May 19, 2008: Bega Valley Shire Council Weeds officers worked on Humbug Island in the lower reaches of the Bega River last week to control bitou bush in a follow-up of control programs done by Council and Tathra Landcare over the years.

Council’s noxious weeds officer, Ann Herbert, said she was surprised at how big some of the plants were and the speed at which it grew, given the dedication of Landcare over many years.

"Without the dedication of this group, this island and many parts of Tathra would have been swamped by bitou bush many years ago," she said.

"Bitou bush is one of the weeds threatening coastal areas. Some, such as lantana, are also noxious weeds while others are garden escapees that have taken advantage of the bush and other areas."

Ms Herbert said community groups like Landcare needed help as many were struggling to attract members and often were unable to cope with the sheer amount of weed control work needed to protect native vegetation.

"Coastal residents, particularly Merimbula, Pambula and Eden people, have the opportunity to learn to identify weedy plants at three ‘Weeds Walks’ over the weekend of May 24 and 25.

"On Saturday, May 24, meet local botanist Stuart Cameron at the eastern end of Merimbula Boardwalk at 10am or the Lions Park at Pambula Beach at 2pm. On Sunday, May 25, meet him at Lookout Point Car Park in Eden."

Ms Herbert said the guided walks would help gardeners recognise the potential impact of garden plants on the landscape as a whole and identify those characteristics in a garden plant which make it a potential environmental threat.