Jarrah West

Method & Technic:

• Fuel Management
• Buffer Management
• Bush Regeneration

Project Outcomes:

Our team has achieved a sustained reduction in fuel loads across multiple sites, significantly decreasing bushfire risk and improving access for firefighting efforts. We have created and maintained Asset Protection Zones (APZs) to protect nearby assets and support long-term site resilience. Through targeted weed control and ongoing maintenance, we’ve encouraged the natural expansion of priority native species. Additionally, our team has carried out selective under-pruning of native vegetation to establish vertical separation from the canopy layer, further enhancing fire safety and promoting healthy bushland structure.

Before	After

Before	After

Method & Technic:

• Fuel Management
• Buffer Management
• Bush Regeneration
• Pre-Hazard reduction burns weeding

Project Outcomes:

Our team implemented a range of bush regeneration and hazard reduction techniques tailored to the specific needs of the Forestville/Killarney HR sites throughout the 2023–2024 contract period. These techniques included, but were not limited to, brush-cutting, vine skirting, hand-weeding, spot-spraying, manual fuel removal, and chainsaw work on woody weeds where required. We applied appropriate ecological practices to manage both native and exotic vegetation, with the aim of minimising fuel loads and enhancing overall site condition. Across all designated Asset Protection Zones (APZs)—with the exception of some steep slope areas—we carried out effective fire risk mitigation works, particularly focusing on separation zones adjoining bushland, such as those within Tipperary and Londonderry Reserves. Our team tailored treatment methods, including cut/scrape and paint, de-seeding, and selective pruning, to the site conditions and target species. As a result, we successfully reduced bushfire risk to surrounding properties, decreased overall weed densities, and supported natural regeneration wherever feasible.

Before	After

Before	After

Method & Technic:

• Bush Regeneration
• Revegetation

Project Outcomes:

Our team has been delivering ecological restoration works across four key sites around Narrabeen Lagoon as part of a 2023–2025 project funded by Northern Beaches Council. The primary aim is to protect and enhance native vegetation communities, including Endangered Ecological Communities (EECs) such as Swamp Oak Floodplain Forest and Swamp Sclerophyll Forest on Coastal Floodplains. Throughout the 2023–2024 period, we focused on strategic bush regeneration to reduce weed densities, support natural regeneration, and improve habitat value. Priority works included the control of woody weeds, invasive vines, and grasses using techniques such as hand-weeding, cut/scrape and paint, and spot-spraying. We also maintained amenity zones and supported plantings at key locations including South Creek and Ocean Street bridges. Our efforts contributed to visible improvements in site condition, including the recovery of Saltmarsh areas and the reestablishment of native species like Phragmites australis. Site stability has improved across the board, but continued focus will be needed to manage aggressive weed outbreaks, particularly Ipomoea cairica at one of the areas. Our team remains committed to ongoing restoration and monitoring to ensure long-term protection of these ecologically important areas.

Before	After

Before	After

Method & Technic:

• Bush Regeneration
• Ecological Restoration
• Habitat Piles

Project Outcomes:

Our team carried out ecological restoration works across 9 sites within the Collaroy Reserves area during the 2023–2024 contract periods, funded by Northern Beaches Council. The focus was on improving biodiversity, protecting native vegetation communities, and controlling invasive species to support long-term ecosystem health. We made significant progress in reducing key weed species, with successful treatment of Asparagus aethiopicus through crowning and spot-spraying, and effective control of woody weeds like Lantana camara, Solanum mauritianum, and Cestrum parqui using cut and poison methods. Vine species such as Ipomoea indica were also managed, and Bryophyllum spp. were treated using Fluroxypyr at 0.8% for targeted results.

Our team addressed green waste dumping and controlled garden escapees like Agapanthus sp., while regular site sweeps helped maintain resilient zones and manage emerging weeds at reserve edges. In Lincoln Ave Reserve, follow-up treatment of Solanum chrysotrichum remains a priority to meet long-term restoration goals. The ongoing maintenance of worked areas is essential to suppress annual and grass weeds and support the natural regeneration of native species. Overall, our efforts have enhanced habitat condition, improved ecological integrity, and laid the foundation for future planting opportunities to strengthen restoration outcomes across the Collaroy Reserves.

Before	After

Before	After

Method & Technic:

• Bush Regeneration
• Revegetation

Project Outcomes:

Our team delivered Stage 2 bush regeneration works at Dee Why Dunes between January and June 2024 under Northern Beaches Council Bush Regeneration contract 2023. This project, covering approximately 11.32 ha across three zones, built on the foundations of the Year 1 grant and complemented ongoing operational regeneration efforts. Our focus was on controlling invasive species and restoring the native dune ecosystem through a combination of innovative and targeted techniques.

A major achievement was the effective management of Ipomoea cairica using a shredding technique within Ficinia nodosa, which allowed access to mature vine bases with minimal herbicide use. This method has proven successful and will inform future control strategies. Our team also conducted extensive preparation and planting in key areas, including the zone north of the overflow carpark and the bay near the toilet block. Invasive species like Pennisetum clandestinum and Asparagus aethiopicus were treated using hand removal, shredding, and spot-spraying.

New plantings of native species, including Banksia integrifolia and native ground covers, have supported erosion control and improved biodiversity. Weed density ratings improved noticeably—from ‘fair’ to ‘good’ in the southern dune zone, and from ‘poor’ to ‘fair’ along the lagoon edge. These results highlight the effectiveness of our targeted approach. Moving forward, continued management of Ipomoea cairica, regular site maintenance, and strategic planting will be essential to further enhance the ecological resilience of Dee Why Dunes.

Before	After

Before	After