Skip to main content

Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan

Page 1

Vegetation Management Plan Hobart Rivulet, Guy Fawkes Rivulet and Ross Rivulet FINAL

Client: City of Hobart Prepared by: Dr Nick Fitzgerald and Amber Button November 2021


Vegetation Management Plan – Hobart Rivulet and Guy Fawkes Rivulet

Version date

Revision No.

Sign-off

29th June 2021

First draft for council review – V1.0

Enviro-dynamics – AW

14th September 2021

Final draft for council review – V1.1

Enviro-dynamics – AW

9th December 2021

Seek endorsement from Parks and

City of Hobart

Recreation Committee Seek endorsement from meeting of full Council

City of Hobart


Contents 1

Introduction .......................................................................................................... 1

2

Background .......................................................................................................... 1 Site description ................................................................................................................. 1 2.1.1

Geology ..................................................................................................................... 1

2.1.2

Land Tenure and Use ............................................................................................. 2

Planning and Strategic Context ..................................................................................... 5 Management issues ........................................................................................................ 9

3

2.3.1

Threats to Biodiversity............................................................................................. 9

2.3.2

Social challenges ..................................................................................................... 9

2.3.3

Waterway health and management .................................................................... 10

Methods .............................................................................................................. 11 Desktop analysis ............................................................................................................ 11 Field survey .................................................................................................................... 11 Limitations of the survey ............................................................................................... 12

4

Natural Values .................................................................................................... 12 Native Vegetation .......................................................................................................... 12 4.1.1

Conservation status of the vegetation communities ......................................... 16

Original vegetation of the Hobart Rivulet ................................................................... 16 Native Flora .................................................................................................................... 17 4.3.1

Threatened flora ..................................................................................................... 17

Significant Trees ............................................................................................................ 19 Native Fauna .................................................................................................................. 20 4.5.1

Threatened fauna................................................................................................... 20

4.5.2

Threatened fauna habitat ..................................................................................... 21

4.5.3

Other native fauna ................................................................................................. 21 i Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au


Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021

5

Environmental Weeds ....................................................................................... 22

6

Weed Management Zones ................................................................................ 26

7

Weed Control...................................................................................................... 38 Weed control methods .................................................................................................. 38 Community engagement............................................................................................... 39 Weed control prioritisation ............................................................................................ 39 Prevention of further weed establishment.................................................................. 41 Biosecurity and disposal of weed material................................................................. 41 Willow control strategy .................................................................................................. 42 Willow control methods ................................................................................................. 43 Willow control by zones ................................................................................................ 43

8

Weed Control Action Plan ...................................................................................... 46

9

Revegetation Guidelines ................................................................................... 59 Revegetation Methodology........................................................................................... 60 9.1.1

Site preparation and planting ............................................................................... 60

9.1.2

Planting.................................................................................................................... 60

9.1.3

Plant protection ...................................................................................................... 61

9.1.4

Watering .................................................................................................................. 62

9.1.5

Maintenance ........................................................................................................... 62

9.1.6

Species selection ................................................................................................... 62

10 Conclusion and Recommendations ................................................................ 66 11 References .......................................................................................................... 67 Appendix 1 – Vascular plant species list ............................................................... 68 Appendix 1 – Management zones figures .............................................................. 74 Appendix 2 – Action plans for high priority zones ............................................... 75

ii Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au


Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021

1 Introduction This Vegetation Management Plan for the Hobart Rivulet and its major tributaries has been developed to provide a framework for removal of willows and other weeds and the subsequent revegetation with native species to restore natural values. The plan identifies the natural values of these watercourses and outlines the threats to the native biodiversity. Weed density and distribution has been mapped and documented and a plan for strategically addressing their control and restoring native vegetation is presented. Restoring native vegetation will have benefits for water quality, stormwater management, biodiversity and public amenity. In the Review of the Three Rivulet Plans in 2016, the development of an overall vegetation management plan for Hobart Rivulet was identified as a high priority.

2 Background Site description The Hobart Rivulet is a perennial watercourse, travelling 9.5 km from its origin near The Springs on kunanyi/Mount Wellington until its confluence with the Derwent Estuary near the Domain (Bonar, 2011; Cascades Landcare Group, 2000). The rivulet flows naturally throughout most of its length, only changing when it reaches the edge of Hobart’s urban centre, where it is engineered into channels with a base of stone or concrete, often running underground (Bonar, 2011). In its middle reaches, the rivulet provides a popular recreational corridor located in the Hobart Rivulet Park where walkers and cyclists can traverse a recreational shared-use path. This plan considers the vegetation 20 metres either side of the following sections of rivulet (Figure 2): 

Hobart Rivulet between the Wellington Park boundary and Molle Street,

Guy Fawkes Rivulet from the Wellington Park boundary to its confluence with Hobart Rivulet

 2.1.1

Ross Rivulet from its origin to its intersection with Hobart Rivulet. Geology

The Hobart Rivulet lies on undulating terrain, with variable geology along its length. In the upper section of the catchment, from the boundary of Wellington Park to Cascade Brewery, the geology is constituted of Permian sandstone and mudstone (LISTmap, 2021). Triassic sandstone 1 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au


Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021

dominates the middle section of the study area, downstream from Cascade Brewery. The lower flatter reaches of the Rivulet are in Tertiary deposits of sand and gravel. 2.1.2

Land Tenure and Use

Land tenure along the Hobart Rivulet is varied. The upper catchment of the study area consists of largely intact native vegetation extending across the foothills of kunanyi/Mount Wellington. This land is owned by the City of Hobart and within Wellington Park. Downstream of Wellington Park, there are riparian sections owned by the Council and sections owned by Cascade Brewery. There are also many private residential lots containing gardens along the rivulets. There are landscaped parklands around Cascade Brewery at Cascade Gardens, managed by the City of Hobart. Downstream of Cascade Gardens, land tenure along the rivulet becomes a complexity of land owned or managed by Council and private freehold parcels in residential lots. Land use along the rivulet in the study area mainly consists of public land used for nature conservation and recreation, and private residential lots. In some sections of the rivulet there is private land along one or both sides of the watercourse. Cascade Brewery is the only industrial use of the Rivulet, in South Hobart (Bonar, 2011). The Hobart Rivulet Park sections of the Rivulet are used by walkers and cyclists for both recreation and commuting, as the park provides a connection between the residential areas of South Hobart and the city.

Figure 1 - Hobart Rivulet Park, note cotoneaster (environmental weed) on left

2 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au


Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021

The Hobart Rivulet is also a major stormwater asset for the City of Hobart, draining an area of approximately 2,217 hectares (Bonar, 2011). The majority of the catchment area (approximately 80%) is dominated by native vegetation, mostly within the upper to mid sections. The remaining 20% flows through the urban centre of Hobart and is dominated by impervious surfaces. This lower section of the rivulet is mostly channelised and lined with stone and concrete (Bonar, 2011).

3 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au


Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021

Figure 2 – Location of Hobart Rivulet survey area and management zones

4 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au


Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021

Planning and Strategic Context A range of management plans have been developed in the past that relate to the Hobart Rivulet and its tributaries. A summary of relevant plans is provided below with actions relating to the current Vegetation Management Plan outlined. Hobart Rivulet Catchment Management Plan 2011-2016 Hobart City Council The Hobart Rivulet Catchment Management plan was developed to highlight appropriate stormwater management practices and implement actions to improve the overall long-term stormwater quality within the catchment and its sub-catchments. The plan aimed to improve existing stormwater quality within the Hobart Rivulet and in the lower catchment area and implement management practices to reduce stormwater pollution. The plan identified that weeds found throughout the catchment are having significant negative impacts on catchment values and waterways. Although considerable work has been undertaken to remove weeds and revegetate with native species, the weed burden remains high, requiring significant planning and resources to reduce longer-term impacts. Relevant actions identified in this plan include: 

Develop a vegetation (including weed survey) strategy for the catchment in collaboration with Council's relevant units.

Investigate funding options to target priority weeds through the catchment, including new and emerging species.

Upper Hobart Rivulet Natural Area Action Plan 2000 Cascades Landcare Group This plan was developed to provide an overview of the state of the upper Hobart Rivulet, identify key management issues in the area and provide practical action plans to address the issues through actions undertaken by the Cascades Landcare Group. The plan also aimed to identify a way to facilitate cooperative action between the Landcare Group and other stakeholders to deal with relevant management issues. Vegetation management was a key issue identified in the plan, particularly degradation of bushland through inappropriate fire regimes, weed invasion and soil degradation and erosion resulting from a loss of natural vegetation cover. Cascade Track Environs Vegetation Management Plan 2012 5 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au


Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021

North Barker Ecosystem Services The Cascade Track Environs Vegetation Management Plan was developed for the Cascade Walking Track following its opening in 2011. The plan identifies the biodiversity and habitat values of the land either side of the track, key management issues impacting on the values, and provides recommended management actions. The plan identifies weed invasion of native vegetation in the area as being of greater concern than the other management issues. Alongside weed invasion, inappropriate fire regimes, track maintenance, garden plantings and boundary encroachment, pest animals and rubbish dumping are identified as key issues. Relevant actions: 

Weed management and boundary encroachment including garden plantings by adjacent landowners.

Hobart Rivulet Strategic Master Plan 2011 Inspiring Place The purpose of the Hobart Rivulet Strategic Master Plan is to guide the future development and management of the parkland and open space along the rivulet. The plan focuses primarily on the section of the rivulet park between Molle Street and the Wellington Park boundary, but also addresses the other open space links to the city centre, Knocklofty and West Hobart. The plan recognises that weeds are a ubiquitous occurrence in many sections of the Hobart Rivulet parklands, having significant negative visual and environmental impacts. The plan also recognises that sentimental value has been attached to some weeds, particularly crack willow and hawthorn, by some local residents due to the appeal of their colour, form and role in bank stabilisation along the rivulet. However, except for the willows, there is relatively consistent support for the removal of weed species along the Rivulet and replacement with either native vegetation or appropriate exotic, non-invasive species. As part of the plan’s strategic goal ‘to strive for sustainable management’, a key relevant action 

Develop progressive rehabilitation plans for the Hobart Rivulet banks that identify the progressive removal of declared weed species and recognised environmental weeds such as crack willow and sycamore and preparing planting/landscaping plans for revegetation.

City of Hobart Biodiversity Action Plan City of Hobart 6 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au


Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021

The Biodiversity Action Plan aims to allow Bushland staff within the City of Hobart to plan management actions for bushland reserves holistically, ensuring that the management carried out is in-line with biodiversity principles. In doing so, the plan ensures that reserves are prioritised for management according to biodiversity values, threats that may impact upon them and resources available to achieve the best long-term outcomes. The plan outlines: 

Council’s role in biodiversity management as part of a broader natural resource management network,

Identifies the biodiversity values and threats in the City’s bushland reserves

Prioritises biodiversity conservation actions for the City’s bushland reserves

Identifies knowledge gaps in the city’s understanding of biodiversity to inform the prioritisation of future work and improve biodiversity management in the long-term

Defines management priorities through an adaptive management approach

Weed invasion in bushland reserves is identified as a major threat to their floristic values, and reserves are recognised as particularly vulnerable to invasion due to pervasive edge effects at the interface between the reserves and the urban environment, roads, tracks and trails. Due to the large number of introduced plant species and limited resources available to control weeds, the plan recognises a need for prioritisation of weed management. To prioritise, the Weeds at Early Stage of Invasion (WESI) environmental weed risk database was used (Blood et al., 2019). The WESI ranks invasive plants to indicate priority for control, based on the following characteristics: 

Invasion potential

Impact on natural systems

Area of potential distribution

Range of susceptible habitat types

Rate of dispersal

The WESI framework is then used to identify high threat weeds within high value biodiversity assets and prioritise them for removal. Other relevant management objectives include: 

Prioritise high threat weeds within high biodiversity value environments

Manage weeds cooperatively – involving all agencies, private landholders, other stakeholders. 7 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au


Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021

Ongoing mapping and monitoring of progress of weed control is integral to the evaluation of the success of the control program.

Maintain a GIS dataset of weed infestations as a threat to biodiversity assets. Ensure the City of Hobart weed dataset is shared with the Natural Values Atlas.

Ensure weed data is within the monitoring methodology for vegetation and habitat quality for recording the arrival of new species.

8 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au


Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021

Management issues 2.3.1

Threats to Biodiversity

Willows Willows, particularly crack willow (Salix fragilis) are abundant in the study area, with a large infestation below Tara Street (Bonar, 2011). A Weed of National Significance (WoNS), willows can dominate entire stretches of riverbanks, choking watercourses, consuming large amounts of water, outcompeting native vegetation and changing stream dynamics. Willows produce heavy leaf fall in autumn and winter, negatively affecting native vegetation growth and fauna habitat (The Derwent Catchment Project, 2021). Despite these impacts, there is still a level of sentiment regarding the willows among several local residents, largely due to their colour and form (Inspiring Place, 2015). Further, willows are challenging to remove, requiring specialist contractors and careful control methodology to avoid bank destabilization and minimise impacts on waterway health and ongoing follow-up control of regrowth. Other Weeds Weed invasion of native vegetation has been highlighted as a major management issue in several management plans for the Rivulet (Bonar, 2011; Cascades Landcare Group, 2000; City of Hobart, 2019; North Barker Ecosystem Services, 2012). The weed burden throughout the study area varies from patches of intact native vegetation with sporadic weed occurrence to large sections entirely dominated by exotic plant species. Unlike willows, there is a general consensus among the community that other weeds should be removed and the area revegetated with native species or appropriate, non-invasive plants (Inspiring Place, 2015). However, the high diversity and cover of weeds and finite resources requires prioritisation of weed management (City of Hobart, 2019). Some weeds are also providing ecosystem services (e.g. soil stabilisation) and habitat for native wildlife, particularly in the more degraded urban sections of the rivulet, which is important to consider for management. 2.3.2

Social challenges

There are also numerous social challenges in applying land management works along the rivulet. The Hobart Rivulet Park is a high use area for walkers and cyclists for recreation and commuting, and large sections of the study area adjoin residential properties, resulting in a high level of visibility and scrutiny of any work undertaken on the rivulet.

9 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au


Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021

Several residential properties adjoin the rivulet, making access to some sections for management purposes difficult, particularly with machinery for willow removal. Private land ownership of these sections also significantly limits the influence of council for management, necessitating approval and cooperation of private landowners to undertake some management works. 2.3.3

Waterway health and management

The Hobart Rivulet is a main drainage point for a catchment area of approximately 2,217 hectares, and a key stormwater asset for the City of Hobart (Bonar, 2011). Stormwater is a significant issue for the health and management of the Hobart Rivulet. Urban development in the catchment surrounding the Rivulet has considerably altered local hydrology, particularly the velocity, pattern, volume and quality of flow in the rivulet (Cascades Landcare Group, 2000; Walsh et al., 2012). This is largely due to the increase in impervious surface cover in the catchment, reduced surface roughness and reduced natural storage in the rivulet due to channelisation and engineering (Blacklow, 1995; Cascades Landcare Group, 2000). There is a need to improve the Rivulet’s waterway health while maintaining its function as a stormwater asset. Erosion is a significant issue along the Rivulet, particularly along banks where the riparian area has been disturbed and stabilising vegetation lost. Bank destabilisation and erosion results in sediment movement along the waterway, increasing turbidity and degrading water quality in the stream, affecting the growth of aquatic vegetation.

10 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au


Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021

3 Methods The development of the vegetation management plan included a site assessment which involved an initial desktop analysis followed by a field survey.

Desktop analysis The desktop analysis involved extracting data from a variety of sources, including: 

Natural Values Atlas (DPIPWE, 2021)

LIST map

City of Hobart’s Tree Database

City of Hobart’s Botanical Communities mapping

City of Hobart’s Significant Tree Register

Several reports, management plans and strategy documents were consulted during the literature review phase to examine the context and background for this Vegetation Management Plan.

