site of significance is unearthed,
you must cease work immediately and contact the
Heritage Officer at Lake Macquarie City Council, who will
in turn contact the Bahtabah Aboriginal Land Council (who
represent the Aboriginal Traditional Owners along Lake
Macquarie’s coastal area) and the Cultural Unit of the
National Parks and Wildlife Service.
12
LAKE MACQUARIE COASTAL PLANTING GUIDE
EP 1660 Coastal Plant Guide New
15/12/04
10:57 AM
Page 13
6. Regulations and Policies
There are a number of regulations, policy and planning documents
relating to native vegetation on public and private land. The
regulations and plans that apply to coastline vegetation are
summarised below.
Local Government
Local Government Act 1993 (NSW)
For public reserves owned by LMCC the Local Government Act 1993
applies. Under this legislation approval must be obtained from
Council prior to undertaking works or activities, including tree
planting and weed removal.
Plans of Management for Community Lands
Plans of Management (POM) categorise community land providing
a framework to determine the activities or works that are
permissible in public reserves. All proposed works must comply
with the objectives outlined in Council’s POM.
Plans of
Management can be very specific about the type of work to be
conducted in certain parts of public reserves, for example in land
categorised as bushland or wetland.
Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979
Lake Macquarie Local Environmental Plan 2004
(LMLEP 2004)
This plan contains provisions that require development consent
from Council for the clearing of native vegetation and trees,
including trees listed on Council’s Significant Tree Register. The
Plan also allocates land use zones for all land in Lake Macquarie.
These zones determine land uses that are prohibited, those that
require development consent from Council and those that do not.
Under certain circumstances, bush regeneration, riparian and
littoral foreshore stabilisation works are exempt development (ie.
they do not require development consent from Council under the
Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979). However, all
proposed works along the coastline should be discussed with
Council and written advice obtained.
LAKE MACQUARIE COASTAL PLANTING GUIDE
13
EP 1660 Coastal Plant Guide New
15/12/04
10:57 AM
Page 14
Development Control Plan No. 1
The DCP No. 1 outlines performance criteria for works
carried out within the City. For example, ecological
studies, when circumstances require Council approval
for the removal of native vegetation and trees.
Significant Tree Register
Council maintains a register of significant trees that
have been nominated as particularly significant for any
of the following reasons: fine specimen, rare or
recognised as being of cultural or historical significance.
Inclusion on this register highlights the need for
particularly careful consideration of a request to lop or
remove a tree.
State Government
Crown Lands Act 1989
Most Crown reserves have local Councils appointed as
the Trust Manager.
The Trust Manager has the
responsibility for the day-to-day management of the land
and makes decisions about prohibiting or permitting
uses, works and activities in accordance with all relevant
legislation in consultation with the landowner being State
Government - Department of Lands.
Native Vegetation Conservation Act 1997 and
Native Vegetation Act 2003
The Native Vegetation Conservation Act 1997 and Native
Vegetation Act 2003 control native vegetation clearance.
Clearing can only be undertaken after an application has
been made to DIPNR and development consent is
granted. These Acts do not apply to land that is within a
zone designated ‘residential’ (but not ‘rural-residential’),
‘village’, ‘township’, ‘industrial’ or ‘business’ under an
environmental planning instrument.
Certain clearing is currently exempt from the need to obtain
development consent. This includes, among other things,
minimal clearing (up to 2 ha per annum), minimal tree
14
LAKE MACQUARIE COASTAL PLANTING GUIDE
EP 1660 Coastal Plant Guide New
15/12/04
10:57 AM
Page 15
cutting (cutting of no more than 7 trees per hectare per annum for on-farm
uses) and regrowth clearing (removal of vegetation less than 10 years of
age if the land was previously cleared for farming or forestry), although this
may change when the Native Vegetation Act 2003 becomes effective.
It is important to note that any vegetation clearing that is exempt from
the Native Vegetation Conservation Act 1997 or Native Vegetation Act 2003
is covered by the Lake Macquarie Local Environment Plan 2004;
therefore development consent will be required from Council rather
than DIPNR and in some instances approval from both DIPNR and
Council may be required.
Fisheries Management Act 1994
The Act prohibits the cutting, removal, damage or destruction of
marine vegetation (including mangroves, seagrass and attached
seaweed) without a permit issued by the Minister for Fisheries.
Applications for such permits will generally only be approved for
works of public benefit due to the impact on fish habitat. A permit is
also required for the collection of dead seagrass for commercial
purposes (more than 20 kg per day).
National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974
The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service manages land that is in
National Parks, State Conservation Areas, Regional Parks and Nature
Reserves. They should be contacted if you are proposing to undertake
work in any of these areas as permission will be required.
Noxious Weeds Act 1993
This Act provides that occupiers of land (this includes owners of land)
have responsibility for controlling noxious weeds on the land they
occupy.
This obligation applies to both private and public
owners/occupiers of land. Public owners include the State Government
and local control authorities. This Act can be enforced by the issue of
weed control notices by the Minister and local Councils.
Environmental Planning and Assessment
Act 1979
State Environmental Planning Policies (SEPPs)
SEPP 14 - Wetlands
Under this policy development consent is required for clearing,
filling, draining and construction of levees within designated
LAKE MACQUARIE COASTAL PLANTING GUIDE
15
EP 1660 Coastal Plant Guide New
15/12/04
10:57 AM
Page 16
wetlands. These are considered to be designated
developments for which an Environmental Impact
Statement (EIS) is required.
There are 12 wetlands along Lake Macquarie’s
coastline listed under SEPP No. 14. There are
however, some important coastal wetland areas not
covered by SEPP No. 14 eg. Middle Camp Wetland,
some wetlands at Pelican and a number of others.
SEPP 19 - Urban Bushland
Development consent is required before bushland
zoned Open Space 6(1) under the Lake Macquarie
Local Environment Plan 2004 is disturbed. In granting
consent, Council must consider a set of listed
conservation values in making its decision.
SEPP 26 - Littoral Rainforest
Like SEPP No. 14 this policy requires development
consent and an EIS for certain activities to be carried
out in designated littoral rainforest areas. A small area
of land at Salts Bay near Swansea Channel is currently
being investigated for SEPP No. 26 listing.
SEPP 71 - Coastal Protection
Once the Minister for Infrastructure and Planning and
Minister for Natural Resources signs maps depicting
the Coastal Zone and SEPP No. 71 will apply to Lake
Macquarie City and will regulate development within
the Coastal Zone. SEPP No. 71 allows the Minister to:
i) determine certain categories of development (State
Significant Development), and
ii) view other development (Significant Coastal
Development’) to see if it should be approved at State
level.
iii) Development not considered by the Minister
under these two clauses can be determined by Council
within the parameters set out in the Coastal Policy.
16
LAKE MACQUARIE COASTAL PLANTING GUIDE
EP 1660 Coastal Plant Guide New
15/12/04
10:57 AM
Page 17
A sensitive location in Lake Macquarie is the Lake and/or land within
100m of:
• A coastal lake, sea, bay or estuary
• A National Park
• A SEPP No.14 Wetland or
• Residential lnad in SEPP No.26
• Mean high water mark.
The Policy allows for Master Plans to be prepared and sets out matters
for consideration for all development in the Coastal Zone. If
development consent is required for works involving native vegetation
then the application will be processed in accordance with this Policy
and all the matters for consideration would need to be addressed.
Coastal Protection Act 1979
This Act applies when the Minister for Infrastructure and Planning
and Minister for Natural Resources sign a map that depicts the Coastal
Zone in Lake Macquarie City. The Coastal Zone is the land where the
Coastal Protection Act 1979 applies. This will include land roughly
within 1 kilometre from the Coast and the Lake.
This Act binds all public authorities in carrying out works, activities
and in granting consents and approvals to:
• be consistent with the principles of ecologically sustainable
development and;
• not to adversely affect the behaviour of any sea, arm of the sea,
bay, inlet, lagoon, lake, stream or watercourse or;
• not to adversely affect any beach or dune, bank shoreline,
foreshore, margin or floodplain of the sea or arm of the sea or any
bay, inlet, lagoon , lake, body of water, river, stream or
watercourse.
Once this Act applies all Public Authorities including Council will have
increased legal obligations to ensure that works involving native
vegetation along the coast will not have any detrimental impacts on
the coastal environment.
State Government Coastal Policy 1997
The State Government Coastal Policy 1997 currently applies only to
the coastal waters of Lake Macquarie City. Once the Minister signs
LAKE MACQUARIE COASTAL PLANTING GUIDE
17
EP 1660 Coastal Plant Guide New
15/12/04
10:57 AM
Page 18
maps depicting the Coastal Zone, the NSW Coastal Policy
will apply to terrestrial parts of Lake Macquarie City.
The ‘Vision for the Coast’ in this policy is ‘a coastal
environment which is conserved and enhanced by its
natural and cultural values whilst also providing for
economic, social and spiritual well being of the
community’.
