Rainforest to River

Albert Park (North and South) is currently well maintained. Vegetation communities include Dry Subtropical rainforest, River Oak Wet Forest and Swamp Turpentine – Red Gum Forest. Weed maintenance and revegetation projects are evident across the entire site. A population of thorny pea (Pedleya acanthocladum) occurs at Albert Park.

Woody weeds such as common coral tree (Erythrina x sykesii) and white mulberry (Morus alba) are present along the stable riverbanks.. The site has also been subjected to heavy erosion from intensive flooding, with expansive sections of the sites northern riverbanks removed with sheer drops and unstable landslips remaining.

Weed maintenance has been undertaken at Albert Park and has played a crucial role in reducing the diversity and density of weeds occurring. However, a considerable infestation of weeds is situated along the site’s southern boundary, including greenleaf desmodium (Desmodium intortum), balloon vine (Cardiospermum grandiflorum), hairy commelina (Commelina benghalensis), common coral tree (Erythrina x sykesii) and giant devils fig (Solanum chrysotrichum).

Systematic weed control (primary, follow-up and maintenance) will be undertaken at Albert Park. This will assist natural regeneration of native plants in place of weeds. Plantings include a diverse array of approximately 2000 subtropical rainforest and river oak-wet forest trees. A buffer strip planting of around 600 shrubs will contribute to riverbank stability and minimise future degradation.

Previous plantings at Albert Park are well maintained.

A significant stretch of Wilson River riverbank upstream from Lismore will be restored in partnership with a committed private landholder. The area has been impacted by flooding with erosion of riverbanks.

The site supports a mix of subtropical rainforest species including a dense population of the threatened species of thorny pea (Pedlaya acanthocladum). NSW threatened species and Lismore City Council records identify the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) and black-necked stork (Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus) to also occur near the site.

Riparian vegetation is fenced off to restrict cattle access. Proposed works include primary, follow-up and maintenance weed control to assist natural regeneration of native riverbank vegetation and planting a diverse array of 2500 subtropical rainforest species along the riverbank margins.

Banyam Baigham Wetland on Slaters Creek and surrounding land has been identified by community members as an area of great Aboriginal cultural significance. Banyam Baigham Wetland are in good condition, supporting a variety of well-maintained subtropical rainforest, river oak-wet forest and forest red gum communities. Recent plantings have been undertaken across the site, by the local Landcare group. A variety of weeds still occur throughout the site, primarily in the more waterlogged areas. Weeds include the common coral tree (Erythrina x sykesii), moonflower (Ipomoea alba), coastal morning glory (Ipomoea carica) easter cassia (Senna pendula) and climbing asparagus (Asparagus plumosis).

Planned works include systematic weed control of woody and vine weeds. A diverse array of 1213 lowland subtropical rainforest, river oak-wet forest and forest red gum communities are to be planted within select areas of the site.

The Banyam Baigham walking track incorporates subtropical rainforest, forest oak- wet forest and forest red gum vegetation communities.

The Lismore Canoe Club is in a well-maintained condition, supporting a blend of revegetated subtropical rainforest and forest oak-wet forest vegetation communities. Weed density is low across the site, yet large areas along the riverbank remain unvegetated and would largely benefit from planting.

Given the low vegetative cover across the site, erosion and soil degradation present a large risk to the riverbank when future flooding events occur. Flood waters can bring in weeds and remove existing vegetation.

Although low in quantity, the diversity of weeds found at Canoe Club pose a considerable threat to the existing vegetation communities. Species such as moonflower (Ipomoea alba), hairy commelina (Commelina benghalenin), greenleaf desmodium (Desmodium intortum) and climbing asparagus (Asparagus plumosis) are all present at the site, and have the potential to supress, smother and kill native seedlings if allowed to establish and expand.

Systematic weed control (primary, follow-up and maintenance) will be undertaken at Canoe Club site. Approximately 100 subtropical rainforest and river oak-wet forest trees are to be planted.

Canoe Club site with previous plantings having established successfully.

The vegetation at Claude Riley Reserve is associated with swamp oak – tuckeroo swamp fringe forest and dry rainforest. Weed infestation occurs throughout the Reserve.