Field survey The field survey was primarily undertaken in May 2021. The survey area defined by CoH is the length of Hobart Rivulet from Strickland Avenue in South Hobart to Molle Street in central Hobart, plus two tributaries: Guy Fawkes Rivulet downstream of the Wellington Park boundary and Ross Rivulet. The survey area is 40 m wide centred on each watercourse or to property boundaries when private land adjoins the Rivulet. The vegetation communities in the survey area were classified (as per the TASVEG 4.0 classification system) and mapped. Vascular plant species were recorded and identified where possible, except for plants in cultivation (in parkland or domestic gardens) that are not considered environmental weeds. Old-growth trees with visible or potential hollows were mapped as important fauna habitat. Environmental weeds were mapped either as points (for single individuals or small patches) or polygons (where weeds extend over a large patch with moderate or high density coverage). Willow trees were mapped individually, with additional details including size and access. Willow size was based on trunk diameter (of the largest trunk) and classed as small (< 10 cm), medium (10–30 cm) or large (> 30 cm). Willows that were resprouting from previously cut trunks were classified on the size of the living regrowth trunk. Where individual willow trees were identified as trees mapped in Council’s tree database, the ID number was recorded to allow cross-referencing between the mapping for this project and the existing database. 11 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au


Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021

Locations of threatened flora, fauna habitat and significant weeds were mapped with a handheld GPS and population data was captured e.g. numbers of individuals, area occupied etc. Geographic datum used was GDA94 Zone 55. Private land other than Cascade land was not surveyed systematically due to access constraints. Occasional opportunistic observations of weeds on private land were recorded where these were visible from adjacent land, e.g. where weed patches extended onto private land or where weeds occurred close to a cadastral boundary the land tenure was uncertain for that observation. Given the limitations of GPS accuracy, some points mapped on a particular land tenure may represent a weed growing within a few metres of that point, which may mean the point is on another land tenure. Taxonomic nomenclature for flora follows the latest Census of Vascular Plants of Tasmania (Baker & de Salas 2021). Classification of vegetation communities is in accordance with Kitchener and Harris (2013) and TASVEG 4.0.

Limitations of the survey Whilst every effort was made to compile a complete list of native vascular plants and weeds for the survey area, a single survey is unlikely to detect all species present due to seasonal/temporal variations. Some plants could not be identified to a species level and some species may have been overlooked due to a lack of fertile material. It is also possible that additional species are present but were dormant at the time of survey e.g. annuals, ephemerals.

4 Natural Values This section outlines the findings of the desktop analysis and field survey, including a description of the vegetation communities, threatened flora, fauna habitat values and weeds.

Native Vegetation The natural vegetation of the survey area is eucalypt-dominated forest. The generally west-east alignment of Guy Fawkes and Hobart rivulets results in a distinct difference in annual solar radiation between the north-facing slopes on the south side of the watercourse and the southfacing slopes on the opposite side of the gully. This is particularly pronounced in the middle reaches of Guy Fawkes Rivulet where the gully is deeply incised. The vegetation reflects this topography, with wet forest occurring on the south-facing slopes and the riparian zone and dry forest communities on the north-facing slopes. Wet forest communities feature a tall eucalypt canopy and a dense subcanopy of tall broad-leafed shrubs and often ferns and sedges in the 12 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au


Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021

understorey. Dry forest communities have a more uneven aged canopy and open understorey featuring heathy shrubs. The upper sections of Guy Fawkes Rivulet are largely intact native vegetation. The original vegetation of Hobart Rivulet has been fragmented by urban development, which increases downstream toward the city centre. Much of the remaining native vegetation is on steep southfacing slopes unsuitable for development and such remnants occur even in the lower reaches of the Rivulet. Five native vegetation communities and three modified communities were mapped in the study area, as per the TASVEG 4.0 classification system: 

Eucalyptus amygdalina forest on sandstone (DAS)

Eucalyptus globulus dry forest (DGL)

Eucalyptus obliqua dry forest (DOB)

Eucalyptus globulus wet forest (WGL)

Eucalyptus obliqua wet forest with broadleaf understorey (WOB)

Agricultural land (FAG)

Urban (FUR)

Weed infestation (FWU)

Vegetation communities are mapped in the collection of figures for each rivulet section and the native vegetation is described briefly below. Eucalyptus amygdalina forest on sandstone (DAS) A very small remnant of this community occurs in the upper reaches of Ross Rivulet. Black peppermint (E. amygdalina) is the dominant tree species, and the understorey is relatively open, with sparse shrubs. This community typically occurs on drier and sunnier sites and in this situation it has some wet forest understorey species, indicating that the vegetation is transitioning to a wet forest community. Eucalyptus globulus dry forest (DGL) This vegetation community occurs on the upper section of Ross Rivulet on the west side of the watercourse. The canopy is dominated by blue gum (Eucalyptus globulus), with several other eucalypt species in smaller numbers, including white gum (Eucalyptus viminalis), stringybark (Eucalyptus obliqua) and black peppermint (Eucalyptus amygdalina). The tall shrub layer is sparse

and

includes

sheoak

(Allocasuarina

verticillata),

native

cherry

(Exocarpos

cupressiformis), silver wattle (Acacia dealbata) and prickly box (Bursaria spinosa). The mid shrub 13 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au


Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021

layer includes viscid daisybush (Olearia viscosa), currant bush (Coprosma quadrifida) and dollybush (Cassinia aculeata). The ground layer is dominated by silver tussockgrass (Poa labillardierei), sagg (Lomandra longifolia) and bracken (Pteridium esculentum). The vegetation intergrades into Eucalyptus globulus wet forest (WGL) in the headwaters of the rivulet near Forest Road, due to the appearance of wet forest species such as dogwood (Pomaderris apetala), stinkwood (Zieria arborescens), tree fern (Dicksonia antarctica) and shield fern (Polystichum proliferum). Eucalyptus obliqua dry forest (DOB) This forest type is widespread on north-facing slopes in the Hobart Rivulet catchment. In the survey area it is limited to steep rocky mudstone slopes in the middle reaches of Guy Fawkes Rivulet. Stringybark (E. obliqua) is the dominant tree species and older trees show signs of previous fires. The understory is open and includes a diverse suite of shrubs such as native cherry, prickly box and sunshine wattle (Acacia terminalis).

Figure 3 - Eucalyptus obliqua dry forest upstream from Cascade Brewery on Hobart Rivulet.

Eucalyptus globulus wet forest (WGL)

14 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au


Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021

This vegetation community occurs widely in the survey area on south-facing slopes. The canopy is dominated by blue gum, with white gum and stringybark often present. There is a dense stratum of tall broad-leafed shrubs including blanket leaf (Bedfordia salicina), blackwood (Acacia melanoxylon), musk daisy bush (Olearia argophylla) and dogwood (Pomaderris apetala). The understorey includes small shrubs such as native currant (Coprosma quadrifida) and a typically dense ground cover of ferns and sedges. In drier or more disturbed sites, such as the lower reaches of Hobart Rivulet and near Cascade Brewery, the understorey is more open with a groundcover of grasses and bracken.

Figure 4 - Eucalyptus globulus forest on hillside adjacent to Rivulet Park.

Eucalyptus obliqua wet forest (WOB) This vegetation community occurs widely in the survey area on south-facing slopes, particularly on the lower reaches of Guy Fawkes Rivulet. The structure and species composition on Guy Fawkes Rivulet is very similar to the WGL forest, differing in the canopy composition which is dominated by stringybark. On Hobart Rivulet upstream of Cascade Brewery, this community is 15 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au


Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021

transitional between wet and dry forest and consequently has a more open understorey of smaller shrubs such as cheeseberry (Cyathodes glauca) and native daphne (Pultenaea daphnoides).

4.1.1

Conservation status of the vegetation communities

Two vegetation communities listed as threatened under Schedule 3A of the Tasmanian Nature Conservation Act 2002 are present in the area: 

Eucalyptus amygdalina forest on sandstone (DAS),

Eucalyptus globulus dry forest (DGL).

These threatened vegetation communities are confined to the upper reaches of Ross Rivulet. Both these communities and the E. globulus wet forest (WGL) are listed as ‘High Priority Biodiversity Value’ under the Biodiversity Code (E10.0) of the Hobart Interim Planning Scheme 2015. No communities listed as threatened under Commonwealth legislation (Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999) are present in the survey area.

Original vegetation of the Hobart Rivulet The vegetation of Hobart Rivulet below the confluence with Guy Fawkes Rivulet is highly modified, resulting from clearing of native vegetation in the colonial era, around 200 years ago. Remnant native vegetation in the area, combined with observation of similar landscapes with less disturbed vegetation, provides some confidence in predicting the pre-colonial vegetation of the lower reaches of Hobart Rivulet. Modelling of pre-European (c. 1750) vegetation in Tasmania suggests that Eucalyptus amygdalina forest on sandstone was the most extensive community along the lower stretches of Hobart Rivulet. However, remnant vegetation on sandstone near the Rivulet supports E. globulus and E. obliqua, probably because the microclimate is too moist for E. amygdalina. Furthermore, fine-scale geological mapping indicates the riparian zone comprises alluvial deposits, which is likely to support different vegetation from the surrounding geology. The modelling also suggests some occurrence of E. obliqua dry forest, which is consistent with extant vegetation on lower slopes on mudstone. The area would certainly have supported eucalypt forest with a mixture of tree species including E. globulus, E. obliqua and E. viminalis. The intact forest in parts of Hobart Rivulet and Guy Fawkes Rivulet above the Cascade Brewery has historically been subject to logging and has been influenced by changing fire regimes over time. Nevertheless, the forest communities and 16 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au


Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021

species composition are likely to be largely unchanged. These forest communities, and the riparian zone in particular, provide a good indication of the plant species which would have naturally occurred further downstream along the Hobart Rivulet in presently suburban and urban areas. However, the non-riparian vegetation is more difficult to predict since the remnant vegetation is biased toward steep south-facing slopes which may not represent the alluvial flats where indigenous land management likely contributed to a more open grassy forest community. Even if the surrounding forest was drier and more open than in the foothills of the mountain, the riparian zone would likely have supported wet forest understorey plants, which would have readily migrated from upstream. Riparian areas in south-eastern Tasmania typically have a dense shrubby understorey. The riparian vegetation of Hobart Rivulet is consistent with Community 7 (Eucalyptus viminalis – E. globulus – E. obliqua – E. amygdalina woodland over Beyeria viscosa – Exocarpos cupressiformis sedgy–grassy, ferny or heathy closed- scrub) identified by Daley and Kirkpatrick (2004) in a systematic classification of Tasmanian riparian vegetation. Several shrub and groundcover species observed in the forested parts of the survey area and commonly found in riparian vegetation elsewhere (Daley & Kirkpatrick, 2004) would have been prominent in the riparian zone of the now modified parts of Hobart Rivulet, including Pomaderris apetala, Leptospermum lanigerum, Acacia dealbata, A. melanoxylon, A. verticillata, Coprosma quadrifida, Prostanthera lasianthos, Bursaria spinosa, Exocarpos cupressiformis, Poa labillardierei, Lomandra longifolia, Gahnia grandis, Carex appressa, Dianella tasmanica, Acaena novae-zelandiae, Blechnum nudum, B. minus.

Native Flora A total of 81 Tasmanian native vascular plant species were recorded during the survey. Three species appeared to be planted and not naturally occurring in the area and several others (e.g. Poa labillardieri) occur in both wild and planted situations. 4.3.1

Threatened flora

No threatened flora species listed under the Threatened Species Protection Act 1995 or the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 were recorded during the survey. The threatened flora species previously observed within 500 m of the survey area are all species of dry forests or grasslands, with very limited suitable habitat in the survey area ( 17 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au


Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021

Table 1). The Hobart Rivulet catchment is a critically important location for Corunastylis nudiscapa in Tasmania and supports some of the largest known populations of C. nuda in the state. Observations of Austrostipa bigeniculata and Vittadinia muelleri in the catchment area represent isolated small populations of these species outside of their core habitat.

18 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au


Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021 Table 1 – Threatened flora species recorded within 500 m of the survey area. Species

Status TSPA

Austrostipa bigeniculata

Status EPBCA

rare

-

Native grasslands and open woodlands.

rare

-

Known from a wide range of habitat types in Tasmania. In the Hobart area it occurs in forest on dry north-facing slopes, similar to the habitat of C. nudiscapa.

endangered

-

Dry open forests with a sedgy or heathy understorey on sedimentary geology, typically on north-facing slopes.

rare

-

Native grasslands and open woodlands on relatively fertile dry soils.

doublejointed speargrass Corunastylis nuda tiny midge-orchid

Corunastylis nudiscapa

Habitat preferences1

bare midge-orchid

Vittadinia muelleri narrowleaf new-holland-daisy

Significant Trees Five trees listed on Council’s Significant Tree Register are located within the survey area (Table 2). Table 2 – Trees listed on the HCC Significant Tree Register within the survey area.

1

Ref no.

Location

Species

Common Name

Number of trees

Land tenure

G3

Glen Street (end of road, adjacent to no. 6)

Eucalyptus globulus

Tasmanian blue gum

1

HCC

L31

Linear park (next to rivulet bridge at end of Anglesea Street, on boundary of South Hobart Primary School)

Cedrus deodara

Deodar

3

HCC

01

14 Old Farm Road

Notelaea ligustrina

native olive

1

Private

FPA (2016) and Natural Values Atlas data

19 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au


Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021

Figure 5 - E. globulus tree on Glen Street, listed on Significant Tree Register.

Native Fauna 4.5.1

Threatened fauna

Two threatened fauna species have been observed in the survey area based on Natural Values Atlas records: 

eastern barred bandicoot (Perameles gunnii),

grey goshawk (Accipiter novaehollandiae).

There are records of the eastern quoll (Dasyurus viverrinus) from nearby and this species would almost certainly occur within the survey area. Other threatened fauna that are likely to visit the area include masked owl (Tyto novaehollandiae castanops), swift parrot (Lathamus discolor) and Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii). The survey area is likely to have been inhabited by the now extinct Cascade funnel-web spider (Hadronyche pulvinator).

20 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au


Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021

4.5.2

Threatened fauna habitat

Native forest and urban areas provide suitable foraging habitat for several threatened fauna species, particularly wide-ranging predators such as the masked owl, Tasmanian devil and eastern quoll. There is very limited potential nesting habitat for hollow-nesting species such as the masked owl and swift parrot due to the scarcity of old-growth trees. Potential denning habitat for devils and quolls is present, particularly in dense riparian vegetation and rocky areas along Guy Fawkes Rivulet. Eastern barred bandicoots inhabit the survey area and are known to occur in the Hobart Rivulet Park close to the city. 4.5.3

Other native fauna

The aquatic environment and riparian zone provide suitable habitat for a variety of native wildlife. Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) are known to inhabit waterways in the Hobart Rivulet catchment, including urban sections of the Rivulet around the Cascade boulder trap, and have been sighted near the sediment basin at Barrack St, and down as far as the Royal Hobart Hospital on Collins St. The native freshwater crayfish Astacopsis franklinii inhabits the waterways, at least in the upper catchment areas with intact vegetation. Other native wildlife observed within and along the rivulets include the Australian wood duck (Chenonetta jubata), the Tasmanian native hen (Tribonyx mortierii), the Tasmanian pademelon (Thylogale billardierii) and the red-necked wallaby (Macropus rufogriseus). Native hens and pademelons are common throughout the area, including in the lower section of the Rivulet Park between Gore Street and Molle Street, where exotic vegetation such as blackberry patches provides shelter. A range of native woodland bird species utilise the riparian vegetation for foraging and nesting. Including species such as the pink robin, fairy wren (Malurus cyaneus), pardalotes (Pardalotus sp.), thornbills (Acanthiza sp.) and honeyeaters. Snake and skink species are also likely to utilise parts of the riparian habitat.