The Policy incorporates nine goals:
Goal 1: To protect, rehabilitate and improve the
natural environment
Goal 2: To recognise and accommodate coastal
processes and climate change
Goal 3: To protect and enhance aesthetic quality
of the coastal zone
Goal 4: To protect and conserve cultural heritage
Goal 5: To provide for ecologically sustainable
development and use of resources
Goal 6: To provide for ecologically sustainable
human settlement
Goal 7: To provide for appropriate public access to
the coast
Goal 8: To provide information to enable effective
management
Goal 9: To provide for integrated planning and
management
The NSW Coastal Policy has specific actions for public
authorities that relate to the management of native
vegetation within the Coastal Zone. It has been used as
the basis for the preparation of Council’s Coastline
Management Plan.
18
LAKE MACQUARIE COASTAL PLANTING GUIDE
EP 1660 Coastal Plant Guide New
15/12/04
10:57 AM
Page 19
7. LMCC’s Position of
Support on Coastline Vegetation
Management
Council’s position of support for the Lake Macquarie coastline is
demonstrated by:
i) the adoption of the Lake Macquarie Coastline Management Plan
(Umwelt and Gardner Browne, 1999) and the Plans of Management
that relate to public and community land along the coast, and
ii) its request to be included in the NSW State Government Coastal
Policy 1997.
Council is committed to achieving a long-term balance between
utilisation and conservation, particularly providing for:
• conservation of heritage
• coastal processes
• coastal protection works
• protection and enhancement of the natural environment
• coastline public recreation, public access and safety
• dune stabilisation and rehabilitation
• the coastal walk and the coastline corridor
• headland and habitat protection
Natural areas that are public or community land will be managed,
maintained and enhanced as natural areas, however Council must also
meet its statutory obligations with regard to bushfire risk
management.
A primary objective of the Coastline Management Plan is to establish
a natural vegetation corridor along the Lake Macquarie coastline and
within this construct a coastal walk. This document also advocates the
desire to bring all the coastline into public ownership.
LAKE MACQUARIE COASTAL PLANTING GUIDE
19
EP 1660 Coastal Plant Guide New
15/12/04
10:57 AM
Page 20
8. Developing a
Coastline Vegetation
Rehabilitation Plan
Depending on the scale or degree of impact on coastal
vegetation, a plan to rehabilitate a vegetation community
may be required. In most cases, a plan is a helpful
approach to prepare for the work. When preparing a
plan, the following steps can be used as a guide with
detailed information on rehabilitation projects available
in the Coastal Dune Management Manual (DWLC 2001):
i) Obtain the appropriate permission/s
It is very important from the outset to consult with the
relevant bodies and organisations that may have an
interest in the planned work area. Determine if
permission is required from these bodies and
organisations, as land owner or manager, and consult
with the relevant regulators. This process may need to be
repeated if changes occur to the planned works.
ii) Assess the condition of the area to be
rehabilitated
Assess the existing vegetation - the extent and health of
both native and introduced species.
iii) Understand your vegetation community
Identify or gather information about native species in the
area. This will help to identify what species may
naturally occur there. Information on soil type may also
be useful.
iv) Choose the right approach
Ask the questions:
Are there any native species on the rehabilitation site?
Is uncontrolled human access a problem?
What other activities are impacting on the site?
20
LAKE MACQUARIE COASTAL PLANTING GUIDE
EP 1660 Coastal Plant Guide New
15/12/04
10:57 AM
Page 21
For example wave action, pedestrian access, recreation. These will
need to be addressed if rehabilitation is to be successful.
If the answer is yes to the first question, the initial step will be to
protect the existing native vegetation. If human access is a problem,
the area should be fenced off before rehabilitation.
v) Minimise disturbance during revegetation work
Coastal land is sensitive to impact and therefore careful planning
should be part of site preparation and revegetation work. Coastal areas
once denuded of vegetation are very slow to restabilise and revegetate
because of the harsh physical processes involved; salt-laden air, wind
exposure and wave action.
vi) Weed Management
Weed management requires careful consideration. For example, large
areas of weed infestation should not be removed all at once. A
progressive planting program should be used where weeds are
gradually replaced by locally occurring native species.
vii) Maintenance
It is important that your plan for revegetation or rehabilitation
includes ongoing maintenance of the site. Newly established plants
will need watering and weeds will need to be managed.
The Lake Macquarie Landcare Resource Office is the best point of
contact when intending to undertake any revegetation or
rehabilitation works. The process that the Landcare Resource Office
follows when undertaking a new planting project is outlined in
Appendix 1.
9. Planting Guidelines
Depending on the type of work being undertaken, different
approaches will need to be taken when planting native vegetation:
revegetating a severely degraded area will require a different approach
to regenerating an area overgrown with weeds. The first approach will
require a planting program, while the second may only require weed
removal if natural regeneration of native species occurs.
It must be recognised from the outset that any revegetation or
regeneration work will not result in an immediate natural
environment. A natural plant setting must develop progressively
LAKE MACQUARIE COASTAL PLANTING GUIDE
21
EP 1660 Coastal Plant Guide New
15/12/04
10:57 AM
Page 22
through planting in stages. An example of a staged
planting approach for a hind dune area would thus need
to occur as follows:
1. Pioneer plant species - these plants are the first to be
planted because they require full or strong sunlight to
grow. They comprise the larger canopy trees and large
shrubs that grow skyward and spread their foliage to
capture the sunlight.
2. Understorey plant species - these plants are less
tolerant to full sunlight and grow below the canopy
level of pioneer plants.
3. Ground cover plant species - these plants are largely
intolerant to sunlight and grow close to the ground
in the shade of the understorey and canopy trees.
It may take some time before plants establish and it is
possible to plant the second stage of plants. Therefore it
is important in any planting work that not only the right
species are selected, but they are planted in the correct
sequence. This will often mean having to plan the
planting over a number of months, or with larger
revegetation projects, a number of years.
A vegetation community develops and reaches maturity
through planting a diversity of plant types and species.
The species in a developed plant community rely on each
other to survive in their environment. For example, a
species of plant that is sensitive to strong sunlight would
not survive if planted at the same time as a species that
requires full sunlight. Thus it is necessary to plant sun
tolerant plants well before any intention to plant shade
tolerant plants.
Any planting work, complementary regeneration planting
or larger scale revegetation projects, should use native
species that naturally occur along Lake Macquarie’s
coastline. A major objective of any planting program
should be to replicate the natural environment as
practically as possible. This means using plants that are
from the same genetic stock as those occurring here
wherever possible. A native species that occurs in Port
Macquarie may have a different genetic makeup to the
22
LAKE MACQUARIE COASTAL PLANTING GUIDE
EP 1660 Coastal Plant Guide New
15/12/04
10:57 AM
Page 23
same species that grows in Lake Macquarie - and while they are
essentially the same species by name, the plant from outside the region
can contaminate the genetic ‘pool’ of the species in Lake Macquarie.
This can impact on that species resulting in a loss of health and integrity.
10. Vegetation Communities of Lake
Macquarie’s Coastline
In a natural coastline environment, each plant species is found in a
particular zone. While these zones may overlap to some extent, they
can be identified by several broad categories. The NSW CPR - Coastal
Plant Regeneration CD (Fiedler & Glover, 2003) describes Lake
Macquarie’s coast with the following environments and vegetation
communities:
Reproduced courtesy of
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Incipient Foredune
Foredune
Hind dune
Headland
Heath
Dry sclerophyll forest
Wet sclerophyll forest
Littoral rainforest
Estuarine riparian
the NSW Department of Infrastructure, Planning
& Natural Resources
Hind Dune
Foredune
Incipient Foredune
Incipient Foredune
The incipient foredune is a small bench or platform of accumulated
windblown sand at the top of the beach, usually right in front of the
foredune. This dune can readily grow upwards and towards the sea
and can be quickly colonized by grasses such as Hairy Spinifex
(Spinifex sericeus) and creepers, Coast Pigface (Carpobrotus glaucescens)
and Coastal Jack Bean (Canavalia rosea). The incipient foredune is the
most mobile of all dune types and can be removed completely by
storm waves. Vegetation cover like that mentioned above is most
important as it continues to trap sand and allow quick recovery after
storm erosion events.
LAKE MACQUARIE COASTAL PLANTING GUIDE
23
EP 1660 Coastal Plant Guide New
15/12/04
10:57 AM
Page 24
Foredune
The foredune lies between the incipient foredune and the
hind dune and is usually quite large in natural
landscapes. It can be attacked by waves during very
severe or long storm events. Woody shrubs and trees,
such as Coast Banksia (Banksia integrifolia), and Coastal
Wattle (Acacia longifolia ssp. sophorae), dominate these
dunes and their size, shape and stability are dependant
on maintaining a weed free vegetation cover.
Hind Dune
The hind dune is the dunal area behind the foredune,
which usually consists of a swale (a depression running
parallel to the shoreline) immediately behind the
foredune and elevated, or flat, sand deposits. The hind
dune can be vegetated by littoral rainforest, wet and dry
sclerophyll forests or coastal heath communities, such as
Banksia, Melaleuca and Casuarina forests.