The site is subject to steep gradients and vertical escarpments, which pose considerable risk if traversed. These steep areas are occupied by mature exotic species (typically camphor laurel and small-leaved privet) which are providing root structure and reduce the risk of erosion.

Woody and vine weeds present significantly reduce the diversity, structure and function of native vegetation. Native germination is evident at the site indicating the potential for ecological restoration with systematic weed control. The soils and topography at Claude Riley Reserve make it highly susceptible to soil erosion and degradation.

Systematic weed control (primary, follow-up and maintenance) will be undertaken at Claude Riley Reserve. This will assist natural regeneration of native plants in place of weeds.

Dry rainforest at Claude Riley Reserve

Currie Park comprises of remnant and regenerating lowland subtropical rainforest. The northern area of the site has been modified as a mixed species parkland, with a semi-aquatic open grassland community occurring in through the central area of the site. Weed presence across the site is low and maintained, however an abundance of woody and vine weeds occur within the more open zones.

Currie Park provides habitat for threatened plant and animal species including thorny pea (Pedlaya acanthocladum), sweet myrtle (Gossia fragrantissima) and white-eared monarch (Carterornis leucotis).

NSW threatened species and Lismore City Council records identify the white bellied sea eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster), grey-headed flying fox (Pteropus poliocephalus) ball nut (Floydia praealta), red lilly pilly (Syzygium hodgkinsine), southern ochrosia (Ochrosia moorei) and arrow-head vine (Tinospora tinosporoides) also occur at Currie Park. 

Threats to ecosystems at Currie Park include weed invasion, flooding and rubbish dumping.

Weed control to assist natural regeneration will be implemented throughout Currie Park. A mix of 1000 rainforest and wetland species will be planted to extend and connect habitat.

The vegetation at Gasworks creek is currently well maintained, comprised of a mostly comprising of revegetated lowland subtropical rainforest, marginal river oak wet forest and forest red gum vegetation communities. Despite regular weed control maintenance, heavy erosion has occurred along much of the site’s riverbanks, with extensive landslips prominent. Regeneration has begun to occur in these areas.

A population of thorny pea (Pedleya acanthocladum) occurs near the riverbank. NSW threatened species records also identified a koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) being previous located at the site.

Landslips and riverbank degradation are the dominant threatening process at the site. Gasworks Creek experiences regular inundation during flooding events. Floods can uproot and removing trees and bring in weeds.

While regular maintenance is undertaken at Gasworks Creek, a high diversity of weeds occurs along the vegetation margins. This is particularly apparent in the younger planting in the sites north, where a diverse array of annual, woody and vine weeds have begun to colonise the area.

Systematic weed control (primary, follow-up and maintenance) will be undertaken at Riverside Park. This will assist natural regeneration of native plants in place of weeds.

A forest red gum community occurs on the southern margin of Gasworks Creek

A multitude of wetland dependent flora and fauna are found at Lismore Lake, which provides crucial habitat and refuge. Lismore Lake is a modified wetland ecosystem, incorporating a mixture of Northern Lowland Swamp Turpentine – Red Gum Forest, Far North River Oak Wet Forest and numerous subtropical rainforest species.

Dense infestations of woody and vine weeds are present limiting the ability for a native seedbank to establish and revegetate. Weeds include coastal morning glory (Ipomoea cairica), silverleaf desmodium (Desmodium uncinatum), climbing asparagus (Asparagus plumosis), cats claw creeper (Dolichandra unguis-cati), moonflower (Ipomoea alba), camphor laurel (Cinnamomum camphora) and common coral tree (Erythrina x sykesii). Weed control requires primary work and ongoing maintenance to ensure native plants come to dominate the area in place of weeds.

Planned works include systematic weed control and revegetation with a diverse array of swamp turpentine – red gum forest and river oak-wet forest trees and lomandra.

Lismore Lake provides habitat for many birds. The edges of the lake are degraded by vine and woody weeds.

Molesworth Street is in an overall moderate condition, with a mature subtropical rainforest planting dominated by small-leaved fig (Ficus obliqua), black bean (Castanospermum australe) and three-veined laurel (Cryptocarya triplenervis). Although weed density is low throughout this central area, the northern and southern margins of the site are subject to a dense coverage of woody weeds, vines and invasive sprawlers, largely inhibiting the native restoration occurring in these areas.