21 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au


Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021

Figure 6 - Platypus in Guy Fawkes Rivulet near Wellington Park boundary

5 Environmental Weeds Exotic plant species observed during the survey were considered weeds if they are known to be invasive in Tasmania. In most cases, these species are listed in the Biodiversity Action Plan (City of Hobart 2019, Appendix 1 – Priority Weed List). The weed risk score (WESI) and category from the Priority Weed List is used here to rank the weeds recorded during the survey (Table 3). The survey identified 23 weed species classed as ‘very high risk’ under the WESI scheme and 33 species listed as lower, medium, or high risk. Five species listed as Weed of National Significance (WoNS) and 10 declared weeds (as per the Weed Management Act 1999) were recorded. A further 15 species either did not receive a risk rating or were not assessed under the WESI scheme. Table 3 – Environmental weeds observed in project area. Species

Common Name

Declared/ WoNS

WESI

WESI

Score

Category

Hedera helix

English Ivy

No

1

Very high risk

Cytisus scoparius

Scotch Broom

WoNS, Declared weed

3

Very high risk

Crocosmia

Montbretia

No

3

Very high risk

Blackberry

WoNS, Declared weed

4

Very high risk

Xcrocosmiiflora Rubus fruticosus

22 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au


Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021

Species

Common Name

Declared/ WoNS

WESI

WESI

Score

Category

Pinus radiata

Monterey Pine

No

6

Very high risk

Ilex aquifolium

Holly

Declared weed

10

Very high risk

Pittosporum undulatum

Sweet Pittosporum

No

10

Very high risk

Cotoneaster

Grey-leaved

No

10

Very high risk

glaucophyllus

Cotoneaster

Cotoneaster simonsii

Khasia Berry

No

10

Very high risk

Coprosma robusta

Karamu

Declared weed

10

Very high risk

Leycesteria formosa

Himalayan

No

10

Very high risk

subsp. undulatum

honeysuckle Genista monspessulana

Montpellier broom

WoNS, Declared weed

11

Very high risk

Clematis vitalba

Old Man's Beard

No

11

Very high risk

Acer pseudoplanatus

Sycamore Maple

No

11

Very high risk

Erica lusitanica

Spanish heath

Declared weed

11

Very high risk

Passiflora tarminiana

Banana

No

11

Very high risk

passionfruit Crataegus monogyna

Hawthorn

No

13

Very high risk

Vinca major

Blue Periwinkle

No

15

Very high risk

Ulex europaeus

Gorse

WoNS, Declared weed

15

Very high risk

Fuchsia magellanica

Fuchsia

No

19

Very high risk

Myosotis sylvatica

Forget-Me-Not

No

20

Very high risk

Zantedeschia aethiopica

Arum Lily

No

21

Very high risk

Salix fragilis

Crack willow

WoNS, Declared weed

23

Very high risk

23 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au


Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021

Species

Common Name

Anthoxanthum odoratum

Sweet Vernal

Declared/ WoNS

WESI

WESI

Score

Category

No

31

High risk

No

39

High risk

Grass Oxalis sp. Holcus lanatus

Fog-grass

No

52

High risk

Cyperus eragrostis

Drain flat-sedge

No

53

High risk

Coprosma repens

Mirror bush

No

73

Medium risk

Arum sp.

Cuckoo-pint

No

75

Medium risk

Delairea odorata

Cape Ivy

No

77

Medium risk

Dactylis glomerata

Cocks Foot

No

97

Medium risk

Rosa rubiginosa

Briar Rose

No

98

Medium risk

Sambucus nigra

Elberberry Tree

No

100

Medium risk

Prunus laurocerasu

English Laurel

No

101

Medium risk

Buddleja davidii

Butterfly bush

No

102

Medium risk

Conium maculatum

Hemlock

No

104

Medium risk

Cirsium vulgare

Spear Thistle

No

115

Medium risk

Hypericum

Tutsan

No

118

Medium risk

Kniphofia uvaria

Red-hot Poker

No

121

Lower risk

Solanum nigrum

Deadly Nightshade

No

124

Lower risk

Nasturtium officinale

Watercress

No

131

Lower risk

Agapanthus praecox

Agapanthus

No

147

Lower risk

Populus alba

Poplar

No

156

Lower risk

androsaemum

24 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au


Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021

Species

Common Name

Declared/ WoNS

WESI

WESI

Score

Category

Verbascum thapsus

Mullein

No

176

Lower risk

Verbascum virgatum

Twiggy Mullein

No

176

Lower risk

Digitalis purpurea

Foxglove

No

186

Lower risk

Kunzea ericoides

Burgan

No

189

Lower risk

Foeniculum vulgare

Fennel

Declared weed

212

Lower risk

Fumaria sp.

Fumitory

No

212

Lower risk

Galium aparine

Sticky Weed

No

212

Lower risk

Chamaecytisus

Tree Lucerne

No

213

Lower risk

Cirsium arvense

Californian Thistle

Declared weed

214

Lower risk

Helminthotheca

Bristly Oxtongue

No

214

Lower risk

Narcissus sp.

Daffodil/Jonquil

No

228

Lower risk

Centranthus ruber

Red Valerian

No

236

Lower risk

Euphorbia lathyris

Caper Spurge

No

240

Lower risk

Ribes sanguineum

Currant

No

243

Not assessed

No

243

Not invasive

palmensis

echioides

Pittosporum bicolor X undulatum Pittosporum tenuifolium

Kohuhu

No

423

Not invasive

Grevillea rosmariniifolia

Rosemary

No

243

Not assessed

Grevillea Laurus nobilis

Bay Laurel

No

243

Not assessed

Phormium tenax

New Zealand Flax

No

243

Not invasive

25 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au


Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021

Species

Common Name

Declared/ WoNS

WESI

WESI

Score

Category

Bellis perennis

English daisy

No

NA

NA

Conyza bonariensis

Flaxleaf Fleabane

No

NA

NA

Betula pendula

Silver Birch

No

NA

NA

Arbutus unedo

Strawberry Tree

No

NA

NA

Gunnera maculata

Giant Rhubarb

No

NA

NA

Mentha Xpiperita

Peppermint

No

NA

NA

Cotoneaster dammeri

Bearberry

No

NA

NA

Cotoneaster Brugmansia sp.

Angels Trumpet

No

NA

NA

Physalis peruviana

Cape Gooseberry

No

NA

NA

Some of the exotic species observed in low numbers appeared to be naturalized as local garden escapes but are not known to be invasive in natural vegetation i.e. Betula pendula, Arbutus unedo, Gunnera maculata, Physalis peruviana, Cotoneaster dammeri, Brugmansia sp. These species have been listed here because they appear to have spread and naturalized but are likely to be very low risk. Other garden plants that have not naturalized have not been recorded here. Poplar (Populus alba), like willows, have been planted as ornamental trees in parts of the survey area but do not appear to be highly invasive in the area and pose little threat to native vegetation or riparian values. New Zealand flax (Phormium tenax) is classed as not invasive in the WESI list. However, it is known to be invasive in riparian situations elsewhere in Tasmania such as the Egg Islands in the Huon River.

6 Weed Management Zones The management zones identified here identify sections of the survey area with similar vegetation characteristics and management issues. A brief description of each zone is provided. Weed control and revegetation actions identified in this Vegetation Management Plan are based on these zones. The 17 zones identified include 10 zones along the length of Hobart Rivulet, plus five zones on Guy Fawkes Rivulet and two on Ross Rivulet. 26 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au


Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021

The location of the zones is shown in Figure 2. Detailed maps of each zone are presented in Appendix 1. GF1 This zone is in the middle reaches of Guy Fawkes Rivulet, extending from the Wellington Park boundary 500 m downstream to the bridge over the Rivulet on the Cascade Walking Track. The rivulet has a moderately steep gradient and occupies a well-defined gully with steep slopes. This zone is Cascade land. The riparian zone and surrounding land is entirely native forest, with E. globulus dominant in most situations and E. obliqua becoming dominant on the drier north-facing slopes. The native vegetation is in good condition and subject to minimal disturbance. Weeds are sparse in this zone. The most widespread weed is fuchsia, which occurs as small patches or individual plants in the watercourse or on the streambank. Gorse is limited to the transmission line easement. Several mature radiata pine trees occur at one location at the southern edge of the zone.

Figure 7 - Native riparian vegetation including tree fern in GF1

27 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au


Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021

GF2 This zone is in the middle reaches of Guy Fawkes Rivulet, extending from the bridge over the Rivulet on the Cascade Walking Track downstream to the confluence with Myrtle Gully Creek flowing from the northern side of Old Farm Road. The landscape featuring steep slopes is comparable to GF1. This zone is mostly Cascade land and includes a private residential block. The native forest is similar to that in GF1 but is in poorer condition due to more abundant and widespread weeds. The major weeds in this zone are sweet pittosporum and cotoneaster, occurring throughout most of the native forest, particularly on the wetter south-facing slopes. These woody weeds appear to be garden escapes originating from the neighbouring residential properties on Old Farm Road and are now well established in the understorey of the native forest with many mature plants producing bird-dispersed fruit. The declared weeds karamu and holly occur infrequently as immature shrubs. Fuchsia is present in several small riparian patches and blackberry occurs infrequently. The tributary of Guy Fawkes Rivulet was not surveyed for this project but is known to contain weeds including karamu, cotoneaster, gorse, blackberry and hydrangea.

Figure 8 - Fuchsia and blackberry on streambank in GF2.

GF3 This zone is in the lower reaches of Guy Fawkes Rivulet, where the watercourse gradient becomes less steep. It extends from GF2 to the junction of an unnamed tributary flowing from Jubilee Road in the south. The northern half of this zone is private land which has been cleared. 28 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au


Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021

The Cascade land in the southern half of this zone comprises steep rock slopes with dry forest. This forest is in good condition and weeds are mostly absent from the Cascade land in this zone. A few blackberry and fuchsia plants occur along the Rivulet, which is either on the property boundary or on the residential land.

Figure 9 - Native riparian vegetation in GF3

GF4 This large zone is mostly Cascade land, along with Council reserved road and a single residential parcel. Apart from the residential block and Old Farm Road, this zone is entirely native forest dominated by E. obliqua and is generally in poor condition due to the dominance of weeds in the understorey. Wet sclerophyll forest predominated on the south-facing slopes and creek flats. Dry forest occurs on the south side of Old Farm Road. While some areas are almost free of weeds, large parts of this zone feature dense infestations of blackberry and hawthorn, particularly on the rivulet banks and alluvial flats. Two small crack willows are present near the road bridge. Other weeds such as briar rose, cotoneaster, montbretia, fuchsia, gorse and Spanish heath occur infrequently. Another tributary enters from Golden Valley Road to the north and this intermittent watercourse contains blackberry, hawthorn and sweet pittosporum.

29 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au


Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021

Figure 10 - Dense infestation of blackberry and hawthorn at boundary of GF4 and GF5

GF5 This zone is directly upstream from Cascade Brewery and is Cascade Land. Eucalyptus obliqua wet forest occurs on the north side of the Rivulet. The flat land south of the Rivulet is cleared and maintained as exotic grassland, with some herbaceous weeds such as hemlock. Large willow trees dominate the riparian vegetation in this zone. Other riparian weeds include a single holly, several hawthorn and scattered St John’s wort. The native vegetation on south-facing slopes above the rivulet (on the north side) is in good condition with few weeds. H1 This zone extends from the Strickland Avenue bridge on the Hobart Rivulet downstream to the trash racks and residential properties. The zone is mostly Council land supporting native forest dominated by E. globulus. The south-facing slopes on the northern side of the Rivulet feature intact forest in good condition with few weeds. Forest on the south side of the Rivulet occupies alluvial flats and is in poor condition, with an understorey of scattered shrubs and exotic grasses reflecting a history of disturbance. There is some natural regeneration of native shrubs and some have been planted. Herbaceous weeds such as forget-me-not, mignonette and caper spurge occur throughout this area. Blackberry and montbretia are common in low densities along the rivulet banks. H2

30 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au


Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021

This zone is largely private residential land. Council land includes a landscaped area of public open space and some narrow riparian strips which are dominated by weeds. A small area of native forest on Council land at the western end of the zone is in poor condition and features a variety of established weeds including sycamore maple and English ivy. Blackberry, montbretia and St John’s wort are common on the creek banks throughout this zone. Weeds that are likely garden escapes from nearby properties include arum lily, Himalayan honeysuckle and cotoneaster. Several medium and large crack willows occur in the eastern half of this zone. An unnamed tributary flowing from upper Strickland Avenue enters the Hobart Rivulet upstream of Woodlyn Court. This tributary was not surveyed but casual observation from Strickland Avenue indicates that the watercourse on private land has extensive infestation of weeds including sycamore maple, blackberry and old man’s beard.

Figure 11 - Mix of native and exotic trees in H2.

H3 This large zone extends from near Avon Road to Cascade Gardens, including the confluence with Guy Fawkes Rivulet and the final section of that watercourse. The Cascade Brewery occupies a significant part of this zone and the section of Hobart Rivulet through this industrial complex is mostly channelized or underground. Native forest is confined to south-facing slopes and is generally dominated by E. obliqua, with E. globulus prominent at the eastern end. Native forest is on Cascade land and Council land and is in poor to moderate condition due to the presence of woody weeds such as cotoneaster, sweet pittosporum and blackberry. Gorse and blackberry occur infrequently on the creek banks. A wide variety of weeds are present in low numbers or local patches, including foxglove, montbretia, St 31 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au


Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021

Johns wort, elderberry and banana passionfruit. Weeds are locally dominant in much of the riparian habitat. Medium and large crack willows are present, generally in small patches of a few plants.

Figure 12 - Willow tree in H3.

H4 This zone from Cascade Gardens to Tara Street is largely residential land. The Council-owned Cascade Gardens at the western end of this zone features parkland with the Rivulet between the boulder trap and McRobies Road not landscaped and largely unmanaged. Sycamore maples are invasive in this area and other weeds are abundant including blackberry, montbretia, cotoneaster, periwinkle, cape ivy and St John’s wort. Many of these weeds are likely to have escaped from nearby private gardens. Medium and large crack willow trees are common in this section. Between McRobies Road and Tara Street the rivulet occupies a narrow strip of public land and is dominated by weeds. Several medium and large willow trees are present and a few sycamore maples. Dense patches of blackberry are present. Some weed control and revegetation planting has occurred in parts, likely by local residents. The streambed is mostly in a natural state, while retaining walls have replaced the riverbanks in parts. There is no infrastructure to facilitate public access to the rivulet in this Zone.

32 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au


Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021

Figure 13 - Native and exotic plants in H4.

H5 This zone from Tara Street and the confluence of the Ross Rivulet to Macfarlane Street features residential properties on the south side of the Rivulet and Council-owned land on the north side. The Council land includes flat parkland backed by steep sandstone slopes and cliffs which support remnant native forest dominated by E. globulus. The Rivulet in this zone has natural geomorphology but is lacking in riparian vegetation. Exotic grasses and herbaceous weeds (e.g. spear thistle, forget-me-not) are prominent along the banks, with some plantings of native species such as blackwood. Apart from small patches of weeds, environmental weeds such as blackberry, gorse, English broom, periwinkle and arum lily are infrequent and in low numbers. Large willows near Macfarlane Street have been removed and consequently this zone is free of willows and largely lacking in woody vegetation. The native forest on steep south-facing slopes is in fair condition, with a largely native understorey and few weeds.

33 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au


Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021

Figure 14 - Parkland with planted blackwood trees on top of left bank and weeds on right bank in H5

H6 This zone from Macfarlane Street to Anglesea Street is similar to H5 with residential land to the south and flat parkland on the north side of the Rivulet. Council land at the western end is very steep and forested as in H5. Unlike H5, the Rivulet banks are mostly densely vegetated with weeds including some large willows on the southern side. H7 This zone from Anglesea Street to Wynyard Street is mostly Council-managed parkland, with the Rivulet Park on both sides of the Rivulet along most of this zone. The riparian vegetation is comprised of exotic trees and shrubs, with a dense canopy of willows and sycamore maple. Some hawthorn and blackberry are present. The understorey is mostly open due to the dominance of the willows suppressing undergrowth. H8 This zone from Wynyard Street to Mackellar Street includes the Rivulet Park on the north side of the Rivulet and additional Council land on the south side which has no public access and is partly vegetated with large elm trees and partly a dense patch of annual and herbaceous weeds following removal of blackberries. The riparian habitat features a variety of weeds in low abundance, such as gorse, broom and tree lucerne. One large patch of blackberry is present, with smaller patches of Californian thistle and periwinkle. Mature willows have been removed 34 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au


Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021

from this section and only two small willows are present. Revegetation following weed control near Wynyard Street has successfully established tussocks of Poa labillardieri.