Littoral Rainforest
Littoral (or coastal) rainforest is usually found growing on
sand in hind dune areas but can occur on headlands and
around estuaries. Littoral rainforest contains similar
species to subtropical rainforest but is usually dominated
by Tuckeroo (Cupaniopsis anacardioides) and Banksias.
Littoral rainforests occur in areas sheltered from the wind
and salt spray. A moist ‘microclimate’ is required to
support this vegetation community. The microclimate is
provided by vegetation at the margins and shelter
provided by landforms eg. dune or headland.
If the more resilient (protective) vegetation adjacent to a
littoral rainforest is disturbed, then wind and salt burn
can reduce the canopy, often producing an appearance of
being ‘wind-sheared’. Some littoral rainforests are
protected by State legislation and State Environmental
Planning Policy (SEPP) 26 - Littoral Rainforests. A
remnant littoral rainforest exists at Salts Bay, just inside
Swansea Heads.
24
LAKE MACQUARIE COASTAL PLANTING GUIDE
EP 1660 Coastal Plant Guide New
15/12/04
10:57 AM
Page 25
Wet Sclerophyll Forest
A wet sclerophyll forest is an open, or closed, forest vegetation
community where soft-leaved shrubs form a layer beneath the trees,
usually Eucalypt species. These occur in more moist and sheltered
areas such as along creeklines.
Wet Scerophyll Forest
Dry Scerophyll
Heath
Forest
Headland
Litoral Rainforest
Dunes
Estuarine
Riparian
Dry Sclerophyll Forest
A dry sclerophyll forest is an open, or closed, forest vegetation
community where hard-leaved shrubs form a layer beneath the trees,
usually Eucalypt species. Eucalypt species often grow in very exposed
locations eg. on headlands where they are affected by windshear.
Heath
Heath is a vegetation community usually dominated by low, closely
spaced shrubs which have stiff and often small leaves. Along the
coastline, it can occur in both wet and dry area, on both Pleistocene (old)
white-grey sand deposits and on newer (geologically) Holocene goldenyellow sand deposits (deposited in the last 10,000 years). Heath often
grows on exposed headlands and is also affected by windshear.
LAKE MACQUARIE COASTAL PLANTING GUIDE
25
EP 1660 Coastal Plant Guide New
15/12/04
10:57 AM
Page 26
Headland
Bedrock headlands define the ends of sandy beaches by
protruding varying distances into the ocean. They are often
edged by rock platforms. Vegetation communities can vary
greatly, from littoral rainforest in very protected areas, to
grassy (eg. Kangaroo Grass (Themeda australis) dominated)
communities in exposed areas, with one headland
sometimes supporting two or more different vegetation
communities.
Estuarine Riparian
Estuarine riparian vegetation adjoins and includes the
banks and associated mud and sand flats of estuaries
(defined as the area within a river or creek where fresh and
marine waters mix). This zone may comprise of littoral
rainforest, coastal heath, wet and dry sclerophyll forest,
dunal, mangrove and salt marsh vegetation communities.
Great care must be exercised when rehabilitating this
environment as the vegetation communities may only
occur over a short length of the estuary margin.
11. Recommendations
for Planting in Fire
Hazard Reduction Areas
Many plants in the Australian environment are well
adapted to cope with fire - they are fire tolerant; that is
they recover well after bushfires. In fact, some species
actually require fire in order to multiply other species
contain oils and are more volatile to heat and fire. While
this is a natural condition in the environment, and any
revegetation program should plan to mimic the natural
environment by planting a diversity of species. Planting
such species is not recommended adjacent to
residential homes or other structures.
With this in mind, Lake Macquarie City Council
recommends planting species that are less likely to
encourage the spread of fire close to property. These
26
LAKE MACQUARIE COASTAL PLANTING GUIDE
EP 1660 Coastal Plant Guide New
15/12/04
10:57 AM
Page 27
species are more ‘fire retardant’ and are less likely to ignite during
moderate intensity bushfires. The species more suitable for planting
near property are indicated in the planting guide species list with the
following fire retardant symbol - .
However, please note: there is no such thing as a nonflammable plant - all plants will burn if they dry out and
are exposed to enough heat.
There is a particular approach required when planting vegetation in
order to maintain a fire break. The Rural Fire Service (RFS) have
specific recommendations for planting in Fire Hazard Reduction
Zones. This information is best obtained directly by contacting the
RFS, or from their website: www.rfs.nsw.gov.au.
Based on the RFS guidelines, Council’s basic recommendations for
native vegetation planting in Fire Hazard Reduction Zones and/or
outer Asset Protection Zones are:
•
•
•
•
Do not plant shrubs
If planting grasses, only plant low-growing native species
Only plant smoothed bark trees
There should be no continuous tree canopy - at least 10 m
between the drip zone of trees.
Trees can also be helpful in property protection by forming a fire and
windbreak. Trees planted in a row can reduce the radiant heat from a
fire, thereby lowering bush fire intensity. The canopy also acts to
catch flying embers and debris before they reach the property. Refer to
‘Planning for Bushfire Protection’ by the Rural Fire Service.
The aim is to establish a modified native vegetation community that
has less fuel to burn at the boundary between urban development and
the native vegetation community being rehabilitated. This modified
community is likely to require ongoing maintenance to keep fuel loads
down and remove weeds.
LAKE MACQUARIE COASTAL PLANTING GUIDE
27
EP 1660 Coastal Plant Guide New
15/12/04
10:57 AM
Page 28
12. How to use the
Lake Macquarie Coastline
Planting Guide species list
The plants identified in the Planting Guide species list
(Pages 34-55) are native to Lake Macquarie’s coastline. The
table identifies species that naturally occur in different
vegetation communities along the coast. These species are
provided as a guide to planting within particular vegetation
communities, however Lake Macquarie City Council
advises you to contact the Lake Macquarie Landcare
Resource Office at Fassifern for planting recommendations
specific to your area. This is because some species of plants
that naturally occur in a vegetation community along one
part of our coast may not occur in the same vegetation
community in another part of our coast eg. some foredune
species occurring at Redhead Beach do not naturally occur
on the foredune at Caves Beach.
The species are listed alphabetically by botanical name,
with common name alongside. Species occurring within
a particular vegetation community are indicated by a tick
within
the
vegetation
community
column/s.
Information provided on growth form of species (i.e. tree,
shrub, grass or herb) is typical to plant growth under
normal conditions; this may change depending on soil
type and exposure. For example, the growth rate in
coastal Angophora and Eucalyptus species will be slow
and result in stunted growth in exposed sites on
headlands and sand dunes where they are subject to
windshear, salt burn, sun exposure, and shallow soils. In
these sites planting density should be increased.
WARNING: Damage or removal of native plant species or
plant product is illegal and carries severe fines and/or
imprisonment. All plants in Lake Macquarie City
Council Parks and Reserves are protected under the Local
Government Act 1993. All plants in Crown (State) land are
protected under the Crown Lands Act 1989. All plants in
National Parks are protected under the National Parks and
Wildlife Act 1974.
28
LAKE MACQUARIE COASTAL PLANTING GUIDE
EP 1660 Coastal Plant Guide New
15/12/04
10:57 AM
Page 29
13. Planting methods
When planting native trees, shrubs and grasses:
• Water plants the day before, and prior to, planting.
• Dig a hole large enough for the plant to be easily placed in.
• Remove the seedling from the pot carefully and gently loosen any
matted roots at the base making sure to keep the main root ball
undisturbed
Drawings by Zoe Russell
• Place the seedling into the hole, ensuring that it is level, or
slightly lower than, ground level.
• Replace the soil around the seedling and press the soil down to
remove air pockets.
• Water the plant and apply mulch around it. A layer of organic
mulch, leaf litter or layers of wet newspaper will reduce water
loss from evaporation, inhibit weed growth and provide the plant
with a good chance for establishment and survival. Do not use
mulch near the edge of water courses if a sediment fence or
screen is not used. Organic material washing into a watercourse
will cause an influx of nutrients to enter the waterway and will
impact on the environment through smothering and algal growth.
• Depending on the location, place a tree guard over the plant and
secure with three stakes, to provide protection from rabbits and
harsh weather conditions, if necessary.
Spacing of plant species for
restoration and revegetation work
Space plants according to the size they grow to. An approximate
general spacing is 1 plant per square metre. For grasses and herbs, a
higher density than this may be more appropriate, while for large
trees, a lower density will be used.
LAKE MACQUARIE COASTAL PLANTING GUIDE
29
EP 1660 Coastal Plant Guide New
15/12/04
10:57 AM
Page 30
The general recommendations for
planting are typically closer than
what occurs in the natural
environment. This is carried out
to compensate for the high rate of
mortality in plants before a
vegetation community becomes
established.
Large trees
Large trees can be planted at a recommended spacing of
4-5 m. Consider the maximum growth height and be
aware of services such as power lines, sewer easements,
gas mains, etc.
