Mollymoke Farm Creek - Revegetation and Weed Control

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Mollymook began as a farming area part of Ulladulla back in 1960 - it is now is a holiday destination with a reputation for amazing surfing locations.

In mid-2016, Shoalhaven Council sought tenders to restore and improve the riparian zone and areas adjacent to Mollymoke Farm Creek (approximately 1874m²) where weed clearing works have left the site bare of vegetation.

Southern Habitat was awarded the contract to conduct revegetation and targeted weed control and commenced works in July 2016.

OUR WORKS

Targeted weed control and revegetation works were completed along Mollymoke Farm Creek, between Carroll Avenue and Mitchell Parade. 

Weed Control

A delicate process of weed control was required to ensure limited impact on the site and retain existing native species.   Debris was removed to improve creek flow and minimise further infestation while the site remains disturbed.  Weed control techniques included:

• Hand weeding and isolation of existing native grass species;
• Targeted woody weed control throughout remnant areas;
• Targeted control of exotic grass species at interfaces of remnant where potential for invasion existed;
• Weeds on the water’s edge were pulled back and racked to avoid herbicide contamination in the water;
• Chainsaws were used to cut tree logs and hand-weeding was required to remove most of the debris;
• Weed propagules were stripped and bagged before any biomass was rafted on site.

 Revegetation

1400 sedges and 600 trees were planted in cleared areas between the creek and fence line of the sporting field and amongst any existing vegetation.

 Maintenance

Four maintenance visits, comprising watering of plants and follow- up weed control were conducted over a 16 week period.