Figure 15 - Revegetation site with Poa tussocks near Wynyard St

H9 This zone, from Mackellar Street to near Ispahan Avenue includes the Rivulet Park on the north side of the Rivulet and residential land on the south side. Willows are common in this zone and there are patches of periwinkle. Other weeds are infrequent, often present as a single plant. H10 This section from Ispahan Avenue to Molle St is the final stretch of waterway before the Rivulet is channelized through the Hobart CBD. The Rivulet Park occupies most of the northern side of the Rivulet, with private land on the south side. Numerous weeds are present along the Rivulet banks in this zone. Patches of blackberry and periwinkle occur in parts, particularly on steep banks. Retaining walls replace the natural riverbanks in places. Several small and medium size willows are present but no large willows.

35 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au


Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021

Figure 16 - Weedy vegetation along Hobart Rivulet in H10

R1 The upper reaches of Ross Rivulet below Forest Road include a mix of Council land and private land. This zone is mostly native forest, with three different forest communities present. The Ross Rivulet is an ephemeral watercourse with a steep gradient. The uppermost section near Forest Road is in good condition and almost free of weeds. However, weeds are common in the lower half of this zone. Here, the E. globulus forest has an open understorey with woody weeds including gorse and hawthorn, much of which has been controlled in recent years. Three mature willows and a few other weeds occur on the drainage line. A patch of thistles and other herbaceous weeds in a canopy gap next to the Rivulet on Council land has recently been treated. A large dense patch of gorse occurs in a power line easement on private land on the eastern side of the Rivulet and is a seed source for gorse spreading onto Council land. R2 The lower reaches of Ross Rivulet are steep and subject to streambank erosion that has been treated by recent instream stabilization and rock armouring works. This zone is lacking native vegetation, except for E. globulus forest on the lower section which extends into H5. This forest occurs on steep rocky slopes and is not riparian, the Ross Rivulet being diverted into a culvert under Tara Street for the final 100 m before it joins the Hobart Rivulet. The streambanks are mostly exotic pasture. Willows are infrequent and occur on both Council and private land. Gorse and broom occur as scattered individuals in the paddock, with small dense patches present near some remnant E. viminalis trees. The watercourse and surrounding area are in poor condition due to soil erosion, lack of native vegetation and presence of woody weeds. 36 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au


Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021

Figure 17 - Broom and gorse with remnant patch of white gums in lower Ross Rivulet

37 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au


Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021

7 Weed Control The survey area contains a wide variety of environmental weeds including significant infestations of high threat weeds. Most weed species are disturbance colonisers that benefit from disturbance to native vegetation or soils. Riparian areas are naturally subject to flood disturbance, which promotes establishment of weeds. The urban and peri-urban environment favours weeds due to vegetation fragmentation and disturbance and an abundance of exotic plants species, many of which are invasive.

Weed control methods Choice of weed control methods will be influenced by a wide range of factors including target weed species, extent of weeds, presence of native vegetation, site accessibility, erosion risk, proximity to watercourse, private land and other infrastructure such as bridges and tracks, and so on. Most of the environmental weeds present in the survey area are difficult to control or eradicate because they can regenerate from roots, stem fragments or soil seed bank. Some weeds have seeds dispersed by birds, which allows them to spread from urban gardens into bushland (e.g. sweet pittosporum, karamu and cotoneaster). Water is an effective dispersal mechanism for seeds and other propagules, which are readily distributed downstream. Willows, for example, can grow from twigs or branches transported in floods. Herbicide treatment is the most effective and efficient method for controlling most weeds, particularly in large scale infestations. Choice of herbicide will depend on the target species and application method. Many of the weeds in the survey area are growing in a watercourse on the streambanks and therefore only herbicides and surfactants approved for aquatic use are suitable. Effectiveness of herbicide control and minimization of impacts on non-target (native) species are influenced by application method and seasonal timing. Generally, direct application of herbicide (e.g. cut and paste or drill and fill) is preferable to spraying because less herbicide is required and impacts on non-target species and the environment (e.g. waterways) are minimised. Manual control by slashing/brushcutting, hand pulling or digging out weeds is often effective for initial control prior to herbicide treatment. Where weeds occur in large dense patches, such as blackberry and periwinkle, a useful strategy is to cut the weeds to ground level with a brushcutter and spray the subsequent new growth with herbicide to control regrowth prior to revegetation work. Staging of this work over several years may be useful to reduce soil erosion and streambank instability. It may be preferable to treat individual patches of a few metres of 38 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au


Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021

streambank at one time rather than entire stretches of the watercourse. Revegetation can proceed in treated patches amongst more extensive weeds.

Community engagement While it is anticipated that Council staff or professional contractors will undertake or at least coordinate much of the weed control and revegetation works, there are significant opportunities for engagement with community volunteers, such as Bushcare groups. Sites suitable for volunteer weed control and/or revegetation will be relatively accessible and without high-risk hazards such as steep slopes. Weed control works involving manual removal, such as hand pulling of small plants or cut and paste application of herbicide, may be suited to volunteers, while works involving machinery or herbicide spraying are not. Revegetation works such as planting tubestock and installing tree guards are generally suited to volunteer work, while site preparation and follow-up maintenance will be the responsibility of Council or private property owners. Refer to Table 4 - Summary of weed control priorities and approach by zones. Table 4 for an indication of zones where volunteer weeding and/or revegetation projects may be appropriate, noting that the suitability of each individual worksite will needed to be assessed prior to commencing a volunteer project.

Weed control prioritisation The aim of weed control varies across the 17 management zones described in Section 6. Zones with few weeds and mostly intact native vegetation are a high priority for weed control and will require relatively little effort to remove weeds and allow natural revegetation to take place. Zones with well-established weeds in native vegetation will require more effort for weed control and active revegetation to restore native bushland. In the more urban zones (e.g. the Rivulet Park), the aim will be to remove weeds and revegetate sites for both fauna habitat, public amenity and stormwater/flood management. These zones are described as ‘parkland’ based on the character of the Rivulet Park, noting that the streambanks in these areas will generally be revegetated with native flora for habitat and erosion control rather than landscaped for public amenity. Early intervention is a high priority because it is much easier to control an emerging weed problem before it becomes established, particularly for weeds that form dense patches (e.g. blackberry, periwinkle, gorse) and tree species that can grow to a large size (e.g. crack willow, sycamore maple). Council needs to review the maintenance currently undertaken on Hobart Rivulet in parkland, and look for opportunities to intervene, for example the existing brush-cutting could be expanded to include cutting out small sycamore maples.

39 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au


Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021

Figure 18 - Dense infestation of blackberry, with willows and other weeds, on Hobart Rivulet adjacent to Cascade Brewery

Table 4 provides a summary of the weed control issues and aims for the 17 zones and a prioritization for works. A summary of willow control is presented in Table 5. Section 8 provides detail for individual weeds within each zone. Table 4 - Summary of weed control priorities and approach by zones. Zone

Weeds extent

Aim

Priority

Future character

Revegetation required

Suitability for volunteers

GF1

few

E

H

Bushland

None

N

GF2

widespread

E

H

Bushland

None

Possibly

GF3

few

E

H

Bushland

None

N

GF4

extensive

C

M

Bushland

Minor

Y

GF5

extensive

C

M

Bushland

Minor

N

H01

widespread

E

M

Bushland

Minor

Y

H02

widespread

C

M

Minor

Y

H03

widespread/ extensive

C

M

Minor

In parts

H04

extensive

C

L

Parkland

Extensive

N

H05

few

E

L

Bushland

Extensive

Y

H06

extensive

C

L

Bushland/ parkland

Extensive

In parts

H07

extensive

E

L

Parkland

Extensive

Y

Bushland/ parkland Bushland/ industrial

40 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au


Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021 Zone

Weeds extent

Aim

Priority

Future character

Revegetation required

Suitability for volunteers

H08

widespread

C

L

Parkland

Extensive

In parts

H09

widespread

C

L

Parkland

Extensive

Y

H10

extensive

C

L

Parkland

Extensive

In parts

R1

few

E

H

Bushland

Minor

Y

R2

few

E

L

Bushland

Extensive

Y

Prevention of further weed establishment Preventing the introduction and spread of weeds, or early detection and control, is more effective than dealing with an established weed infestation. Vehicle and machinery biosecurity is important when undertaking weed control and revegetation works to reduce the risk of introducing weeds to the site and spreading weeds from the site (see Section 7.5). Domestic gardens and roadsides are major sources of the weeds invading the Rivulet and surrounding bushland. This will be an ongoing threat which will necessitate regular surveillance and weed control in the survey area to detect and control newly established weeds early, particularly in areas where weed control has been successfully undertaken. While private land ownership presents a barrier to more strategic and comprehensive weed management along the Rivulet, there may be opportunities for outreach to specific landowners to promote education and collaboration where private land presents a high risk of spreading weeds onto public land. For example, a campaign to encourage landowners neighbouring bushland to remove specific high-risk weeds (e.g. karamu, Spanish heath, sweet pittosporum and cotoneaster) could reduce the threat to native vegetation. In the riparian environment, weeds will mostly disperse downstream and therefore strategic weed control will generally target upstream weeds first. For example, control of fuchsia and karamu on Guy Fawkes Rivulet in Wellington Park should be undertaken if these weeds are to be controlled downstream of the park boundary.

Biosecurity and disposal of weed material All staff, contractors and volunteers undertaking works should follow Council’s policies and procedures to prevent spread of weeds, including seeds, from and to works sites. This includes vehicle and machinery hygiene measures to minimise the risk of spreading weeds away from the site. In addition to vehicle and machinery hygiene measures, the movement of soil around the 41 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au


Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021

site and the import and export of soil or gravel should aim to minimise the risk of weed dispersal. Failure to adhere to hygiene guidelines could result in the spread of declared weeds from the site to other areas and is in breach of the Weed Management Act 1999. Weed control methods which involve physical removal of weeds, such as hand pulling or cut and paste, may require disposal of weed debris. Weed material containing seeds should be bagged and removed from the site for disposal in landfill. It may be practical to cut off and dispose of seed heads separate from the remaining weed material, particularly if it is bulky. Weed material that may regrow, such as montbretia corms and any parts of crack willow, should be disposed of carefully, such as removal and composting. Other weed material may be piled and left to decay on site, chipped for use as mulch on site or removed from the site and composted.

Willow control strategy Willow removal has been undertaken at several locations in the survey area. Seven stretches of large mature willows remain. A strategic approach to willow removal will aim to remove willows from entire reaches of the waterway, proceeding downstream. Engagement of private property owners adjacent to council land will be critical for the successful control of willows in the rivulet. The highest priority for control is zone GF4 where two immature willows in native forest can be controlled with minimal effort. The other zones with willows will require more substantial works, typically requiring machinery to remove willows. Willow trees present on private land that are not removed as part of Council works will present an ongoing risk of spreading willows downstream. The negative impacts of invasive willows are well documented, but willows may also have some positive influence on waterway health and biodiversity in degraded systems, particularly in regulating water temperature by providing shade (McInerney et al., 2021). Staging willow removal works by targeting individual reaches of the waterway at different times allows work to be carried out with limited resources and provides some resilience to impacts of floods or heatwaves that may be exacerbated if all willows were removed at once. Planning for willow removal should consider the desired endpoint for restoration of the waterway, which may not be trying to replicate the historical native riparian vegetation due to other factors such as waterway engineering, altered catchment hydrology and climate change (McInerney et al., 2021). In the lower reaches of Hobart Rivulet, the lack of knowledge of the pre-colonial native vegetation and the mosaic of other land uses (e.g. residential, parkland) precludes restoration of an extensive natural ecosystem. However, it is practical to use local native plant species in this section to perform hydrological and ecological roles in this modified environment.

42 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au


Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021

Willow control methods Willow control methods to be used: 1. Drill and fill (with a registered, water-safe herbicide, e.g. Weedmaster DUO) in areas with good native vegetation cover or where machinery access is not possible. The method kills the willows in -situ and does not include felling and removal of the tree. This approach is not recommended in sites accessible from the Rivulet Park, to remove the risk of falling limbs if the public were to climb the dead tree. 2. Machine removal of living willows may be feasible where there is no native vegetation and there is already considerable disturbance of the waterway. Machine removal of living willow will involve removal of the trunk and branches, cut and paste (with a registered, water-safe herbicide) the stem and retention of stumps. Ongoing monitoring and control of willow fragment regrowth is vital with this method. 3. Hand pulling of small plants and fragments and removal of debris. 4. Cut and paste of small saplings and the removal of debris. Herbicide application must be during the growing season, ideally in late spring or summer. Cut trunks and branches will be removed from the site and disposed of.

Willow control by zones Crack willow is a major ecosystem-transforming weed in the catchment. Willow removal requires significant works, typically involving heavy machinery. Willow removal can have short-term negative impacts on streambank stability, instream habitat and site aesthetics. Careful planning and implementation of works and subsequent site restoration are needed to remedy these impacts and ensure willows are replaced with vegetation that provides habitat (instream and riparian), streambank stabilization and visual amenity. The highest priority zones for willow removal are GF4 and R1 (Table 5). Willows have a limited extent on Guy Fawkes Rivulet, the furthest upstream crack willows are near the bridge on Old Farm Road in GF4. Two immature plants are present and can easily be removed, preventing the risk of downstream dispersal into the remainder of the zone, which is presently lacking in willows. The lower reaches of Guy Fawkes Rivulet (GF5) feature extensive willows with easy access for machinery. On Hobart Rivulet, the furthest upstream willows are located around the trash rack which has machinery access from Strickland Avenue, although the trash rack may be a limitation for machinery access to some of the willow trees. The other willows in H2 are more difficult to access 43 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au


Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021

due to private land. It may be possible to arrange machinery access via a private driveway at 81 Strickland Avenue onto 36 Avon Road to reach some of the large willow trees in this section. Most of the willows in H3 cannot be reached with machinery and would need to be poisoned and left in situ. This includes a significant number of willows within the Cascade Brewery site and along the northern side of the Brewery. Similarly, in Cascade Gardens and downstream to Tara Street (H4) the Hobart Rivulet is largely inaccessible to machinery. Willow control has been completed in H5 (Figure 19). Most of H6 is accessible for machinery, which may be useful for removing medium-sized willows in this area. Small willows can be removed by hand. The large willows on the south bank of the Rivulet are probably on private land (Collegiate School) and may be out of reach of machinery, but pose no risk to the adjacent school for drill and fill treatment. The extensive large willows in H7, near South Hobart Primary School, can be accessed for mechanical removal on either side of the Rivulet. Willows have been removed in the next section (H8) and manual removal of the two small regrowth willows is an easy option.

Figure 19 - Cut stumps and lack of tree cover following removal of large willow trees near MacFarlane St

Machinery access is possible on the north side of the Rivulet in H9 and H10 and therefore most of the willows in these lower reaches of the Rivulet can be mechanically removed. Some of the small and medium sized willows will require manual removal or can be poisoned and left in situ.