Smaller Trees and Shrubs
Smaller trees and shrubs can be planted in a staggered
fashion, recommended at 1-2 m apart.
Grasses and groundcovers
Grasses and groundcovers can be planted at a spacing of
50 cm although when planting in sand dunes, the
densities would increase to 4-6 plants per square metre.
This density allows for the possibility of a large number
of plants dying and the need to stabilise areas quickly.
Vines
Less vigorous vine species can be planted with smaller
trees and shrubs at a density of about 1-2 metres. Vigorous
vine species however, should only be planted after trees
and shrubs are 3-5 metres tall, otherwise the vines will
become too dominant in the vegetation community.
30
LAKE MACQUARIE COASTAL PLANTING GUIDE
EP 1660 Coastal Plant Guide New
15/12/04
10:57 AM
Page 31
14. Weeds
Numerous weeds occur along the coastline of Lake Macquarie. Many
of these establish in disturbed and degraded areas, such as old sand
mining sites, four-wheel-drive tracks and disturbance from
construction of roads, sewer pipes and water pipes.
Weeds can be grouped into two categories: environmental and noxious.
An environmental weed is any plant that exists in an area where it does
not naturally occur. This includes species from other countries and also
includes native species that are non-native to that area eg. a Grevillea
from Western Australia or a Casuarina from Tweed Heads. A noxious
weed is a plant that has been declared under the Noxious Weeds Act 1993
(NSW). This includes plants that cause serious economic loss to
agriculture or have a detrimental affect on humans or the environment.
Any landowner, including Local Councils, that have a noxious weed
occurring on their land are obliged by law to control that weed.
Weeds impact on our natural environment by reducing diversity.
When native vegetation is lost or replaced by weeds, some species
become reliant on them to survive. Birds eat seed, perch on weeds,
nest in their branches, shelter and take refuge in them. Insects feed
and shelter among weeds. Snakes, lizards and mammals take refuge
in them. Consequently, when undertaking weed eradication and
regeneration work, it is important to remove weeds progressively, in a
mosaic pattern, doing small areas, rather than a ‘clear felling’
approach. This helps to reduce the impact on animals and allows
them to progressively migrate to new habitat. It also reduces a major
change occurring in the plant community with regard to the amount
of light able to penetrate the area and the amount of bare ground
available for weeds to colonise.
A step-wise, gradual approach to eradicating weeds from an area will
minimise disturbance on the native plants and animals that live there.
There are numerous weeds existing along the coastline of Lake
Macquarie with some of these weeds being confused with native
vegetation. The main species are discussed below with a nonexhaustive list provided in Appendix 2.
LAKE MACQUARIE COASTAL PLANTING GUIDE
31
EP 1660 Coastal Plant Guide New
15/12/04
10:57 AM
Page 32
Bitou Bush (Crysanthemoides monilifera)
A Weed of National Significance, Bitou Bush is the most
common weed along the NSW coastline. It invades
dunes, headlands and bushland along the coast, forms
large thickets that smother native plants and produces
large numbers of seeds. Locally Bitou Bush is a declared
noxious weed and must be prevented from spreading so
its numbers and distribution are reduced. It may be
confused with the native plant Sea Daisy (Melanthera
biflora) which has toothed, rough leaves, and Boobialla
(Myoporum boninense subsp. australe).
Lantana (Lantana camara)
Also a Weed of National Significance, Lantana invades
dunes, headlands, bushland and rainforest.
Pampas Grass (Cortaderia spp.)
Prominent along the coastline from Redhead to Caves
Beach, Pampas Grass is an invader of disturbed sites on
hind dunes, headlands and bushland. It can produce up
to 100,000 tiny seeds per seed head and is readily
dispersed by wind.
Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes)
Water Hyacinth was a predominant water weed through
Jewells Swamp and followed the water course to Redhead
Lagoon. It is an aquatic weed that forms dense masses in
calm waters and slow-moving waterways.
Images of Crysanthemoides monilifera, Lantana camara
and Cortaderia spp. can be found on page 45.
32
LAKE MACQUARIE COASTAL PLANTING GUIDE
EP 1660 Coastal Plant Guide New
15/12/04
10:57 AM
Page 33
15. Glossary
closed forest - a vegetation community that has a high degree of
canopy connection preventing sunlight from reaching the forest floor
estuarine - related to an estuary; an inlet of the marine environment
microclimate - environmental conditions created by a physical
feature and/or providing protection within a vegetation community
usually by water released from plant leaves (transpiration) and air
trapped beneath the canopy; typical of closed forests
open forest - a vegetation community that has little canopy connection,
allowing sunlight to reach the forest floor
riparian - relates to the generally denser strip of vegetation that exists
along rivers, streams and other natural waterways
vegetation community - an area of vegetation characterized by a variety
of plant species and types of species. A vegetation community is
usually dominated by particular plant associations - that is plants are
most commonly found together in that type of environment/habitat.
LAKE MACQUARIE COASTAL PLANTING GUIDE
33
EP 1660 Coastal Plant Guide New
15/12/04
10:57 AM
Page 34
16. Further information
‘Attack of the Killer Weeds’
Good booklet on coastal weeds. Published by
Coastcare/Department of Land and Water Conservation,
Parramatta. Enquiries through the Department of
Infrastructure Planning and Natural Resources. Phone
(02) 9762 8044
Coastal Dune Management Manual
A Manual of Coastal Dune Management and
Rehabilitation Techniques NSW Dept. of Land & Water
Conservation 2001, Coastal Unit, Newcastle. Department
of Infrastructure Planning and Natural Resources.
Phone (02) 9762 8044
CPR Coastal Plant Regeneration
Multi-media CD produced by M. Fiedler and R. Glover
(2003) at the NSW Department of Infrastructure,
Planning and Natural Resources, Coastal Unit,
Newcastle, and Coastcare, Sydney. Department of
Infrastructure Planning and Natural Resources. Phone
(02) 9762 8044
Native Plants
Native plants are stocked by a number of nurseries in
the Newcastle area. Consult the Yellow Pages of the
phone book under Nurseries and Landscape Supplies for
listings.
Planning for Bushfire Protection
A Guide for Councils, Planners, Fire Authorities,
Developers and Home Owners, available from the NSW
Rural Fire Service
Weeds of the Hunter & Central Coast
CD Catalogue of Noxious and Environmental Weeds of
the Hunter and Central Coast. Compiled by Ken Bunn
(2004), Hunter and Central Coast Weed Management
Committee. Lower Hunter & Central Coast
Environmental Management Strategy
34
LAKE MACQUARIE COASTAL PLANTING GUIDE
EP 1660 Coastal Plant Guide New
15/12/04
10:57 AM
Page 35
17.Websites
www.agric.nsw.gov.au Dept. of Agriculture
www.anbg.gov.au Australian National Botanical Gardens
www.bushfire.nsw.gov.au NSW Rural Fire Service
www.dipnr.nsw.gov.au Department of Infrastructure Planning and
Natural Resources
www.lakemac.gov.au. links to Landcare through ‘Our Environment’
www.lhccrems.nsw.gov.au Lower Hunter & Central Coast
Environmental Management Strategy
www.weeds.org.au site for weeds of national importance
An Internet Web search for native plants suppliers will produce results
of stockists in the Newcastle area.
18. Bibliography
ABS, 2004. Australian Bureau of Statistics, Regional Population
Growth, Australia and New Zealand, 2001-02, cat. no. 3218.0.
www.abs.gov.au/Ausstats/abs@.nsf/0/0ec9360424ea347eca256dea000
53a70?OpenDocument
Auld, B.A. and Medd, R.W. 1992. Weeds- An Illustrated Botanical Guide
To The Weeds Of Australia. Inkata Press, Melbourne, VIC.
Carolin, R. and Clarke, P. 1991. Beach Plants of South Eastern
Australia. Sainty and Associates, Potts Point, NSW
Fairley, A. and Moore, P. 1991. Native Plants of the Sydney District An Identification Guide. Kangaroo Press, Kenthurst, NSW.
Fiedler, M. and Glover, R. 2003. CPR Coastal Plant Regeneration.
NSW Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources,
Coastal Unit, Newcastle, and Coastcare, Sydney.
LMCC. 1993. Lake Macquarie City State of the Environment Report.
Lake Macquarie City Council, Speers Point, NSW
LMCC. 2004a. Lake Macquarie Local Environment Plan 2004. Lake
Macquarie City Council, Speers Point, NSW.
LAKE MACQUARIE COASTAL PLANTING GUIDE
35
EP 1660 Coastal Plant Guide New
15/12/04
10:57 AM
Page 36
LMCC. 2004b. Lake Macquarie Development Control
Plan No.1. Lake Macquarie City Council, Speers Point, NSW.
LMCC. 2004c. Lake Macquarie- Reflections of our City.
Lake Macquarie City Council, Speers Point, NSW.
