Progress on bush regeneration

Progress has been reported on the regeneration of the Putty Beach Reserve which is heavily infested with bitou bush and asparagus fern.

After the successful trial of aerial spraying of bitou bush at the north end of Putty Beach Reserve, Gosford Council has agreed to continue and extend the program, according to the Killcare- Wagstaffe Trust.

The Killcare Wagstaffe Trust newsletter stated that the trial achieved a good kill rate of the bitou with very little damage to the native vegetation.

This was achieved by using a low dose of roundup and carrying out the spraying when the native vegetation was dormant and the bitou was active.

Council Bushcare then pays contractors to follow-up.

Spraying is done at the end of the National Parks program of spraying in Bouddi National Park.

"The whole process is cost effective for the Council as they just have to cover the extra time and cost of chemicals," stated the newsletter.

Meanwhile, bush regeneration work is being carried out along the creek on the western side of Putty Beach Dr through Estuary management funds and on the southern end of the reserve by the regular volunteer group.

Newsletter, 24 Apr 2013

David Legge, Killcare Wagstaffe Trust