44 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au


Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021

Few willows are present in Ross Rivulet, so eradication will be relatively easy in this area. Machinery access is difficult in the upper reaches (R1), and it is preferable to drill and fill willows and leave them in situ. In R2 there is potential machinery access though the paddock, which allows the mechanical removal of willows there. A resprouting cut stump at Tara Street requires herbicide treatment. Table 5– Willow control approach by management zone. Zone

Distribution

Aim

Priority

Eradication, Control

High, Medium, Low

Control method

GF4

isolated

E

H

Cut and paste, manual removal of material

GF5

extensive

E

M

Mechanical removal

H02

widespread

E

M

H03

widespread

E

M

H04

extensive

E

M

H06

extensive

E

M

H07

extensive

E

M

Mechanical removal

H08

isolated

E

M

Manual removal

H09

extensive

E

M

H10

widespread

C

L

R1

few

E

H

Drill and fill

R2

few

E

M

Mechanical removal

Mechanical removal where possible, drill and fill where no machinery access Mechanical removal where possible, drill and fill where no machinery access Mechanical removal where possible, drill and fill where no machinery access Mechanical removal where possible, drill and fill where no machinery access

Mechanical removal where possible, drill and fill where no machinery access Mechanical removal where possible, drill and fill where no machinery access

45 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au


Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021

8

Weed Control Action Plan

Within each management zone, the distribution of all major weed species has been classified as follows: 

Isolated (i) – single individual or up to 3 plants,

Few (f) – small number of plants occurring as scattered individuals or in a small patch,

Widespread (w) – present at numerous locations as individual plants or multiple small patches,

Extensive (e) – large patches of the species covering a significant area.

For each weed in each zone the management aim has been determined as eradicate or control (except for some minor weeds which do not require active management). Eradication (E) is appropriate where a weed is present in low numbers or poses a significant threat to natural values. Control (C) is a practical option where the weed species is well established and eradication is not feasible, or where the threat is of little concern. Control is a broad term that may involve containment, or strategic removal and revegetation depending on the context. Three categories of priority for action are provided. High priority actions are typically cases where high threat weeds occur in native vegetation and can readily be eradicated. These actions offer good value outcomes. Medium priority actions reflect either lower risk threats or high risk threats that are less practical to address, such as long-term labour-intensive works. Low priority actions are low threat weeds or established weeds in degraded areas where the effort required is large and biodiversity benefits are lower. The weed control prioritization for individual weed species is presented in Table 6. Willow control presents some unique challenges and is addressed in more detail in Section 0 and Table 5.

46 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au


Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021 Table 6 – Weed control prioritisation by management zone. Zone

Species name

Common name

WESI Score

WESI Category

Distribution Isolated (i)

Aim

Priority

Eradication, Control

High, Medium, Low

f

E

H

i

E

H

w

C

M

w

C

M

e

C

M

e

C

M

f

E

H

i

E

H

i

E

H

w

C

M

f

E

H

i

E

M

w

C

L

w

C

L

f

E

M

Few (f) Widespread (w) Extensive (e)

GF1

Pinus radiata

Monterey Pine

6

GF1

Ulex europaeus

Gorse

15

GF1

Fuchsia magellanica

Fuchsia

19

GF2

Rubus fruticosus

Blackberry

4

GF2

Cotoneaster spp.

Cotoneaster

10

GF2

Pittosporum undulatum subsp. undulatum

Sweet Pittosporum

10

GF2

Ilex aquifolium

Holly

10

GF2

Coprosma robusta

Karamu

10

GF2

Ulex europaeus

Gorse

15

GF2

Fuchsia magellanica

Fuchsia

19

GF2

Zantedeschia aethiopica

Arum lily

21

GF2

Sorbus aucuparia

Rowan

NA

GF3

Rubus fruticosus

Blackberry

4

GF3

Fuchsia magellanica

Fuchsia

19

GF4

Cytisus scoparius

Scotch Broom

3

Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk NA Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk

47 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au


Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021 GF4

Crocosmia Xcrocosmiiflora

Montbretia

3

GF4

Rubus fruticosus

Blackberry

4

GF4

Pinus radiata

Monterey Pine

6

GF4

Cotoneaster spp.

Cotoneaster

10

GF4

Erica lusitanica

Spanish heath

11

GF4

Crataegus monogyna

Hawthorn

13

GF4

Ulex europaeus

Gorse

15

GF4

Fuchsia magellanica

Fuchsia

19

GF4

Myosotis sp.

Forget-Me-Not

20

GF4

Salix fragilis

Crack Willow

23

GF4

Rosa rubiginosa

Briar Rose

98

GF4

Kunzea ericoides

Burgan

GF4

Pittosporum bicolor X undulatum

GF5

Ilex aquifolium

Holly

10

GF5

Crataegus monogyna

Hawthorn

13

GF5

Myosotis sp.

Forget-Me-Not

20

GF5

Salix fragilis

Crack Willow

23

H01

Crocosmia Xcrocosmiiflora

Montbretia

3

H01

Rubus fruticosus

Blackberry

4

Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk

w

C

L

e

C

M

i

E

M

f

E

M

f

E

H

e

C

L

f

C

M

w

C

L

i

E

H

Medium risk

f

E

M

189

Lower risk

f

E

M

243

Not invasive

i i

E

H

f

C

L

e

E

M

w

C

M

w

C

M

Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk

f

f

48 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au


Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021 Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk

H01

Pinus radiata

Monterey Pine

6

H01

Ilex aquifolium

Holly

10

H01

Myosotis sp.

Forget-Me-Not

20

H01

Anthoxanthum odoratum

Sweet Vernal Grass

31

High risk

e

H01

Dactylis glomerata

Cocks Foot

97

Medium risk

e

H01

Hypericum androsaemum

Tutsan

118

Medium risk

H01

Kniphofia uvaria

Red-hot Poker

121

H01

Verbascum virgatum

Twiggy Mullein

H01

Euphorbia lathyris

H02

i

E

M

i

E

H

w

C

L

Lower risk

i

E

L

176

Lower risk

f

C

L

Caper Spurge

240

Lower risk

f

C

L

Crocosmia Xcrocosmiiflora

Montbretia

3

w

C

L

H02

Rubus fruticosus

Blackberry

4

w

C

M

H02

Pinus radiata

Monterey Pine

6

i

E

M

H02

Cotoneaster spp.

Cotoneaster

10

f

C

M

H02

Leycesteria formosa

Himalayan Honeysuckle

10

i

E

H

H02

Acer pseudoplanatus

Sycamore Maple

11

f

E

M

H02

Crataegus monogyna

Hawthorn

13

f

C

M

H02

Ulex europaeus

Gorse

15

f

E

H

H02

Vinca major

Blue Periwinkle

15

f

C

M

H02

Myosotis sp.

Forget-Me-Not

20

Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk

e

w

49 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au


Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021 H02

Zantedeschia aethiopica

Arum Lily

21

H02

Salix fragilis

Crack Willow

23

H02

Holcus lanatus

Fog-grass

52

High risk

f

H02

Delairea odorata

Cape Ivy

77

Moderate risk

i

H02

Dactylis glomerata

Cocks Foot

97

Medium risk

w

H02

Sambucus nigra

Elderberry Tree

100

Medium risk

H02

Hypericum androsaemum

Tutsan

118

Medium risk

H03

Hedera helix

English Ivy

1

H03

Cytisus scoparius

Scotch Broom

3

H03

Crocosmia Xcrocosmiiflora

Montbretia

3

H03

Rubus fruticosus

Blackberry

4

H03

Pinus radiata

Monterey Pine

6

H03

Cotoneaster spp.

Cotoneaster

10

H03

Ilex aquifolium

Holly

10

H03

Coprosma robusta

Karamu

10

H03

Pittosporum undulatum subsp. undulatum

Sweet Pittosporum

10

H03

Acer pseudoplanatus

Sycamore Maple

11

H03

Erica lusitanica

Spanish heath

11

Very high risk Very high risk

Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk

i

E

H

w

E

M

C

M

f

C

L

w

C

L

f

C

M

f

E

M

w

C

L

e

C

M

f

E

M

e

C

M

f

E

H

f

E

H

w

C

M

f

E

M

i

E

H

50 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au


Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021 Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk

H03

Passiflora tarminiana

Banana passionfruit

11

H03

Crataegus monogyna

Hawthorn

13

H03

Vinca major

Blue Periwinkle

15

H03

Ulex europaeus

Gorse

15

H03

Myosotis sp.

Forget-Me-Not

20

H03

Salix fragilis

Crack Willow

23

H03

Holcus lanatus

Fog-grass

52

High risk

f

H03

Delairea odorata

Cape Ivy

77

Moderate risk

i

H03

Dactylis glomerata

Cocks Foot

97

Medium risk

w

H03

Rosa rubiginosa

Briar Rose

98

Medium risk

H03

Sambucus nigra

Elberberry Tree

100

H03

Prunus laurocerasus

English Laurel

H03

Conium maculatum

H03

i

E

H

e

C

M

f

C

M

w

C

M

E

M

C

L

i

C

L

Medium risk

w

C

L

101

Medium risk

w

C

L

Hemlock

104

Medium risk

w

C

L

Hypericum androsaemum

Tutsan

118

Medium risk

w

C

L

H03

Agapanthus praecox

Agapanthus

147

Lower risk

f

E

M

H03

Populus alba

Poplar

156

Lower risk

f

N

H03

Digitalis purpurea

Foxglove

186

Lower risk

f

C

L

H03

Foeniculum vulgare

Fennel

212

Lower risk

f

C

L

H03

Galium aparine

Sticky Weed

212

Lower risk

f

C

L

H03

Chamaecytisus palmensis

Tree Lucerne

213

Lower risk

f

E

L

w w

51 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au


Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021 H03

Cirsium arvense

Californian Thistle

214

Lower risk

i

C

L

H03

Grevillea spp.

grevillea

243

Not assessed

i

E

L

H03

Gunnera maculata

Giant Rhubarb

NA

NA

i

E

L

H04

Hedera helix

English Ivy

1

f

C

M

H04

Crocosmia Xcrocosmiiflora

Montbretia

3

f

C

L

H04

Cytisus scoparius

Scotch Broom

3

i

E

H

H04

Rubus fruticosus

Blackberry

4

e

C

M

H04

Pinus radiata

Monterey Pine

6

i

E

M

H04

Cotoneaster spp.

Cotoneaster

10

e

C

M

H04

Leycesteria formosa

Himalayan Honeysuckle

10

i

E

H

H04

Clematis vitalba

Old Man's Beard

11

e

C

M

H04

Acer pseudoplanatus

Sycamore Maple

11

w

E

M

H04

Crataegus monogyna

Hawthorn

13

f

E

M

H04

Vinca major

Blue Periwinkle

15

w

E

M

H04

Myosotis sp.

Forget-Me-Not

20

H04

Salix fragilis

Crack Willow

23

E

M

H04

Holcus lanatus

Fog-grass

52

High risk

f

H04

Delairea odorata

Cape Ivy

77

Moderate risk

f

C

M

H04

Dactylis glomerata

Cocks Foot

97

Medium risk

w

Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk

w e

52 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au


Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021 H04

Sambucus nigra

Elberberry Tree

100

Medium risk

f

C

L

H04

Prunus laurocerasus

English Laurel

101

Medium risk

f

C

L

H04

Conium maculatum

Hemlock

104

Medium risk

w

C

L

H04

Hypericum androsaemum

Tutsan

118

Medium risk

w

C

L

H04

Nasturtium officinale

Watercress

131

Lower risk

f

H04

Agapanthus praecox

Agapanthus

147

Lower risk

f

E

M

H04

Populus alba

Poplar

156

Lower risk

f

H04

Verbascum thapsus

Mullein

176

Lower risk

i

C

L

H04

Digitalis purpurea

Foxglove

186

Lower risk

f

C

L

H04

Foeniculum vulgare

Fennel

212

Lower risk

f

C

L

H04

Galium aparine

Sticky Weed

212

Lower risk

f

C

L

H04

Fumaria sp.

Fumitory

212

Lower risk

i

C

L

Tree Lucerne

213

Lower risk

w

C

L

Bristly Oxtongue

214

Lower risk

i

C

L

E

L

f

E

M

e

C

M

i

E

M

H04 H04

Chamaecytisus palmensis Helminthotheca echioides

H04

Ribes sanguineum

Currant

243

Not assessed

i

H04

Gunnera maculata

Giant Rhubarb

NA

NA

i

H04

Brugmansia sp.

Angels Trumpet

NA

NA

i

H05

Cytisus scoparius

Scotch Broom

3

H05

Rubus fruticosus

Blackberry

4

H05

Pinus radiata

Monterey Pine

6

Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk

53 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au


Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021 Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk

H05

Clematis vitalba

Old Man's Beard

11

H05

Ulex europaeus

Gorse

15

H05

Myosotis sp.

Forget-Me-Not

20

H05

Zantedeschia aethiopica

Arum Lily

21

H05

Holcus lanatus

Fog-grass

52

High risk

f

H05

Coprosma repens

Mirror Bush

73

Medium risk

i

H05

Dactylis glomerata

Cocks Foot

97

Medium risk

w

H05

Cirsium vulgare

Spear Thistle

115

Medium risk

H05

Kniphofia uvaria

Red-hot Poker

121

H05

Chamaecytisus palmensis

Tree Lucerne

H05

Narcissus sp.

H05

e

C

M

f

E

M

E

H

E

M

f

C

L

Lower risk

i

C

L

213

Lower risk

i

C

L

Daffodil/Jonquil

228

Lower risk

i

Laurus nobilis

Bay Laurel

243

H06

Cytisus scoparius

Scotch Broom

3

f

E

M

H06

Crocosmia Xcrocosmiiflora

Montbretia

3

f

C

M

H06

Rubus fruticosus

Blackberry

4

e

C

M

H06

Acer pseudoplanatus

Sycamore Maple

11

e

C

M

H06

Ulex europaeus

Gorse

15

e

C

M

H06

Vinca major

Blue Periwinkle

15

e

C

M

H06

Zantedeschia aethiopica

Arum Lily

21

i

E

M

Not assessed Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk

f i

i

54 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au


Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021 H06

Salix fragilis

Crack Willow

23

Very high risk

e

H06

Holcus lanatus

Fog-grass

52

High risk

f

H06

Buddleja davidii

Butterfly bush

102

Medium risk

i

H06

Conium maculatum

Hemlock

104

Medium risk

f

H06

Digitalis purpurea

Foxglove

186

Lower risk

H06

Foeniculum vulgare

Fennel

212

H06

Euphorbia lathyris

Caper Spurge

H06

Phormium tenax

H06

E

M

f

C

L

Lower risk

i

C

L

240

Lower risk

f

C

L

New Zealand Flax

243

Not invasive

i

C

L

Arbutus unedo

Strawberry Tree

NA

NA

i

H06

Cotoneaster dammeri

Bearberry Cotoneaster

NA

NA

i

H07

Rubus fruticosus

Blackberry

4

e

C

M

H07

Acer pseudoplanatus

Sycamore Maple

11

e

C

M

H07

Crataegus monogyna

Hawthorn

13

e

C

M

H07

Ulex europaeus

Gorse

15

e

C

M

H07

Salix fragilis

Crack Willow

23

e

E

M

H07

Holcus lanatus

Fog-grass

52

H07

Vinca major

Periwinkle

15

f

E

M

H08

Crocosmia Xcrocosmiiflora

Montbretia

3

f

C

M

H08

Cytisus scoparius

Scotch Broom

3

i

E

H

H08

Rubus fruticosus

Blackberry

4

e

C

M

Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk High risk

f

Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk

55 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au


Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021 H08

Genista monspessulana

Canary Broom

11

H08

Vinca major

Blue Periwinkle

15

H08

Ulex europaeus

Gorse

15

H08

Salix fragilis

Crack Willow

23

H08

Holcus lanatus

Fog-grass

52

High risk

f

H08

Delairea odorata

Cape Ivy

77

Moderate risk

f

H08

Dactylis glomerata

Cocks Foot

97

Medium risk

w

H08

Solanum nigrum

Deadly Nightshade

124

Lower risk

e

H08

Digitalis purpurea

Foxglove

186

Lower risk

f

H08

Galium aparine

Sticky Weed

212

Lower risk

f

H08

Chamaecytisus palmensis

Tree Lucerne

213

Lower risk

H08

Cirsium arvense

Californian Thistle

214

Lower risk

H09

Hedera helix

English Ivy

1

H09

Rubus fruticosus

Blackberry

4

H09

Clematis vitalba

Old Man's Beard

11

H09

Salix fragilis

Crack Willow

23

H09

Holcus lanatus

Fog-grass

52

High risk

f

H09

Coprosma repens

Mirror Bush

73

Medium risk

i

H09

Dactylis glomerata

Cocks Foot

97

Medium risk

w

H09

Populus alba

Poplar

156

Lower risk

f

Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk

Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk

f

E

H

e

C

M

f

E

H

i

E

M

C

M

C

L

f

C

L

f

E

H

e

C

M

f

C

M

e

C

M

e

E

M

E

M

56 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au


Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021 H09

Kunzea ericoides

Burgan

189

Lower risk

i

E

L

H09

Phormium tenax

New Zealand Flax

243

Not invasive

i

E

L

H10

Hedera helix

English Ivy

1

f

C

L

H10

Cytisus scoparius

Scotch Broom

3

f

E

L

H10

Rubus fruticosus

Blackberry

4

e

C

L

H10

Cotoneaster spp.