NSW Rural Fire Service 2001. Planning for Bushfire
Protection - A Guide for Councils, Planners, Fire
Authorities, Developers and Home Owners. NSW Rural
Fire Service
Robinson, L. 1994. Field Guide to the Native Plants of
Sydney (Revised Second Edition). Kangaroo Press,
Roseville, NSW
Umwelt (Australia) Pty. Ltd. and Gardner Browne
Planning Consultants. 1999. Lake Macquarie Coastline
Management Plan. Report prepared for Lake Macquarie
City Council.
36
LAKE MACQUARIE COASTAL PLANTING GUIDE
EP 1660 Coastal Plant Guide New
15/12/04
10:57 AM
Page 37
19. Native Plants of Lake Macquarie’s Coastline
Acacia longifolia
subsp. longifolia
Acacia longifolia
subsp. sophorae
Acacia suaveolens
Acmena
smithii
Actinotus helianthi
Aegiceras corniculatum
Allocasuarina distyla
Allocasuarina littoralis
Alphitonia excelsa
LAKE MACQUARIE COASTAL PLANTING GUIDE
37
EP 1660 Coastal Plant Guide New
38
15/12/04
10:57 AM
Page 38
Angophora costata
Angophora floribunda
Apium prostratum
subsp. prostratum
Archontophoenix
cunninghamiana
Austrofestuca littoralis
Avicennia marina subsp.
australasica
Banksia
aemula
Banksia ericifolia
Banksia integrifolia subsp.
integrifolia
LAKE MACQUARIE COASTAL PLANTING GUIDE
EP 1660 Coastal Plant Guide New
15/12/04
10:57 AM
Page 39
Banksia
serrata
Breynia oblongifolia
Callistemon salignus
Callitris rhomboidea
Canavalia rosea
Carex pumila
Carpobrotus glaucescens
Cassine australis var.
australis
Casuarina glauca
LAKE MACQUARIE COASTAL PLANTING GUIDE
39
EP 1660 Coastal Plant Guide New
15/12/04
10:57 AM
Page 40
Clerodendrum
tomentosum
Commelina cyanea
Cordyline stricta
Correa alba
var. alba
Corymbia gummifera
Corymbia maculata
Crinum pedunculatum
Cupaniopsis
anacardioides
Dianella caerulea
40
LAKE MACQUARIE COASTAL PLANTING GUIDE
EP 1660 Coastal Plant Guide New
15/12/04
10:57 AM
Page 41
Elaeocarpus obovatus
Elaeocarpus reticulatus
Eucalyptus botryoides
Eucalyptus pilularis
Eucalyptus robusta
Eucalyptus tereticornis
Ficus coronata
Ficus fraseri
Ficus rubiginosa
LAKE MACQUARIE COASTAL PLANTING GUIDE
41
EP 1660 Coastal Plant Guide New
15/12/04
10:57 AM
Page 42
Glochidion ferdinandi var.
ferdinandi
Hibbertia scandens
Isolepis
nodosa
Juncus kraussii subsp.
australiensis
Kennedia rubicunda
Leptospermum laevigatum
Leucopogon parviflorus
Livistona australis
Lomandra longifolia
42
LAKE MACQUARIE COASTAL PLANTING GUIDE
EP 1660 Coastal Plant Guide New
15/12/04
10:57 AM
Page 43
Melaleuca armillaris
Melaleuca quinquenervia
Melanthera biflora
Myoporum boninense
subsp. australe
Omalanthus populifolius
Phragmites australis
Podocarpus elatus
Polyscias elegans
Rhagodia candolleana
subsp. candolleana
LAKE MACQUARIE COASTAL PLANTING GUIDE
43
EP 1660 Coastal Plant Guide New
15/12/04
10:58 AM
Page 44
Rhodomyrtus psidioides
Rubus parvifolius
Scaevola
albida
Scaevola calendulacea
Spinifex sericeus
Sporobolus virginicus var.
minor
Synoum glandulosum
Syzygium oleosum
Syzygium paniculatum
44
LAKE MACQUARIE COASTAL PLANTING GUIDE
EP 1660 Coastal Plant Guide New
Tetragonia tetragonioides
15/12/04
10:58 AM
Page 45
Themeda australis
Westringia fruticosa
Credits
All images reproduced courtesy of NSW CPR - Coastal Plant Regeneration
(2003) with the exception of:
Allocasuarina distyla - D. Greig © Australian National Botanical Gardens
Archontophoenix cunninghamiana - Terry Tame
Cortaderia spp - Kim Hignell
Crysanthemoides monilifera - Dept of Agriculture
Elaeocarpus obovatus - Terry Tame
Ficus fraseri - Terry Tame
Lantana camara - Ken Bunn
Livistona australis - Terry Tame
Podocarpus elatus - Terry Tame
Syzygium paniculatum - © M. Fagg, Australian National Botanical Gardens
Zoysia macrantha
Weeds
Crysanthemoides
monilifera
Lantana camara
LAKE MACQUARIE COASTAL PLANTING GUIDE
Cortaderia spp
45
EP 1660 Coastal Plant Guide New
15/12/04
Range
Comments
1-2 m
Kempsey to
Victoria
Cylindrical
spikes of small
golden-yellow
flowers
Coastal Wattle
Shrub,
1-2 m
1-2 m
Queensland to
Victoria
Cylindrical
spikes of small
golden-yellow
flowers
Sweet Wattle
Shrub,
1.5 m
1-2 m
Queensland to
Victoria
Small, round,
cream flowers
Lilly Pilly
Tree, 20 m, fast
growing
4-5 m
Queensland to
Victoria
Conspicuous
branched
groups of
white flowers
Flannel Flower
Erect, grows to
50 cm
50 cm
Queensland to
Ulladulla Nerriga
Greyish leaves;
conspicuous
white petal
flowers
4-5 m
Usually occurs
upstream of the
Queensland to
Grey Mangrove
Merimbula
in fresher
water
1-2 m
Male plants
densely
foliaged and
turn brilliant
rusty red when
in flower
Common
name
Growth
form
Acacia
longifolia
subsp.
longifolia
Sydney Golden
Wattle
Shrub,
3-4 m
Acacia
longifolia
subsp.
sophorae
Acacia
suaveolens
Actinotus
helianthi
Aegiceras
corniculatum
Allocasuarina
distyla
46
Page 46
Distance
between
planting
Botanical
name
Acmena
smithii
10:58 AM
River Mangrove
Tree,
3-4 m
Scrub Sheoak
Shrub, 4 m,
dwarfed on
coastal
headlands
North Coast to
South Coast
LAKE MACQUARIE COASTAL PLANTING GUIDE
Fire
Retardant
Species
Heath
Dry sclerophyll
forest
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
LAKE MACQUARIE COASTAL PLANTING GUIDE
✔
✔
Estuarine
riparian
10:58 AM
Littoral
rainforest
Headland
✔
✔
15/12/04
Wet sclerophyll
forest
Hind dune
✔
Foredune
Incipient
foredune
EP 1660 Coastal Plant Guide New
Page 47
✔
✔
✔
47
EP 1660 Coastal Plant Guide New
Botanical
name
Common
name
15/12/04
Growth
form
10:58 AM
Distance
between
planting
Page 48
Range
Comments
Allocasuarina
littoralis
Black Sheoak
Tree,
3-6 m
1-2 m
Queensland to
Victoria
‘Thin leaves’
are actually
branchlets;
cylindrical
cones with
flattened apex
Alphitonia
excelsa
Red Ash
Tree
6-10 m
4-5 m
Queensland to
Mt Dromedary
Glossy, dark
green leaves,
10-14 cm
Angophora
costata
Sydney Red
Gum
4-5 m
Coffs Harbour
District (and
Queensland) to
Bodalla
Reddish,
smooth bark
Angophora
floribunda
Rough-barked
Apple
4-5 m
Queensland to
Victoria
Fibrous bark
50 cm
Succulent,
ground creeper;
Queensland to
smells like
Victoria
celery when
crushed
2-3 m
Queensland to
Victoria
Deeply divided
leaves; red,
fleshy, globular
fruit
Port Macquarie
to Victoria
Leaves are
rolled and
needle-like;
good dune
stabiliser
Apium
prostratum
subsp.
prostratum
Sea Celery
Tall tree
Tree,
10-15 m, but
5-6 m when
exposed
Ground-cover
Archontophoenix
Medium to tall
Bangalow Palm
cunninghamiana
tree
Austrofestuca
littoralis
48
Beach Fescue
Grass tussock
to 70 cm
4-6 plants
per 1 m2
LAKE MACQUARIE COASTAL PLANTING GUIDE
Fire
Retardant
Species
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
LAKE MACQUARIE COASTAL PLANTING GUIDE
✔
✔
Estuarine
riparian
Littoral
rainforest
10:58 AM
Wet sclerophyll
forest
Dry sclerophyll
forest
15/12/04
Heath
Headland
Hind dune
Foredune
Incipient
foredune
EP 1660 Coastal Plant Guide New
Page 49
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
49
EP 1660 Coastal Plant Guide New
15/12/04
10:58 AM
Page 50
Botanical
name
Common
name
Growth
form
Distance
between
planting
Range
Comments
Avicennia
marina subsp.
