Rous County Council has secured $88,154 in NSW Government funding to deliver seven weed biosecurity projects at key environmental sites across the Far North Coast.
The funding, provided through the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund, will support the management of Bitou bush, Alligator weed, Groundsel bush and other invasive weeds at Crown reserves across the Ballina, Lismore, Kyogle and Richmond Valley local government areas.
Together, the projects – to be delivered during 2026-27 – will improve more than 125 hectares of local Crown land in the region.
Rous Weed Biosecurity and Bush Regeneration Manager, Philip Courtney said the funding would enable strategic weed control works with long-term environmental benefits.
“The funding will allow Rous and local councils to undertake targeted weed management works that support the recovery of native vegetation and strengthen the natural resilience of these important areas,” said Mr Courtney.
“Invasive weeds can rapidly degrade natural ecosystems. By investing in intervention and ongoing control, we can help protect these important Crown land sites.”
Works will be undertaken in partnership with local councils at Albert Park, Jabiru Geneebeinga Wetlands, Tunglebung Public Recreational Reserve and Seven Mile Beach.
The projects also include follow-up treatment of Bitou bush regrowth at previously funded sites at Black Head, Skennars Head and the Lake Ainsworth Sport and Recreation Area.
At Albert Park, weed control will reduce infestations of Groundsel bush, Yellow bells and Giant devil’s fig, supporting native vegetation recovery.
At Jabiru Geneebeinga Wetlands, aquatic weed treatment will help reduce infestations into flood-prone areas, farmland and community spaces.
Weed management at Tunglebung Public Recreational Reserve will target Tropical soda apple, Chinese celtis and Cat’s claw, while work at Seven Mile Beach will focus on Bitou bush and other invasive weeds.
Rous’ General Manager, Phillip Rudd welcomed the NSW Government’s funding and said it would enable important on-ground works to protect some of the region’s significant natural areas.
“These projects build on previous successful weed management programs and will support the protection of important habitats, waterways and recreational areas,” he said.
“Partnerships and funding programs such as this are critical in helping us achieve impactful environmental outcomes across the region.”
The Crown Reserves Improvement Fund provides financial support for the maintenance, improvement and development of Crown reserves across NSW. The program assists reserve managers to maintain public land and address threats such as invasive weeds and pest species that impact biodiversity and environmental values.
“These projects are about making sure Crown land continues to deliver for communities, whether that’s through better facilities, safer access or protecting the natural environment people rely on,” said NSW Minister for Lands and Property, Steve Kamper.
“Crown reserves are part of the fabric of towns and regions across NSW, supporting community life, recreation and local economies.“By investing in these projects and opening a new funding round, we are continuing to support communities to care for and improve the places they rely on every day.”