Cotoneaster

10

w

C

L

H10

Clematis vitalba

Old Man's Beard

11

e

C

L

H10

Genista monspessulana

Canary Broom

11

f

C

L

H10

Acer pseudoplanatus

Sycamore Maple

11

i

E

L

H10

Vinca major

Blue Periwinkle

15

e

C

L

H10

Ulex europaeus

Gorse

15

i

E

M

H10

Salix fragilis

Crack Willow

23

w

C

L

H10

Holcus lanatus

Fog-grass

52

High risk

f

C

L

H10

Coprosma repens

Mirror Bush

73

Medium risk

f

C

L

H10

Delairea odorata

Cape Ivy

77

Moderate risk

f

C

L

H10

Rosa rubiginosa

Briar Rose

98

Medium risk

i

C

L

H10

Kunzea ericoides

Burgan

189

Lower risk

i

E

L

H10

Foeniculum vulgare

Fennel

212

Lower risk

w

C

L

H10

Chamaecytisus palmensis

Tree Lucerne

213

Lower risk

i

C

L

Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk

57 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au


Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021 H10

Helminthotheca echioides

Bristly Oxtongue

214

Lower risk

i

H10

Centranthus ruber

Red Valerian

236

Lower risk

w

H10

Conyza bonariensis

Flaxleaf Fleabane

NA

NA

f

H10

Physalis peruviana

Cape Gooseberry

NA

NA

i

H2

Hedera helix

English Ivy

1

H2

Cytisus scoparius

Scotch Broom

3

R1

Ulex europaeus

Gorse

15

R1

Myosotis sp.

Forget-Me-Not

20

R1

Salix fragilis

Crack Willow

23

R1

Conium maculatum

Hemlock

104

R2

Cytisus scoparius

Scotch Broom

3

R2

Cotoneaster spp.

Cotoneaster

10

R2

Crataegus monogyna

Hawthorn

13

R2

Ulex europaeus

Gorse

15

R2

Vinca major

Blue Periwinkle

15

R2

Salix fragilis

Crack Willow

23

R2

Anthoxanthum odoratum

Sweet Vernal Grass

31

High risk

w

R2

Dactylis glomerata

Cocks Foot

97

Medium risk

w

Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Medium risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk

w

C

M

f

E

H

e

C

M

f

E

H

f

C

L

e

C

M

i

E

H

i

E

H

e

E

M

i

E

M

f

E

M

f

58 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au


Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021

9 Revegetation Guidelines Revegetation will be necessary following weed control in most situations. Revegetation involves establishing native plants on sites lacking vegetation or dominated by weeds. There are several possible aims of revegetation works and the revegetation methods and species choice will be determined by the specific aims: 

reduce the regrowth of weeds by providing competition,

stabilize soils and reduce erosion and streambank instability,

restore degraded or lost native vegetation,

assist in the treatment of stormwater,

provide habitat for native fauna,

provide public amenity, such as landscaping.

Choice of species for revegetation plantings will reflect the desired vegetation structure. For restoration of native bushland it is necessary to plant a mix of canopy trees, understorey shrubs and groundcover plants. If there is already a tree canopy present and the understorey is dominated by weeds it will only be necessary to plant understorey species following weed control. For parkland plantings the vegetation structure may vary from natural bushland. It may be desirable to plant only groundcover species to improve visibility and sunlight, for example where taller vegetation would reduce sightlines for walkers and cyclists on the Rivulet Track. Similarly, planting trees and groundcovers with no understorey layer can provide a parkland effect, with some shade and habitat value while improving public safety. Establishing groundcover species is important in most situations because they will help to stabilize soil (especially on streambanks), provide habitat for many native fauna species (e.g. bandicoots, native hens) and help suppress weeds. For bushland restoration, native vegetation in similar situations should be used as a guide – it may be that the natural vegetation has a sparse groundcover layer and a dense shrub layer. However, we need to be mindful of bushfire risk. A sparse shrub layer disconnected from the canopy and the groundcover layer is best. Also, Bandicoots need dense plantings in clumps not sparse plantings.

59 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au


Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021

Figure 20 - Erosion control works and revegetation with grasses and sedges on Ross Rivulet

Revegetation Methodology This section outlines major considerations for revegetation projects including local knowledge and experience of Council staff, professional contractors and experienced volunteers. 9.1.1

Site preparation and planting

Revegetation in this project is primarily for sites following weed control. This should involve both primary removal and at least one follow-up treatment of weed regrowth. In addition to weeds, pasture grasses will need to be suppressed in many revegetation sites. Woody weed debris (excluding willow, weeds with seed material and weeds that grow from fragments) could be mulched to prepare the site for revegetation in some instances. Additional mulch may be required to be imported to the site. Mulching is useful for suppressing weeds and grasses in areas not prone to flooding. Weed matting may be used instead of mulch on steep slopes where erosion is a risk. 9.1.2

Planting

Timing of planting will depend on site conditions. On dry sites, such as north-facing slopes, planting in late autumn or winter (May through August) is ideal. Most of the sites requiring revegetation are in the riparian zone where soil moisture is adequate for planting for much of the year. Planting in winter or early spring is appropriate for sites with good drainage where waterlogging is not a risk. For lower streambanks where there is a risk of flooding or waterlogging 60 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au


Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021

it is better to plant in spring and time planting to avoid heavy rainfalls. For riparian sites with no tree canopy cover spring planting may be preferable to reduce risk of frost damage to seedlings, although the suggested native species should be frost tolerant if the seedlings have been hardened prior to planting. Planting in summer should generally be avoided. Timing is important if bare ground is exposed and at risk of erosion or weed invasion. Spacing of plants will vary depending on the purpose of the planting and the mature size of the species planted. Tree species (e.g. eucalypts) should be planted 10 m apart. Shrubs should be planted 4–5 m apart for bushland restoration or where a dense understorey is desired. A lower density of shrubs may be appropriate in parkland areas where a more open vegetation is desired. Groundcover plants (grasses, sedges, rushes) should be planted in clusters of 3–5 plants, with density of planting determined by how much bare ground is present. Dense plantings of groundcover species, such as sedges and rushes, may be useful on lower streambanks around stormwater outflows, to reduce erosion and flow rates. 9.1.3

Plant protection

Most plants will be at risk of severe damage from browsing by native mammals. All newly planted trees and shrubs will need to be protected from browsing by native animals using tree guards, except within the zone inundated by regular flooding. The condition of the guards should be monitored and any damaged or missing guards replaced until plants are well established, at which time they should be removed. Temporary fencing may be more practical than tree guards around clusters of groundcover plantings (sedges and tussocks) or shrubs where planting density is high. Grasses and sedges are naturally more resilient to browsing and can be planted without guards, particularly those planted within the waterway and lower streambanks.

61 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au


Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021

Figure 21 - Revegetation site on Hobart Rivulet near Tara St

9.1.4

Watering

Depending on the seasonal weather conditions following plantings, some supplementary watering of plants may be required during dry periods until plants become well established. Given the predominantly sheltered aspect and the riparian location, plantings are unlikely to require watering unless weather conditions are exceptionally dry. 9.1.5

Maintenance

Plantings are to be monitored and maintained on a regular basis. Dead plants are to be replaced and guards and stakes replaced if they deteriorate prior to successful plant establishment. Tree guards should be removed when plants are established (typically after 2–3 years). The control of weeds and pasture around plantings and within guards should be undertaken to ensure plants are not out-competed for nutrients, water and light. Careful spot spraying with herbicide may be useful for control of grasses or weed regrowth around revegetation plantings where mulch or weed matting is not used. Maintenance may be required for up to five years after initial planting until the revegetation is well established. Tussock grass (Poa labillardieri) grows fast but becomes dominated by dead foliage which requires periodic slashing or burning to promote new green foliage in ornamental plantings. 9.1.6

Species selection

Local native plant species representative of the remnant and historical flora of the Hobart Rivulet have been considered for their revegetation potential. Table 7 provides a list of suggested local 62 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au


Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021

native species suitable for revegetation by planting of seedlings. This list comprises species currently inhabiting the catchment area and likely to have been present in lower sections of the Hobart Rivulet prior to the development of the city. The list is not exhaustive and there are other Tasmanian native species suitable for planting in the area that may be used. Choice of species will depend on site characteristics; revegetation aims and plant availability. Site suitability: 

R – riparian (suitable for streambanks),

W – wet forest, damp or shady situations,

D – dry forest.

Utility of plants for specific purposes: 

N – native forest restoration following weed control,

P – parkland planting for public amenity.

The aim of revegetation works for each zone is indicated in Table 4, with broad categories of ‘bushland’ and ‘parkland’. Bushland includes areas of existing native vegetation requiring rehabilitation following weed control as well as degraded areas that can be restored to native vegetation. For example, establishing bushland in zone R2 will provide habitat connectivity between Knocklofty and the Hobart Rivulet corridor. All the plants suggested here are local native species. The parkland classification here indicates those native plants that are suitable for more formal or landscaped planting. This assumes that future revegetation plantings will use entirely native flora even if the structure of the vegetation does not seek to recreate a natural vegetation community. It is assumed that landscaped sections of the Rivulet Park containing exotic plants (including mainland Australian species) will continue to be maintained as such. In some situations in the lower reaches of Hobart Rivulet, it may be desirable to plant non-invasive exotic species following weed removal in the riparian zone, in keeping with the landscaping of the Rivulet Park. This would be determined by the City of Hobart.

63 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au


Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021

Species name

Table 7 - Some suggested native plant species suitable for revegetation Common Name Lifeform Site Utility Notes R – riparian W – wet forest D – dry forest.

N – native restoration P – parkland

Eucalyptus globulus

blue gum

tree (large)

RWD

NP

Eucalyptus obliqua

stringybark

tree (large)

WD

N

Eucalyptus ovata

black gum

tree (large)

RW

P

white gum

tree (large)

WD

NP

blackwood

tree

RWD

NP

varnished wattle

tall shrub

W

NP

sheoak

tall shrub

D

NP

currajong

tall shrub

RW

NP

Banksia marginata

silver banksia

tall shrub

WD

NP

Bedfordia salicina

blanketleaf

tall shrub

RW

N

Dodonaea viscosa

hop-bush

tall shrub

WD

N

Pittosporum bicolor

cheesewood

tall shrub

W

N

dogwood

tall shrub

RW

N

christmas mintbush

tall shrub

RW

NP

Acacia terminalis

sunshine wattle

shrub

D

NP

Acacia verticillata

prickly moses

shrub

RW

N

Bursaria spinosa

hopbush

shrub

D

NP

Correa reflexa var. reflexa

common correa

shrub

D

P

Goodenia ovata

hop nativeprimrose

shrub

RWD

N

Indigofera australis

native indigo

shrub

WD

NP

Leptospermum lanigerum

teatree

shrub

RW

N

Leptospermum scoparium

manuka

shrub

RD

N

Melaleuca pallida

lemon bottlebrush

shrub

WD

NP

Olearia stellulata

daisy bush

shrub

W

P

yellow dogwood

shrub

D

NP

native daphne

shrub

D

N

prickly beauty

shrub

D

N

trigger plant

herb

WD

NP

Eucalyptus viminalis Acacia melanoxylon Acacia leprosa Allocasuarina verticillata Asterotrichion discolor

Pomaderris apetala Prostanthera lasianthos

Pomaderris elliptica Pultenaea daphnoides Pultenaea juniperina Stylidium graminifolium

64 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au

Swift parrot habitat

Swift parrot habitat

Bird habitat

Fast growing dense shrub

Bird and invertebrate habitat

Suited to streambank or instream stabilisation


Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021 Carex appressa

tall sedge

Dianella tasmanica

tasman flax-lily

Diplarrena moraea

flag iris

Gahnia grandis

cutting grass

Lepidosperma ensiforme Lomandra longifolia

sword sedge sagg

Juncus pallidus

pale rush

Juncus pauciflorus

loose-flower rush

graminoid (sedge) graminoid (sedge) graminoid (sedge) graminoid (sedge) graminoid (sedge) graminoid (sedge) graminoid (rush) graminoid (rush)

Poa labillardierei

tussockgrass

graminoid (grass)

Polystichum proliferum

mother shield fern

fern

RW

NP

RW

NP

RD

NP

RW

N

RW

N

RW

NP

RW

N

RW

NP

RWD

NP

RW

NP

65 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au

Large sedge suited to soil stabilisation

Not typically subject to browsing. Requires trimming in parkland.


Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021

10 Conclusion and Recommendations The Hobart Rivulet is an important natural feature of the city, linking the CBD with the slopes of kunanyi/Mt Wellington. The Rivulet has significance to many residents, who live close to the waterway or use the Rivulet Park for recreation and travel. This Vegetation Management Plan outlines a strategic approach to controlling weeds and revegetating the Hobart Rivulet and its tributaries, Ross Rivulet and Guy Fawkes Rivulet. The Plan identifies opportunities to improve the condition of existing bushland in the upper reaches of the watercourses and to restore native flora in degraded sections where weeds are presently widespread. Restoration of riparian areas aims to improve terrestrial and aquatic habitat for native fauna, erosion control, water quality, and the appearance and enjoyment for residents and visitors. Weed control and revegetation are long-term projects and it will typically take many years to transform a weed infestation into fully restored native bushland or an established planting of trees and other local species. The scale and approach of weed control works varies from removal of emerging weeds in bushland, to treatment of large patches of weeds with follow up control over several years, to using heavy machinery to remove large willow trees. In many cases there are opportunities for volunteer involvement in weed control and revegetation works (e.g. Bushcare volunteers).

Recommendations 

Routine park management works on streambanks should include removing new and emerging weeds.

Conduct weed surveys annually in sites where weed control and/or revegetation has been undertaken to detect and control new or regenerating weeds.

Encourage weed control in Wellington Park, where this will benefit the lower reaches of Guy Fawkes Rivulet.

Approach private landowners (as well as Cascade) with willow trees on their property. Negotiate willow removal, with the aim of eradicating willows from the catchment.