australasica
Grey Mangrove
Tree,
4-6 m
1-2 m
Queensland to
Victoria
Common
mangrove of
NSW
Banksia
aemula
Wallum
Banksia
Shrub, 4 m
1-2 m
Slim serrated
Queensland to leaves; yellowBotany Bay
green flower 10
cm long
Banksia
ericifolia
Heath Banksia
Shrub,
2-5 m
1-2 m
Queensland to
Jervis Bay
Small, thin
bunched leaves
Banksia
integrifolia
subsp.
integrifolia
Coast Banksia
Tree,
6-16 m
4-5 m
Queensland to
Victoria
Under-surface
of leaves white
Serrated
leaves;
favoured by
Queensland to
nectar-feeding
Victoria
birds and bats;
flowers greygreen 10-15 cm
Banksia
serrata
Old-man
Banksia
Tree,
4-8 m
2m
Breynia
oblongifolia
Coffee Bush
Shrub,
2-3 m
1-2 m
Queensland to
Merimbula
Fruit looks like
tiny apples
Callistemon
salignus
Willow
Bottlebrush
Tall shrub
3-4 m
1-2 m
Queensland to
Victorian
Border
Whitish-cream
flowers
50
LAKE MACQUARIE COASTAL PLANTING GUIDE
Fire
Retardant
Species
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
LAKE MACQUARIE COASTAL PLANTING GUIDE
✔
✔
Estuarine
riparian
Littoral
rainforest
10:58 AM
Wet sclerophyll
forest
Dry sclerophyll
forest
15/12/04
Heath
Headland
Hind dune
Foredune
Incipient
foredune
EP 1660 Coastal Plant Guide New
Page 51
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
51
EP 1660 Coastal Plant Guide New
15/12/04
10:58 AM
Page 52
Botanical
name
Common
name
Growth
form
Distance
between
planting
Range
Comments
Callitris
rhomboidea
Port Jackson
Pine
Slender tree,
3-6 m
1-2 m
Queensland to
Victoria
Small drooping
branches
Canavalia
rosea
Coastal Jack
Bean
Creeper
3-4 m in sand
dunes
Queensland to
Shellharbour
Large rounded
leaves; small
pink-purplish
flowers; long
seed pod
Carex pumila
Dune Sedge
Herb,
50 cm
4-6 plants
per 1 m2
Queensland to
Victoria
Creeping form
often forms
dense carpet
50 cm
Queensland to
Victoria
Succulent
leaves; bright
purple-pink
flowers
Broad fleshy
leaves; bright
Queensland to
orange/red fruit
Tuross Heads
(mostly red
when ripe)
Carpobrotus
glaucescens
Coast Pigface
Herb, creeping
Cassine
australis var.
australis
Red Olive Plum
Tree,
6-10 m
2-3 m
Casuarina
glauca
Swamp Oak
Tree, 20 m
4-5 m normally,
1-2 m on
head-lands
Queensland to
South Coast
May be stunted
on exposed
headlands
Clerodendrum
tomentosum
Hairy
Clerodendrum
Shrub,
2-4 m
1-2 m
Queensland to
Batemans Bay
Small, white
flowers with a
long thin tube
52
LAKE MACQUARIE COASTAL PLANTING GUIDE
Fire
Retardant
Species
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
LAKE MACQUARIE COASTAL PLANTING GUIDE
✔
✔
✔
✔
Estuarine
riparian
Littoral
rainforest
10:58 AM
Wet sclerophyll
forest
Dry sclerophyll
forest
15/12/04
Heath
Headland
Hind dune
Foredune
Incipient
foredune
EP 1660 Coastal Plant Guide New
Page 53
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
53
EP 1660 Coastal Plant Guide New
Botanical
name
Commelina
cyanea
Common
name
15/12/04
Growth
form
Blue
Herb, sprawling
Wandering Jew
10:58 AM
Distance
between
planting
50 cm
Page 54
Range
Comments
Queensland to
South Coast
Region
Often confused
with
Wandering
Jew, but has
small blue
flowers instead
of white
flowers
Usually occurs
in mid-storey
with
Bangalow Palm
Cordyline
stricta
Palm Lily
Herb, tall,
lily-like
1-2 m
Queensland to (Archontophoenix
cunninghamiana)
Sutherland
and Cabbage
Tree Palm
(Livistona
australis)
Correa alba
var. alba
Corymbia
gummifera
Corymbia
maculata
54
White Correa
Red Bloodwood
Spotted Gum
Shrub, 1 m
Tall tree
Tall tree
1-2 m
Myall Lakes to
Victoria
Thick, oval
leaves, white
underneath;
white flowers
with 5 petals
4-5 m
Queensland to
Victoria
Usually occurs
with
Angophora
costata
4-5 m
Macleay
(intergrades to
Coffs Harbour)
to Victoria
Distinguished
by white/grey
mottled bark
LAKE MACQUARIE COASTAL PLANTING GUIDE
Fire
Retardant
Species
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
LAKE MACQUARIE COASTAL PLANTING GUIDE
✔
✔
Estuarine
riparian
Littoral
rainforest
10:58 AM
Wet sclerophyll
forest
Dry sclerophyll
forest
15/12/04
Heath
Headland
Hind dune
Foredune
Incipient
foredune
EP 1660 Coastal Plant Guide New
Page 55
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
55
EP 1660 Coastal Plant Guide New
Botanical
name
Crinum
pedunculatum
Common
name
15/12/04
Growth
form
10:58 AM
Distance
between
planting
Page 56
Range
Comments
1-2 m
Queensland to
Ulladalla
Pointed leaves
1 m long;
flowers in a
cluster with
long, narrow
white petals
3-4 m
Queensland to
Gerroa (Nowra)
Strongly veined
leaves; fleshy,
lobed orange
fruit
50 cm
Queensland to
Victoria
Stiff, glossy
leaves; blue
and yellow
flowers
Swamp Lily,
River Lily
Erect herb, 1 m
Tuckeroo
Tree,
3-10 m
Dianella
caerulea
Blue Flax Lily
Herb, tufted 50
cm
Elaeocarpus
obovatus
Hard
Quandong,
Blueberry Ash
Tree,
10-15 m
4-5 m
White flowers
and blue oval
Queensland to
fruit. significant
Wyong
for fruit eating
fauna
Elaeocarpus
reticulatus
Blueberry Ash
Tree,
4-10 m
3-4 m
Queensland to
Victoria
Masses of
white flowers;
blue round fruit
Eucalyptus
botryoides
Bangalay
Tree,
20-30 m
4-5 m
Hunter River to
Victoria
Rough reddish
bark; summer
flowering
Blackbutt
Tree,
30-40 m
4-5 m
Queensland to
Eden
Rough bark at
trunk base,
smooth
branches
Cupaniopsis
anacardioides
Eucalyptus
pilularis
56
LAKE MACQUARIE COASTAL PLANTING GUIDE
Fire
Retardant
Species
✔
✔
✔
Headland
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
LAKE MACQUARIE COASTAL PLANTING GUIDE
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
Estuarine
riparian
Littoral
rainforest
10:58 AM
Wet sclerophyll
forest
Dry sclerophyll
forest
15/12/04
Heath
Hind dune
Foredune
Incipient
foredune
EP 1660 Coastal Plant Guide New
Page 57
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
57
EP 1660 Coastal Plant Guide New
15/12/04
10:58 AM
Page 58
Botanical
name
Common
name
Growth
form
Distance
between
planting
Range
Comments
Eucalyptus
robusta
Swamp
Mahogany
Tree,
20-30 m
4-5 m
Queensland to
Moruya
Prefers moist
soil
Eucalyptus
tereticornis
Forest Red Gum
Tree,
30-40 m
4-5 m
Queensland to
Victoria
Smooth pale
trunk, rough at
base; winterspring
flowering
Ficus coronata
Creek
Sandpaper Fig
Tree
3-4 m, straggly
1-2 m
Queensland to
Victoria
Rough leaves
Ficus fraseri
Sandpaper Fig
Tree,15 m
but 2 m when
exposed
4-5 m
Queensland to
Central Coast
Rough leaves;
at southern
limit of its
distribution
Ficus
rubiginosa
Port Jackson
Fig, Rusty Fig
Tree,
4-10 m
5-10 m
Queensland to
Bega
Fruit popular
with many
animals
Glochidion
ferdinandi var.
