Aerial Spraying of Bitou Bush in National Parks

Published on 06 June 2023

South African Bitou Bush is present along the Macleay Valley Coast and is a highly invasive plant that destroys native plants and wildlife habitats.

NSW Government's National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has advised that aerial spraying of Bitou Bush along sections of Hat Head National Park, Goolawah National and Regional Parks, Limeburners Creek National Park & Crowdy Bay National Park. This spraying will be taking place between Wednesday 7 June and Friday 23 June 2023 (weather dependent) to treat Bitou Bush infestations along headlands and costal foreshores. Some areas will be temporarily closed during the helicopter operation for public safety.

The spraying program will be undertaken on accordance with the best practice guidelines for aerial spraying of Bitou Bush in NSW (2006) and the Australian Government Permit 12251 which allows for helicopter spraying of Bitou Bush under strict weather/wind conditions to protect community and prevent spray drift.

The following walking tracks and areas will be temporarily closed for public safety. Please ensure you adhere to signs and directions of NPWS staff.

Smoky Cape Area:

• Northen section of Smoky Beach
• Smoky Cape Lighthouse
• Smoky Cape Picnic Area
• Jack Perkins Walking Track
• Gap Beach Road, Gap Beach North and South
• Green Island Fire Trail
• Little Bay Picnic Area
• Little Bay to Smoky Cape Walking Track

Hat Head Area:

• Northen Section of Killick Beach 
• Kemps Corner Headland access road from Hungry Road
• Killick Beach 4WD access road from Hungry Road
• Kemps Headland and Walking Track
• Connors Beach and Third Beach
• Connors Hill Trail
• Korogoro Circuit Walking Track
• The Gap Carpark

Crescent Head Area: 

• Back Crescent Beach Access 
• Goolawah Beach
• Barries Beach & Plomer Road
• Big Hill Walking Track
• Queens Head Picnic Area 
• North Shore Beach (adjacent to Limeburners NP)
• North Shore Beach Access Tracks
• Plomer Road - Queens Head to Broken Bit