66 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au


11 References Baker, M.L. & de Salas, M.F. (2021). A Census of the Vascular Plants of Tasmania & Index to the Student’s Flora of Tasmania and Flora of Tasmania Online. Tasmanian Herbarium, Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, Hobart. Blacklow, S. (1995). A Microbiological Quality Assessment of Stormwater in the Hobart Rivulet. University of Tasmania. Blood, K., James, B., Panetta, F. D., Sheehan, M., Adair, R., & Gold, B. (2019). Early invader manual: Managing early invader environmental weeds in Victoria. Bonar, L. (2011). Hobart Rivulet Catchment Management Plan 2011-2016. Cascades Landcare Group. (2000). Upper Hobart Rivulet Natural Area Action Plan. City of Hobart. (2019). Biodiversity Action Plan - bushland and reserves. Daley, E., & Kirkpatrick, J. (2004). Native riparian vegetation in Tasmania. Cunninghamia : A Journal of Plant Ecology for Eastern Australia, 8(4), 409–430. Department of Primary Industries Parks Water and the Environment. (2021). Natural Values Atlas (3.10.1). Inspiring Place. (2015). Hobart Rivulet Park Strategic Master Plan. April. Kitchener, A., & Harris, S. (2013). From Forest to Fjaeldmark: Descriptions of Tasmania’s Vegetation. Edition 2. Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment. Land Information System Tasmania. (2021). ListMap - Land Information System Tasmania. McInerney, P. J., Doody, T. M., & Davey, C. D. (2021). Invasive species in the Anthropocene: Help or hindrance? Journal of Environmental Management, 293. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.112871 Nature Conservation Act 2002. Available at: https://www.legislation.tas.gov.au/view/html/inforce/current/act-2002-063 North Barker Ecosystem Services. (2012). Cascade Track Environs Vegetation Management Plan 2012. The Derwent Catchment Project. (2021). Willow Control. The Derwent Catchment Project. Walsh, C. J., Fletcher, T. D., & Burns, M. J. (2012). Urban Stormwater Runoff: A New Class of Environmental Flow Problem. PLoS ONE, 7(9). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0045814 Weed Management Act 1999. Available at; https://www.legislation.tas.gov.au/view/html/inforce/current/act-1999-105

67 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au


Appendix 1 – Vascular plant species list This list documents species recorded during surveys conducted for this project in 2021. All native vascular plant species were recorded, where possible. Introduced plant species were recorded where they appeared to be invasive, e.g. growing in native vegetation or wild populations. Many exotic plant species occur within the survey area in cultivation (e.g. planted in private gardens or public park land). These exotic species have not been recorded unless they are considered to be invasive species. i = introduced species p = Tasmanian native species planted in the survey area D = declared weed W = Weed of National Significance MAGNOLIIDS LAURACEAE Cassytha pubescens

Hairy Dodder-laurel

Laurus nobilis

Bay Laurel

i

Conium maculatum

Hemlock

i

Foeniculum vulgare Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides

Fennel Entire-leaf Pennywort

i

Parsonsia brownii

Twining Silkpod

Vinca major

Blue Periwinkle

i

Ilex aquifolium

Holly

i

Hedera helix

English Ivy

i

Bedfordia salicina

Tasmanian Blanket Leaf

Bellis perennis

English daisy

i

Cirsium arvense Cirsium vulgare

Californian Thistle Spear Thistle

i i

Conyza bonariensis Delairea odorata

Flaxleaf Fleabane Cape Ivy

i i

Helminthotheca echioides Olearia argophylla

Bristly Oxtongue Musk

i

Olearia stellulata

Daisy Bush

Olearia viscosa Ozothamnus ferrugineus

Viscid Daisy Bush Tree Everlasting

Senecio linearifolius var. linearifolius

Fireweed

Senecio minimus

Shrubby Fireweed

EUDICOTS APIACEAE D

APOCYNACEAE

AQUIFOLIACEAE D

ARALIACEAE ASTERACEAE

68 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au

D


BETULACEAE Betula pendula

Silver Birch

i

Myosotis sylvatica

Forget-Me-Not

i

Nasturtium officinale

Watercress

i

Leycesteria formosa

Himalayan Honeysuckle

i

Sambucus nigra

Elberberry Tree

i

Allocasuarina monilifera

Necklace Sheoak

Hypericum androsaemum

Tutsan

Elatine gratioloides

Waterwort

Arbutus unedo Cyathodes glauca

Strawberry Tree Cheeseberry

Epacris impressa Erica lusitanica

Common Heath Spanish heath

Styphelia humifusa

Native Cranberry

Beyeria viscosa

Pinkwood

Euphorbia lathyris

Caper Spurge

i

Chamaecytisus palmensis Cytisus scoparius

Tree Lucerne Scotch Broom

i i

W, D

Genista monspessulana Pultenaea daphnoides var.

Canary Broom Native Daphne

i

W, D

W, D

BORAGINACEAE BRASSICACEAE

CAPRIFOLIACEAE D

CASUARINACEAE CLUSIACEAE i

ELATINACEAE ERICACEAE i

i

D

EUPHORBIACEAE

FABACEAE

obcordata Pultenaea juniperina Ulex europaeus

Prickly Beauty Gorse

i

Nothofagus cunninghamii

Myrtle Beech

p

Fumaria sp.

Fumitory

i

FAGACEAE FUMARIACEAE GERANIACEAE Geranium potentilloides Geranium sp. GOODENIACEAE Goodenia ovata

Parrot's Food

Ribes sanguineum

Currant

i

Gunnera maculata

Giant Raspberry

i

GROSSULARIACEAE GUNNERACEAE HALORAGACEAE

69 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au


Gonocarpus sp. Gonocarpus teucrioides

Raspwort Raspwort

Mentha Xpiperita

Peppermint

Prostanthera lasianthos var. lasianthos

Christmas Mintbush

Asterotrichion discolor

Currajong

Acacia leprosa Acacia longifolia subsp. Sophorae

Varnished wattle Coast Wattle

Acacia mearnsii Acacia melanoxylon

Black Wattle Blackwood

Acacia terminalis

Sunshine Wattle

Acacia verticillata subsp.

Prickly Mimosa

LAMIACEAE i

MALVACEAE MIMOSACEAE

verticillata MYRTACEAE Eucalyptus globulus subsp.

Tasmanian Blue Gum

globulus Eucalyptus obliqua

Stringybark

Eucalyptus tenuiramis Eucalyptus viminalis subsp.

Silver Peppermint Manna Gum

viminalis Kunzea ericoides Leptospermum lanigerum

Burgan Woolly Tea-tree

Notelaea ligustrina

Native Olive

Epilobium sp.

Willowherb

Fuchsia magellanica

Fuchsia

i

OLEACEAE ONAGRACEAE

i

OXALIDACEAE Oxalis sp.

i

PASSIFLORACEAE Passiflora tarminiana

Banana passionfruit

Bursaria spinosa subsp. spinosa

Prickly Box

Pittosporum bicolor

Cheesewood

Pittosporum undulatum subsp. undulatum

Sweet Pittosporum

i

PITTOSPORACEAE

Pittosporum bicolor X undulatum

i i

POLYGONACEAE Muehlenbeckia gunnii

Macquarie Vine

Banksia marginata

Silver Banksia

PROTEACEAE

70 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au


Grevillea rosmariniifolia Hakea lissosperma

Needle Bush

Clematis vitalba

Old Man's Beard

Pomaderris apetala subsp.

Dogwood

i

RANUNCULACEAE i

RHAMNACEAE apetala Pomaderris elliptica var. diemenica

Yellow Pomaderris

Acaena novae-zelandiae

Buzzy

Cotoneaster dammeri Cotoneaster glaucophyllus

Bearberry Cotoneaster Grey-leaved Cotoneaster

i i

Cotoneaster simonsii

Khasia Berry

i

Crataegus monogyna Prunus laurocerasus

Hawthorn English Laurel

i i

Rosa rubiginosa Rubus fruticosus

Briar Rose Blackberry

i i

Sorbus aucuparia

Rowan

i

Coprosma quadrifida

Native Currant

Coprosma repens Coprosma robusta

Mirror Bush Karamu

i i

Galium aparine

Sticky Weed

i

Correa reflexa var. reflexa

Common Correa

Populus alba

Poplar

i

Salix fragilis Salix X reichardtii

Crack Willow

i i

Exocarpos cupressiformis

Native Cherry

Exocarpos strictus

Dwarf Cherry

Acer pseudoplanatus

Sycamore Maple

Dodonaea viscosa subsp. spatulata

Hop Bush

Buddleja davidii

Butterfly bush

i

Digitalis purpurea Verbascum thapsus

Foxglove Mullein

i i

Verbascum virgatum

Twiggy Mullein

i

Brugmansia sp. Physalis peruviana

Angels Trumpet Cape Gooseberry

i i

Solanum laciniatum

Kangaroo Apple

ROSACEAE

W, Ds

RUBIACEAE

D

RUTACEAE SALICACEAE

SANTALACEAE

SAPINDACEAE i

SCROPHULARIACEAE

SOLANACEAE

71 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au

W, Ds


Solanum nigrum

Deadly Nightshade

Stackhousia monogyna

Candles

Stylidium graminifolium

Trigger Plant

Pimelea drupacea

Cherry Rice-flower

Urtica incisa

Stinging Nettle

Centranthus ruber

Red Valerian

i

Callitris rhomboidea

Oyster Bay Pine

p

Pinus radiata

Monterey Pine

i

Agapanthus praecox

Agapanthus

i

Narcissus sp.

Daffodil/Jonquil

i

Arum sp.

Cuckoo-pint

i

Zantedeschia aethiopica

Arum Lily

i

Lomandra longifolia

Sagg

Kniphofia uvaria

Red-hot Poker

Carex appressa

Common Sedge

Cyperus eragrostis Gahnia grandis

Drain Flat-sedge Cutting Grass

Lepidosperma ensiforme

Sword Sedge

Dianella tasmanica Phormium tenax

Flax lily New Zealand Flax

i

Crocosmia Xcrocosmiiflora

Montbretia

i

Juncus pallidus Juncus pauciflorus

Pale Rush Loose-flower Rush

i

STACKHOUSIACEAE STYLIDIACEAE THYMELAEACEAE URTICACEAE VALERIANACEAE GYMNOSPERMS CUPRESSACEAE PINACEAE MONOCOTS AGAPANTHACEAE AMARYLLIDACEAE ARACEAE

ASPARAGACEAE ASPHODELACEAE i

CYPERACEAE i

HEMEROCALLIDACEAE

IRIDACEAE JUNCACEAE

Juncus sp. POACEAE Anthoxanthum odoratum

Sweet Vernal Grass

i

Dactylis glomerata Deyeuxia sp.

Cocks Foot Bent Grass

i

Holcus lanatus

Fog-grass

i

72 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au


Poa labillardierei var. labillardierei Rytidosperma sp.

Tussock Grass Wallaby-grass

Asplenium flabellifolium

Necklace Fern

Blechnum fluviatile

Ray Water-fern

Blechnum minus Blechnum nudum

Soft Water-fern Fishbone Water-fern

Histiopteris incisa

Bat's Wing

Hypolepis rugosula Pteridium esculentum

Ruddy Ground-fern Bracken

Dicksonia antarctica

Tree-fern

Polystichum proliferum Rumohra adiantiformis

Mother Shield Fern Leathery shield-fern

Hymenophyllum rarum

Narrow Filmy-fern

Microsorum pustulatum subsp.

Kangaroo Fern

PTERIDOPHYTES ASPLENIACEAE BLECHNACEAE

DENNSTAEDTIACEAE

DICKSONIACEAE DRYOPTERIDACEAE

HYMENOPHYLLACEAE POLYPODIACEAE

pustulatum

73 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au


Appendix 1 – Management zones figures

74 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au


Zone GF2 Zone GF1

Survey Zone: GF1 - Wellington Park, GF2 - Old Farm Road/Cascade Trail Survey area Roads Road

Weeds Blackberry Cotoneaster

Track

Fennel

Watercourse

Fuchsia

Habitat tree

Gorse

Cadastral parcels

Hawthorn

Council land

Himalayan honeysuckle

Cascade land

Holly Karamu New Zealand Flax Sweet pi osporum

Weed patches Cotoneaster, Sweet pi osporum

Vegeta on communi es (FUR) Urban areas (WGL) Eucalyptus globulus wet forest (WOB) Eucalyptus obliqua forest with broad-leaf shrubs Version date: 21-06-2021

Data sources: TheLIST City of Hobart


Zone GF3 Zone GF4

Survey Zone: GF3 - Old Farm Rd 2, GF4 - Degraves Bridge Survey area Roads Road

Weeds Blackberry

Montbre a Radiata pine

Vegeta on communi es (DOB) Eucalyptus obliqua dry forest

Briar rose

Spanish heath

(FUR) Urban areas

Track

Broom

Sweet pi osporum

Watercourse

Burgan

Sycamore maple

Cadastral parcels

Significant tree

Cotoneaster Weed patches Fuchsia Blackberry Gorse Cotoneaster, Sweet pi osporum Hawthorn

(WGL) Eucalyptus globulus wet forest (WOB) Eucalyptus obliqua forest with broad-leaf shrubs

Willows

Holly

Council land Cascade land

Karamu

Version date: 21-06-2021

Data sources: TheLIST City of Hobart


Zone GF4

Zone H3 Zone H4 Zone GF5

Survey Zone: GF 5 - Old Farm Rd - Brewery, H3 - Marlyn Rd - Avon Rd - Strickland Ave - North Survey area

Weeds Agapanthus

Giant rhubarb

Radiata pine

Gorse

Weed patches Blackberry Rosemary grevillea

Blackberry

Grevillea hybrid

Spanish heath

Track

Broom

Hawthorn

Sweet pi osporum

Watercourse

Burgan

Hemlock

Sycamore maple

Cadastral parcels

Cherry laurel

Holly

Tree lucerne

Council land

Cotoneaster

Iris

Cascade land

Elderflower

Karamu

Habitat tree

Broom

Cotoneaster

Willows

English ivy

Montbre a

Fuchsia

New Zealand Flax

Roads Road

Mul ple weeds

Version date: 21-06-2021

Data sources: TheLIST Google Satellite


Zone H2

Zone H1

Survey Zone: H1 - Lawley Cres, H2 - Woodlyn Ct Survey area Roads Road Track Ar ficial Watercourse

Significant tree

Gorse

Sweet pi osporum

Willows

Hawthorn

Sycamore maple

Weeds Arum lily Blackberry

Himalayan honeysuckle Vegeta on communi es Holly (FUR) Urban areas Karamu (WGL) Eucalyptus globulus wet forest

Watercourse

Briar rose

Montbre a

Cadastral parcels

Broom

Periwinkle

Council land

Cape Ivy

Radiata pine

Cascade land

Cotoneaster

Habitat tree

English ivy

(WOB) Eucalyptus obliqua forest with broad-leaf shrubs

Version date: 21-06-2021

Data sources: TheLIST Google Satellite


Zone H3

Survey Zone: H3 - Marlyn Rd - Avon Rd - Strickland Ave - South Survey area

English ivy

Periwinkle

Fennel

Radiata pine

Banana passionfruit

Foxglove

Sweet pi osporum

(FUR) Urban areas

Track

Blackberry

Fuchsia

Sycamore maple

Watercourse

Briar rose

Gorse

Tree lucerne

Cadastral parcels

Broom

Hawthorn

(FWU) Weed infesta on (WOB) Eucalyptus obliqua forest with broad-leaf shrubs

Council land

Californian thistle

Holly

Cascade land

Cape Ivy

Hybrid pi osporum

Habitat tree

Cherry laurel

Karamu

Willows

Cotoneaster

Montbre a

Roads Road

Weeds Agapanthus

Weed patches Blackberry

Mul ple weeds

Vegeta on communi es (DOB) Eucalyptus obliqua dry forest

Version date: 21-06-2021

Data sources: TheLIST Google Satellite


Zone R1

Zone H5 Zone H4

Survey Zone: H4 - Cascade Gardens, H5 - Tara St Survey area Roads Road

Weeds Arum lily

Foxglove Gorse

Weed patches Blackberry

Vegeta on communi es (FAG) Agricultural land

Blackberry

Hawthorn

Mul ple weeds

(FUR) Urban areas

Track

Broom

Mirrorbush

Periwinkle

(WGL) Eucalyptus globulus wet forest

Watercourse

Californian thistle

Periwinkle

Broom

Cadastral parcels

Cherry laurel

Radiata pine

Council land

Cotoneaster

Spanish heath

Cascade land

Broom

Sycamore maple

Willows

English ivy

Tree lucerne

Fennel

Version date: 21-06-2021

Data sources: TheLIST Google Satellite


Zone H7

Zone H6

Zone H5

Survey Zone: H6 - MacFarlane St Survey area Roads Road

Weeds Arum lily Blackberry

Track

Broom

Watercourse

Buddleja

Cadastral parcels

Fennel

Council land

Gorse

Significant tree

Hawthorn

Willows

Hemlock Mirrorbush

Montbre a Periwinkle Sycamore maple Vegeta on communi es (FUR) Urban areas (WGL) Eucalyptus globulus wet forest