ferdinandi
Cheese Tree
Tree,
4-8 m
3-4 m
Queensland to
Tuross Head
Historically
named by
children
because fruit
resembles tiny
round cheese
Hibbertia
scandens
Climbing
Guinea-flower
Climber
3-4 m
Queensland to
Narooma
Striking with
yellow flowers
and red fruit
58
LAKE MACQUARIE COASTAL PLANTING GUIDE
Fire
Retardant
Species
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
LAKE MACQUARIE COASTAL PLANTING GUIDE
✔
Estuarine
riparian
10:58 AM
Littoral
rainforest
Wet sclerophyll
forest
✔
Dry sclerophyll
forest
15/12/04
Heath
Headland
Hind dune
Foredune
Incipient
foredune
EP 1660 Coastal Plant Guide New
Page 59
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
59
EP 1660 Coastal Plant Guide New
15/12/04
10:58 AM
Page 60
Growth
form
Distance
between
planting
Range
Comments
Knobby Clubrush
Sedge, 70 cm
4-6 plants
per 1 m2
Queensland to
Victoria
Perennial; stiff
cylindrical
stems; globular
heads
Juncus kraussii
subsp.
australiensis
Sea rush
Rush,
1-2 m
4-6 plants
per 1 m2
Queensland to
Victoria
Grows close to
water
Kennedia
rubicunda
Red Kennedy
Pea, Dusky
coral pea
Herb, climber
3-4 m
Leptospermum
laevigatum
Coastal Tea
tree
Shrub, 4 m
Leucopogon
parviflorus
Coastal Beardheath
Shrub, 1 m
Botanical
name
Common
name
Isolepis
nodosa
Queensland to
Red flowers;
Victoria
hairy seed pods
1-2 m
Nambucca
Heads to
Victoria
Spring
flowering; easily
propagated
from seed
1-2 m
Queensland to
Victoria
Small, white
fruit
Livistona
australis
Cabbage Tree
Palm
Medium to tall
tree
2-3 m
Queensland to
Victoria
Multiple
divided leaves
from the same
point; fruits
black, hard,
globular
Lomandra
longifolia
Spiny-Headed
Mat Rush
Grass, tufted
50 cm
50 cm usually,
closer in sand
dunes
Queensland to
Victoria
Perennial; long,
flat, narrow
leaves
60
LAKE MACQUARIE COASTAL PLANTING GUIDE
Fire
Retardant
Species
Hind dune
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
LAKE MACQUARIE COASTAL PLANTING GUIDE
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
Estuarine
riparian
Littoral
rainforest
10:58 AM
Wet sclerophyll
forest
Dry sclerophyll
forest
15/12/04
Heath
Headland
Foredune
Incipient
foredune
EP 1660 Coastal Plant Guide New
Page 61
✔
✔
✔
61
EP 1660 Coastal Plant Guide New
15/12/04
10:58 AM
Page 62
Botanical
name
Common
name
Growth
form
Distance
between
planting
Range
Comments
Melaleuca
armillaris
Giant
Honeymyrtle,
Bracelet
Honeymyrtle
Shrub, 3 m
1-2 m
Forster to
Victoria
Cream-white
flowers like
bottlebrush
Melaleuca
quinquenervia
Broad-leafed
Paperbark
Tree,
8-12 m
4-5 m
Queensland to White flowers
Kurnell
like bottlebrush
1-2 m
Queensland to
Milton
May be
confused with
the weed Bitou
Bush but has
toothed, rough
leaves
1-2 m
Queensland to
Eden
Blue/black
fruit; May also
be confused
with Bitou Bush
Large, heartshaped leaves
turn deep red
before falling
Sea Daisy
Herb, scrambler
with 1-2 m long
stems
Myoporum
boninense
subsp. australe
Boobialla
Shrub,
scrambling
0.5-1.5 m
Omalanthus
populifolius
Bleeding Heart,
Native Poplar
Shrub,
2-4 m
1-2 m
Queensland to
Nadgee
Phragmites
australis
Native Reed,
Thatch-reed
Reed, 2 m
50 cm
Perennial;
Queensland to
distinctive long,
Victoria
pointed leaves
3-4 m
Long, oblong,
Queensland to yellowish-green
leaves; round
Beecroft
bluish fruit; Not
Peninsula
common locally
Melanthera
biflora
Podocarpus
elatus
62
Plum Pine,
Brown Pine
Tree, 5 m
LAKE MACQUARIE COASTAL PLANTING GUIDE
Fire
Retardant
Species
✔
✔
Hind dune
Headland
Heath
Dry sclerophyll
forest
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
LAKE MACQUARIE COASTAL PLANTING GUIDE
✔
✔
✔
✔
Estuarine
riparian
10:58 AM
Littoral
rainforest
15/12/04
Wet sclerophyll
forest
Foredune
Incipient
foredune
EP 1660 Coastal Plant Guide New
Page 63
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
63
EP 1660 Coastal Plant Guide New
Botanical
name
Common
name
Polyscias
elegans
Celery Wood,
Silver
Basswood
Rhagodia
candolleana
subsp.
candolleana
Seaberry
Saltbush,
Coastal
Saltbush
Rhodomyrtus
psidioides
15/12/04
Growth
form
10:58 AM
Distance
between
planting
Page 64
Range
Comments
3-4 m
Queensland to
Jervis Bay
Spray of small,
purple flowers;
crushed leaves
and bark smell
like celery
Shrub, 1 m
1-2 m
Queensland to
Victoria
Leaves silver
underneath;
small red,
globular fruit
Native Guava
Tree,
5-6 m
3-4 m
Queensland to
Gosford district
Crushed leaves
smell like
bubblegum
Rubus
parvifolius
Native
Raspberry
Shrub,
scrambling 1 m
3-4 m
Queensland to
Victoria
Leaf segmented
into 3-5 parts
and serrated;
deep veins
Scaevola
albida
Pale Fan Flower
Herb,
sprawling,
30-50 cm
50 cm usually,
closer in sand
dunes
Queensland to
Victoria
Perennial;
coarsely
toothed leaves
Queensland to
Victoria
Spoon-shaped,
succulent
leaves; purple
blue- flowers;
pink-purple
round berries
Queensland to
Victoria
Long creeping
stems; seed
heads form
spiked balls
Scaevola
calendulacea
Spinifex
sericeus
64
Scented Fan
Flower
Hairy Spinifex
Tree,
3-8 m
50 cm usually,
Herb, sprawling closer in sanddunes
Grass
50 cm
LAKE MACQUARIE COASTAL PLANTING GUIDE
Fire
Retardant
Species
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
Littoral
rainforest
10:58 AM
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
LAKE MACQUARIE COASTAL PLANTING GUIDE
Estuarine
riparian
Wet sclerophyll
forest
✔
Dry sclerophyll
forest
15/12/04
Heath
Headland
Hind dune
Foredune
Incipient
foredune
EP 1660 Coastal Plant Guide New
Page 65
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
65
EP 1660 Coastal Plant Guide New
15/12/04
10:58 AM
Page 66
Botanical
name
Common
name
Growth
form
Distance
between
planting
Range
Comments
Sporobolus
virginicus var.
minor
Sand Couch,
Marine Couch
Grass, creeping
50 cm usually,
closer in sand
dunes
Queensland to
Victoria
Perennial; good
stabiliser
Synoum
glandulosum
Scentless
Rosewood,
Bastard
Rosewood
Shrub,
1.5-3 m
3-4 m
Queensland to
Milton
Reddish lobed,
globular fruit
Syzygium
oleosum
Blue Lilly Pilly
Tree,
3-8 m, fast
growing
3-4 m
Queensland to
Mt Kembla
Purplish-blue,
globular fruit;
Syzygium
paniculatum
Magenta Lilly
Pilly
Tree,
3-8 m
4-5 m
Bulahdelah to
Jervis Bay
Threatened
species;
reddish round
fruit
Tetragonia
tetragonioides
New Zealand
Spinach
Herb, sprawling
50 cm
Queensland to
Victoria
Succulent
leaves; small
yellow flowers
at leaf base
50 cm usually,
closer in sand
dunes
Widespread
and major
Queensland to
fodder grass for
Victoria
kangaroos;
tufted
Themeda
australis
Kangaroo Grass
Grass, 1 m
Westringia
fruticosa
Coast
Rosemary
Shrub,
1.5 m
1-2 m
Small leaves
Forster area to grow around
Eden
the stem; small
white flowers
Grass, creeping
50 cm usually,
but closer in
sand dunes
Perennial; seed
heads straight,
Queensland to
pointed tip; similar
Victoria
to Sporobolus
virginicus
Zoysia
macrantha
66
Prickly Couch
LAKE MACQUARIE COASTAL PLANTING GUIDE
Fire
Retardant
Species
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
LAKE MACQUARIE COASTAL PLANTING GUIDE
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
Estuarine
riparian
Littoral
rainforest
10:58 AM
Wet sclerophyll
forest
Dry sclerophyll
forest
15/12/04
Heath
Headland
Hind dune
Foredune
Incipient
foredune
EP 1660 Coastal Plant Guide New
Page 67
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
67
EP 1660 Coastal Plant Guide New
15/12/04
10:58 AM
Page 68
20. Appendices
Appendix 1:
Process for undertaking projects with the
Lake Macquarie Landcare Resource Office
1. Expression of Interest form received
The Landcare group submits an Expression of
Interest form to the Landcare Resource Office to
undertake bush regeneration activities or secure
resources such as plants, mulch, Green Team
assistance or contractors.
