Byrnes Run Landcare Group

Site Description

Byrnes Run is a 95-hectare parcel within the Jamberoo Valley. 60 hectares is classified as 'neighbourhood' land and has a 650-metre frontage to the Minnamurra River. A Weed and Revegetation Strategy has been developed to address the conditions of consent to the Byrnes Run Development. The preservation and improvement of remnant bushland will be attained through a program of weed removal, encouragement of natural regeneration, and replanting of indigenous species.

The aim of Byrnes Run Landcare is to preserve this area, which is classified to be of environmental significance under the Illawarra Regional Environment Plan No 2 (Jamberoo Valley). The area contains sensitive remnant vegetation and was seriously infested with weeds (mainly lantana) before Byrnes Run Landcare group was formed in 2001.

Byrnes Run Landcare group was created to support the owners of Byrnes Run in the management of its 'neighbourhood' land. "We are a group of land owners with a common responsibility. We enjoy our little piece of paradise and love working together to bring it back to its best."

The environmental conservation area has been divided into 10 management stages with the aim of primary weeding one stage per year, while maintaining a program of secondary weeding of previously weeded stages and the revegetation of these stages where deemed appropriate. Some areas of the site are heavily infested with lantana and need to be cleared, as part of a 10-year Management Strategy enforced by Kiama Council.

Secondary weeds, especially along the Minnamurra River frontage include black-eyed susan, wandering jew, turkey rhubarb, fleabane, and moth vine.

Implementation of a10-year Weed and Revegetation Strategy began in 2002. To-date, the group are on-schedule with the strategy, which means the 5 stages have been primary weeded and are now under a secondary weeding maintenance program.

For 2005-06, Byrnes Run Landcare has received two grants from the Australian Government Envirofund Rounds 5 and 6, which have assisted in addressing two new areas. These projects intend to preserve and improve the areas through a program of weed removal, encouragement of natural regeneration, and planting of indigenous species.

Meeting Times

Approx once a month. Dates are published at the start of every calendar year at Byrnes Run Community Title Estate, Jamberoo.

Coordinator

Michael Souter