Version date: 21-06-2021

Data sources: TheLIST Google Satellite


Zone H7 Zone H8

Survey Zone: H7 - Anglesea St, H8 - Wynyard St Survey area Roads Road

Weeds Blackberry

Weed patches Blackberry

Gorse

Blackberry, Periwinkle

Track

Hawthorn

Gorse

Watercourse

Mirrorbush

Hawthorn

Cadastral parcels

Montpellier broom

Mul ple weeds

Council land

Periwinkle

Periwinkle

Significant tree

Sycamore maple

Sycamore maple

Willows

Tree lucerne

Vegeta on communi es (FUR) Urban areas (WOB) Eucalyptus obliqua forest with broad-leaf shrubs

Version date: 21-06-2021

Data sources: TheLIST Google Satellite


Zone H10

Zone H9

Zone H8

Survey Zones: H9: Gore St, H10: Ispahan St - Molle St Survey area

Willows

Cotoneaster

Weed patches Blackberry

Weeds Blackberry

Mirrorbush Montpellier broom

Blackberry, Periwinkle

Track

Broom

Periwinkle

Periwinkle

Watercourse

Burgan

Sycamore maple

Cadastral parcels

Cotoneaster

Tree lucerne

Council land

Fennel

Significant tree

Gorse

Roads Road

Vegeta on communi es (FUR) Urban areas (WOB) Eucalyptus obliqua forest with broad-leaf shrubs

Version date: 22-06-2021

Data sources: TheLIST City of Hobart


Zone R1

Zone R2

Survey Zone: R1 - Ross Rivulet North, R2 - Ross Rivulet South Survey area

Weeds Blackberry

Weed patches Gorse

Track

Cotoneaster

Watercourse

Broom

Vegeta on communi es (DAS) Eucalyptus amygdalina forest and woodland on sandstone Periwinkle (DGL) Eucalyptus globulus dry forest Broom and woodland (FAG) Agricultural land

Cadastral parcels

Gorse

(FUR) Urban areas

Council land

Hawthorn

(FWU) Weed infesta on

Cascade land

Periwinkle

Habitat tree

Radiata pine

(WGL) Eucalyptus globulus wet forest (WOB) Eucalyptus obliqua forest with broad-leaf shrubs

Roads Road

Willows

Broom

Version date: 07-06-2021

Data sources: TheLIST Google Satellite


Appendix 2 – Action plans for high priority zones Suggested action plans for high priority weeding and revegetation works are presented below. The action plans provide weed control methods and timing for specific weeds. Specific herbicides have not been recommended. Herbicide use should be in accordance with relevant regulations and permits. The action plan indicates which activities are potentially suitable for Bushcare volunteers. Activities in Zones GF1 and GF2 may be suitable for experienced volunteers who are capable of working in bushland on steep slopes. Zones GF4 and H07 are more accessible. Activities involving heavy machinery or herbicide spraying are suitable only for Council staff or professional contractors with relevant experience and qualifications. An action plan for weed control and revegetation on the middle and upper sections of Ross Rivulet has been prepared previously (Enviro-dynamics, 2019) and works are currently in progress.

75 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au


Table A1 – Action plan for Zone GF1 (upper Guy Fawkes Rivulet) Weed

Action

Treatment/Methodology

Outcome

Timing

Priority

Land tenure

Radiata pine

Remove radiata pine

Cut down pine trees and leave felled trees on site

Year 1

High

Cascade

X

Fuchsia

Initial control

Cut and paste fuchsia. Remove all plant material from site for disposal.

Pine trees eradicated from Rivulet Fuchsia biomass reduced

Year 1 Spring / Summer

Medium

Cascade

X

X

Fuchsia

Follow up control

Fuchsia eradicated from zone

Annual for at least 4 years

Medium

Cascade

X

X

Gorse

Initial control

Mature gorse controlled

Cascade

X

X

Follow up control

High

Cascade

X

X

All

Ongoing monitoring and follow-up control of weeds

Monitor and treat regrowth or seedlings as required

Zone remains free of weeds

Year 1 Spring / Summer Year 2 Spring / Summer Annual for at least 4 years

High

Gorse

Cut and paste any regrowth. Remove all plant material from site for disposal. Cut and paste all plants. Plant material left on site if no seeds. Hand pull or foliage spray regrowth or seedlings

Medium

Cascade

X

Gorse eradicated

Council/ contractor

Bushcare volunteers

Table A2 – Action plan for Zone GF2 (upper Guy Fawkes Rivulet) Weed

Action

Treatment/Methodology

Outcome

Timing

Priority

Land tenure

Blackberry

Initial control

Blackberry biomass reduced

Follow up control

Year 1 Spring / Summer Year 2 Spring / Summer

Medium

Blackberry

Cut and paste mature plants. Hand pull seedlings. Hand pull or foliage spray regrowth or seedlings

Medium

Blackberry eradicated from zone

76 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au

Council/ contractor

Bushcare volunteers

Cascade

X

X

Cascade

X

X


Fuchsia

Initial control

Cut and paste. Remove all plant material from site for disposal. Cut and paste any regrowth. Remove all plant material from site for disposal. Cut and paste all plants. Remove Himalayan honeysuckle material to prevent vegetative regeneration.

Fuchsia

Follow up control

Karamu, Himalayan honeysuckle, holly

Initial control

Karamu, Himalayan honeysuckle, holly Other woody weeds (gorse, cotoneaster, hawthorn, sweet pittosporum, rowan) Other woody weeds (gorse, cotoneaster, hawthorn, sweet pittosporum, rowan) Arum lily

Follow up control

Hand pull or foliage spray regrowth or seedlings

Initial control

Cut and paste all plants. Plant material left on site if no seeds.

Follow up control

Hand pull or foliage spray regrowth or seedlings. Cut and paste any mature plants missed previously.

Initial control

Arum lily

Follow up control

Fuchsia biomass reduced

Year 1 Spring / Summer Year 2 Spring / Summer

Medium

Cascade

X

X

Medium

Cascade

X

X

Year 1 Spring

High

Cascade

X

X

Year 2 Spring

High

Cascade

X

X

Year 1 Spring / Summer

Medium

Cascade

X

X

Woody weeds eradicated

Year 2 Spring / Summer

Medium

Cascade

X

X

Apply herbicide directly to leaves or apply undiluted herbicide by injection into stem base

Arum lily foliage killed and tubers reduced

Year 1 Spring

High

Cascade

X

Apply herbicide directly to leaves or apply undiluted herbicide by injection into stem base

Arum lily tubers killed

Year 2 Spring

High

Cascade

X

Fuchsia controlled not blocking water flows or excluding native plants Karamu, holly and Himalayan honeysuckle controlled, preventing further spread Karamu, holly and Himalayan honeysuckle eradicated Mature plants removed

77 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au


All

Ongoing monitoring and follow-up control of weeds

Monitor and treat regrowth or seedlings as required

Zone remains free of weeds

Annual for at least 4 years

High

Cascade

X

Land tenure

Council/ contractor

Cascade/ private

X

Land tenure

Council/ contractor

Bushcare volunteers X

Table A3 – Action plan for Zone GF3 (upper Guy Fawkes Rivulet) Weed

Action

Treatment/Methodology

Outcome

Timing

Priority

Blackberry, Fuchsia

None

Weeds are very difficult to access and partly on private land. Requires participation of landowners to be effective.

Weeds remain on creek banks and in watercourse

N/A

Low

Bushcare volunteers

Table A4 – Action plan for Zone GF4 (lower Guy Fawkes Rivulet) Weed

Action

Treatment/Methodology

Outcome

Timing

Priority

Implement hygiene measures prior to work

As per Guidelines for Herbicide Use and Machinery Hygiene section and CoH policies

Prior to primary weed control works

High

All

X

Crack Willow

Initial control

Cascade/ Council road Cascade/ Council road

X

Follow up control

Year 1 Spring / Summer Year 2 Spring / Summer

High

Crack Willow

Cut and paste. Remove all plant material from site for disposal. Cut and paste any regrowth. Remove all plant material from site for disposal.

Spread of weed seed or debris around the site or away from the site is minimised Willows removed

Willows eradicated

High

78 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au

X


Scotch broom, Spanish heath

Initial control

Cut and paste all plants. Plant material left on site if no seeds. Hand pull or foliage spray regrowth or seedlings

Mature Spanish heath removed

Year 1 Spring

High

Scotch broom, Spanish heath

Follow up control

Burgan, briar rose

Initial control

Burgan, briar rose

Spanish heath eradicated

Year 2 Spring

High

Mature plants controlled

Radiata pine

Initial control

Cut down pine tree.

Pine eradicated

Year 1 Spring / Summer Year 2 Spring / Summer Any

Medium

Follow up control

Cut and paste all plants. Plant material left on site if no seeds. Hand pull or foliage spray regrowth or seedlings

Cotoneaster

Initial control

Mature plants removed

Follow up control

Year 1 Spring / Summer Year 2 Spring / Summer

Medium

Cotoneaster

Cut and paste all plants. Plant material left on site if no seeds. Hand pull or foliage spray regrowth or seedlings. Cut and paste any mature plants missed previously.

Blackberry, gorse

Initial control

Cut and paste mature plants. Hand pull seedlings. Target outlying plants.

Year 1 Spring / Summer

Blackberry, gorse

Follow up control

Hand pull or foliage spray regrowth or seedlings

Blackberry and gorse biomass reduced, weeds contained to large patches No further expansion of blackberry and gorse

Montbretia

Initial control

Montbretia

Follow up control

Apply herbicide directly to leaves or dig out plant including all underground corms Apply herbicide directly to leaves or dig out plant including all underground corms

Burgan and briar rose eradicated

Cotoneaster eradicated

Cascade/ Council road Cascade/ Council road Cascade/ Council road Cascade/ Council road Cascade/ Council road Cascade/ Council road Cascade/ Council road

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Medium

Year 2 Spring / Summer

Medium

Medium

X

X

X

X

X

Cascade/ Council road

X

X

Medium

Cascade/ Council road

X

X

Year 1 Spring

Low

Cascade/ Council road

X

X

Year 2 Spring / Summer

Low

Cascade/ Council road

X

X

Medium

79 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au


Fuchsia, Hawthorn

Initial control

Cut and paste mature plants. Hand pull seedlings. Target outlying plants.

Fuchsia, Hawthorn

Follow up control

Hand pull or foliage spray regrowth or seedlings

Forget-Me-Not

Opportunistic control

Hand pull plants opportunistically during other weed control works

All

Ongoing monitoring and follow-up control of weeds

Monitor and treat regrowth or new infestations

Hawthorn and fuchsia biomass reduced, weeds contained to large patches No further expansion of hawthorn and fuchsia Reduced extent or spread

Year 1 Spring / Summer

Low

Cascade/ Council road

X

X

Year 2 Spring / Summer

Low

Cascade/ Council road

X

X

Any

Low

Cascade/ Council road

X

X

Zone remains free of eradicated weed species and other weeds do not expand

Annual for at least 4 years

Medium

Cascade/ Council road

X

Council/ contractor X

Table A5 – Action plan for Zone GF5 (lower Guy Fawkes Rivulet) Weed

Action

Treatment/Methodology

Outcome

Timing

Priority

Implement hygiene measures prior to work

As per Guidelines for Herbicide Use and Machinery Hygiene section and CoH policies

Prior to primary weed control works

High

Holly

Control

Cut and paste

Spread of weed seed or debris around the site or away from the site is minimised Holly eradicated

Land tenure All

High

Cascade

X

Crack Willow

Initial control

Medium

Cascade

X

Crack Willow

Follow up control

Cut and paste mature willows. Remove trunks and branches using heavy machinery. Cut and paste or drill and fill regrowth

Year 1 Spring Year 2 Spring / Summer Year 2 Spring / Summer

Medium

Cascade

X

Mature willow removed

Willow eradicated

80 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au

Bushcare volunteers X


Hawthorn

Initial control

Hawthorn

Follow up control

All

Ongoing monitoring and follow-up control of weeds Prepare revegetation sites Revegetation

Monitor and treat regrowth or new infestations

Monitor revegetation

Inspect site, replace dead plants and missing guards. Remove guards once plants established.

REVEGETATION

REVEGETATION

REVEGETATION

Cut and paste mature plants, targeting outlying plants. Plant material left on site if no seeds. Hand pull or foliage spray regrowth or seedlings

Control pasture grass, if necessary Plant tubestock or plugs, install guards for plantings above flood level

Mature hawthorn controlled

Year 1 Spring / Summer

Low

Cascade

X

X

Hawthorn contained to large patches Zone remains free of eradicated weed species and other weeds do not expand Competition from weeds/grasses removed Plants in ground and protected

Year 2 Spring / Summer Annual for at least 4 years

Low

Cascade

X

X

Medium

Cascade

X

Prior to planting

Cascade

X

Winter or Spring following weed removal Annually until plants are established

Cascade

X

Cascade

X

Revegetation successfully established

81 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au

X


Figure A1 – Revegetation site plan for Zone GF5 (lower Old Farm Rd).

82 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au


Table A6 – Action plan for Zone H07 (lower Hobart Rivulet) Weed

Action

Treatment/Methodology

Outcome

Timing

Priority

Implement hygiene measures prior to work

As per Guidelines for Herbicide Use and Machinery Hygiene section and CoH policies

Prior to primary weed control works

High

Crack willow, sycamore maple

Initial control

Year 1 Spring / Summer

Crack willow, sycamore maple

Follow up control

Cut and paste mature willows and sycamore. Remove trunks and branches using heavy machinery. Cut and paste or drill and fill regrowth

Spread of weed seed or debris around the site or away from the site is minimised Mature willow and sycamore removed

Blackberry, gorse

Initial control

Willow and sycamore eradicated Mature blackberry, gorse and hawthorn removed

Blackberry, gorse

Follow up control

Blackberry, gorse and hawthorn contained

Periwinkle

Initial control

Foliage spray or wipe with herbicide

Above ground growth killed

Periwinkle

Follow up control

Foliage spray or wipe regrowth with herbicide

Periwinkle eradicated

Hawthorn

Initial control

Cut and paste mature plants in riparian zone (south side of walking track).

Hawthorn controlled in riparian zone

Cut and paste mature plants. Slashing with a brushcutter may be useful for initial knock down. Hand pull seedlings. Hand pull or foliage spray regrowth or seedlings

Council/ contractor

Bushcare volunteers

All

X

X

Medium

Council

X

Year 2 Spring / Summer Year 1 Spring / Summer

Medium

Council

X

Medium

Council

X

Year 2 (and ongoing) Spring / Summer Year 1 Spring / Summer Year 2 (and ongoing) Spring / Summer Year 1 Spring / Summer

Medium

Council

X

Medium

Council

X

Medium

Medium

83 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au

Land tenure

Council

Council

X

X


Hawthorn

Follow up control

Hand pull or foliage spray regrowth or seedlings

All

Ongoing monitoring and follow-up control of weeds Prepare revegetation sites Revegetation

Monitor and treat regrowth or new infestations

Monitor revegetation

Inspect site, replace dead plants and missing guards. Remove guards once plants established.

REVEGETATION

REVEGETATION

REVEGETATION

Control pasture grass and weeds, if necessary Plant tubestock or plugs, install guards for plantings above flood level

Hawthorn eradicated from riparian zone (hawthorn remains on slope north of track) Zone remains free of eradicated weed species and other weeds do not expand Competition from weeds/grasses removed Plants in ground and protected

Revegetation successfully established

Year 2 Spring / Summer

Medium

Council

X

Annual for at least 4 years

Medium

Council

X

Prior to planting

Medium

Council

X

Winter or Spring following weed removal Annually until plants are established

Medium

Council

X

Council

X

84 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au

X


Figure A2 – Revegetation site plan for Zone H08 (Anglesea St to Wynyard St).

85 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan by City of Hobart - Issuu