2. Is a Site Assessment required?
A Site Assessment is undertaken if one has not
already been completed. The Landcare site
classifications are utilised to determine and prioritise
works. Consultation is made with the Heritage
Officer of Lake Macquarie City Council, the local
Aboriginal Land Council, and service providers such
as Hunter Water Corporation, Energy Australia, etc.
3. Site inspection with Landcare group
The Landcare group is contacted for a site visit to
formulate an Agreed Action Plan which will guide the
group’s proposed work.
4. Assess proposed activities and evaluate resources
Resources are discussed to determine if the resources
requested are adequate and appropriate.
5. Draft Action Plan distributed
The group receives a draft Action Plan to discuss and
assess whether the work to be carried out is the same
as originally submitted. If uncertainty exists another
site visit or clarification is obtained
6. Signed Agreed Action Plan delivered to group
The group receives a signed copy of the Agreed
Action Plan, containing the permission of Council to
undertake the outlined works.
68
LAKE MACQUARIE COASTAL PLANTING GUIDE
EP 1660 Coastal Plant Guide New
15/12/04
10:58 AM
Page 69
7. Contractor engaged if required
If contractors are required they will receive a work order and a
copy of the Agreed Action Plan including a shaded map.
a) The contractor contacts the group to arrange times etc.
b) The contractor reports on completed works.
8. Group Undertaking work
For the group undertaking work in the Agreed Action Plan,
relevant Occupational Health & Safety and best practice
techniques to be followed as per Work Method Statements.
9. Completion of Job
At the completion of the job a progress report (Contractors) or
Annual Monitoring and Evaluation form (Landcare group) is
submitted to the Landcare Resource Office.
10. Action Plan updated
The Action Plan is updated to reflect completed work and assist in
ongoing monitoring.
Definitions
Expression of Interest
An application form which the Landcare group submits to the
Landcare Resource Office to request assistance on their site.
Action Plan
A series of actions determined by best practice methodologies in
consultation with the group to achieve the desired project outcomes.
The Agreed Action Plan provides the formal permission of Council to
undertake the site work.
Site Assessment
An assessment undertaken through the Landcare Resource Office and
the Landcare group to determine the threats, values, and species
composition of the site.
Bush Regeneration
Strategic removal of weed species and replacement with native
vegetation either through natural regeneration or revegetation when
resilience is poor.
LAKE MACQUARIE COASTAL PLANTING GUIDE
69
EP 1660 Coastal Plant Guide New
15/12/04
10:58 AM
Page 70
Resilience
Resilience is the capacity of the site to restore itself to a
native plant community following weed removal or
disturbance such as fire, storm or forest mulching.
Bushland
Bushland supports a variety of habitats, assists in
maintaining biodiversity, water and air quality. It
provides aesthetic relief from urban areas and forms
recreational opportunities within the community. In
doing so it is an important component of community well
being , as well as adding value to other land in the City.
Landcare Site Classifications
a) Bushland that is mostly undisturbed with a good mix
of tree ages, with natural regeneration occurring on
site, where the understorey is comprised of native
grasses and herbs or native shrubs, and which
contains a range of habitats for native fauna (such as
logs, shrubs, tree hollows and leaf litter,) or
b) Moderately disturbed bushland with some
regeneration of trees and shrubs, where there may be
a regrowth area with trees of even age, where native
shrubs and grasses are present in the understorey
even though there may be some weed invasion, or
c) Highly disturbed bushland where the native
understorey has been removed, where there may be
significant weed invasion and where dead and dying
trees are present, where there is no natural
regeneration of trees or shrubs, but where the land is
still capable of being rehabilitated.
d) The other category will include parks, sportsgrounds,
native gardens, Stormwater Quality Improvement
Device (SQID) sites, some school grounds and
extremely degraded sites e.g Wyee Tyre Dump.
70
LAKE MACQUARIE COASTAL PLANTING GUIDE
EP 1660 Coastal Plant Guide New
15/12/04
10:58 AM
Page 71
Volunteer
A Landcare volunteer is a member of the community who wishes to
volunteer his/her services on a non-payment basis. Volunteers may
carry out environmental restoration projects, community education
projects on public, or private, land and/or assist in the running of the
Landcare Resource Office.
Green Team
The Green Team is a group of Landcare volunteers, supervised by a
qualified Bush Regenerator, coordinated out of the Landcare Resource
Office to support on-ground activities of Landcare groups at various
locations around the city.
Working Bee
A working bee is a community activity or field day held for a specific
purpose to facilitate the Action Plan process.
Landcare Resource Office
Council facility located at 84
Macquarie Road Fassifern.
Phone: (02) 49595080.
Volunteers and LMCC Landcare
Support staff coordinate the activities
of Landcare in Lake Macquarie
from here.
LAKE MACQUARIE COASTAL PLANTING GUIDE
71
EP 1660 Coastal Plant Guide New
15/12/04
10:58 AM
Page 72
Process for undertaking projects with the
Lake Macquarie Landcare Resource Office
72
LAKE MACQUARIE COASTAL PLANTING GUIDE
EP 1660 Coastal Plant Guide New
15/12/04
10:58 AM
Page 73
Appendix 2:
Common weeds found along
Lake Macquarie’s coastline
Botanical
Name
Common
Name
Declared
Noxious
Weed
Vine species that can threaten the canopy
Anredera cordifolia
Madiera Vine
Araujia hortorum
Moth Vine
Cardiospermum grandiflorum
Balloon Vine
Ipomoca cairica
Coastal Morning Glory
Ipomoea indica
Indian Morning Glory/
Blue Morning Glory
Lonicera japonica
Japanese Honeysuckle
Macfadyena unguis-cati
Cat’s Claw Creeper
Thunbergia alata
Black-eyed Susan
Weeds with numerous
seeds that could dominate a site
Chrysanthemoides monilifera
Bitou Bush
Yes
Chrysanthemoides monilifera
Boneseed
Yes
Cinnamomum camphore
Camphor Laurel
Yes
Cortaderia selloana
Pampas Grass
Lantana camara
Lantana
Ligustrum lucidum
Broad leaf Privet
Ligustrum sinense
Small leaf Privet
Myrsiphyllum asparagoides
Bridal Creeper
Olea europaea ssp.
African Olive
ssp monilifera
LAKE MACQUARIE COASTAL PLANTING GUIDE
73
EP 1660 Coastal Plant Guide New
15/12/04
10:58 AM
Botanical
Name
Page 74
Common
Name
Declared
Noxious
Weed
Groundcover species
Acetosa sagittata
Turkey Rhubarb
Nephrolepsis cordifolia
Fishbone Fern
Opuntia spp.
Prickly Pear
Yes
Rubus fruticosus
Blackberry
Yes
Protasparagus aethiopicus
Asparagus Fern
Tradescantia fluminensis
Wandering Jew
Aquatic/semi aquatic species
Ageratina adenophora
Crofton Weed
Yes
Ageratina riparia
Mistflower
Alternanthera philoxeroides
Alligator Weed
Yes
Eichhornia crassipes
Water Hyacinth
Yes
Pistia stratiotes
Water Lettuce
Yes
Salvinia molesta
Salvinia
Yes
Ephemeral species
Bidens pilosa
Cobbler’s Peg
Chenopodium album
Fat Hen
Conyza spp
Fleabane
Hypochoeris radicata
Cats ear, Flatweed
Oxalils spp
Soursob, Sorrel
Plantago spp
Plantain
Garden escapes and grasses
74
Agapanthus
Agapanthus
Arundinaria spp.
Bamboo
Bryophyllum delagoense
Mother of Millions
Canna indica
Canna Lily
Cestrum parqui
Green Cestrum
Yes
LAKE MACQUARIE COASTAL PLANTING GUIDE
EP 1660 Coastal Plant Guide New
Botanical
Name
15/12/04
10:58 AM
Page 75
Common
Name
Garden escapes and grasses
Declared
Noxious
Weed
(continued)
Cotoneaster spp.
Cotoneaster
Cynodon dactylon
Couch
Delairea odorato
Cape Ivy
Gazania rigens
Gazania
Gloriosa superba
Glory Lily
Lagunaria patersonii
Norfolk Island Hibiscus
Lilium formosanum
Formosa Lily
Monstera
Monstera, Fruit Salad Plant
Ochna serrulata
Ochna, Mickey Mouse Plant
Pennisetum clandestinum
Kikuyu
Phyllostachys spp.
Bamboo
Pinus ssp.
Pine Tree
Raphiolepis indica
India Hawthorn
Sanservia spp.
Mother-in-law’s Tongue
Schefflera actinophylla
Umbrella tree
Stenotaphrum secundatum
Buffalo Grass
Tropaeolum majus
Nasturtium
Watsonia spp.
Wild Watsonia
Zantedeschia stricta
Arum Lily
LAKE MACQUARIE COASTAL PLANTING GUIDE
75
EP 1660 Coastal Plant Guide New
15/12/04
10:58 AM
Page 76
Notes
76
LAKE MACQUARIE COASTAL PLANTING GUIDE