Two populations of thorny pea (Pedleya acanthocladum) occur in the northern and central areas of the site.

While minimal through the central rainforest community, a dense and diverse coverage of weeds occurs in the northern and southern margins. Serious weeds include balloon vine (Cardiospermum grandiflorum), cats claw creeper (Dolichandra unguis-cati), small-leaved privet (Ligustrum sinense) and coastal morning glory (Ipomoea cairica). As these species have rapid growth rates, can smother and kill native vegetation and have the potential to further encroach across the site. These weeds will be prioritised for control during bush regeneration undertaken.

Flooding is a regular event at the site, situated behind the Lismore levy.

Systematic weed control (primary, follow-up and maintenance) will be undertaken at Molesworth Street. Approximately 150 rainforest trees will be planted along the northern margins of the riverbank, increasing stability and habitat.

Molesworth Street northern area has established native trees and is well maintained.

Prichard Park is in an overall good condition, with a diversity of species from Dry Subtropical Rainforest and Far North River Oak – Wet Forest vegetation communities. Regular maintenance occurs through the heart of the site, resulting in low weed presence and diversity. However, a dense mass of weeds occurs in the sites northern area.

A population of thorny pea (Pedleya acanthocladum) occurs on the northern margins of the site’s riverbank. A small, critically endangered scrub turpentine (Rhodamnia rubescens) was also found in the site’s boundaries.

A rough-shelled bush nut (Macadamia tetraphylla) and coolamon (Syzygium moorei) are present, presumed planted.

While most of the site is well maintained, a diverse patch of weeds has established in sites more open northern boundary. Dominant species include blue morning glory (Ipomoea indica), small-leaved privet (Ligustrum sinense), cats claw creeper (Dolichandra unguis-cati), greenleaf desmodium (Desmodium intortum) and white mulberry (Morus alba).

Located opposite the Lismore levy, Prichard Park is another site regularly inundated during flooding events. The developed vegetation at the park has reduced the risk of riverbank erosion greatly.

Systematic weed control (primary, follow-up and maintenance) will be undertaken at Pritchard Park. Approximately 1700 subtropical rainforest and river oak-wet forest trees are to be planted within the open areas of the park. A further 1500 Lomandra will be incorporated into a buffer planting along, aimed at providing stability to the riverbank and accompanying diversity planting.

Pritchard Park open areas and well maintained established riparian vegetation.

Riverside Park is in a well-maintained condition, supporting a diverse mixture of subtropical rainforest, forest oak and forest red gum vegetation communities. Weed control has been undertaken across the site, with low weed density except for the northern site boundary. Significant erosion has also occurred across the site riverbanks, where large areas have slipped and become unstable despite native regeneration beginning to occur.

Thorny pea (Pedleya acanthocladum) individuals and sweet myrtle (Gossia fragrantissima) occur at Riverside Park. NSW threatened species records also identified a koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) being previous located at the site.

Although regeneration has begun to occur through this central section, the area still remains largely open and patchy with vegetation, making it highly susceptible to soil erosion and degradation. Landslips and riverbank degradation are evident throughout the site, compromising vegetations ability to establish and further stabilise soils

While in low numbers and diversity, weeds with rapid growth rates such as balloon vine (Cardiospermum grandiflorum), common coral tree (Erythrina x sykesii), coastal morning glory (Ipomoea cairica) and greenleaf desmodium (Desmodium intortum) occur through the site.

Systematic weed control (primary, follow-up and maintenance) will be undertaken at Riverside Park. This will assist natural regeneration of native plants in place of weeds. Plantings include a diverse array of 820 subtropical rainforest and river oak-wet forest trees. A buffer strip planting of around 1500 lomandra will contribute to riverbank stability and minimise future degradation.

Riverside Park revegetated river oak vegetation community.

Rotary Park is centrally located near the Lismore Base Hospital. The Park has cultural significance as a meeting place and camp site.

Rotary Park vegetation is a mix of remnant and regenerated subtropical rainforest, hoop pine dry rainforest and brush box – tallowwood wet forest vegetation communities. A walking track from the north-west boundary allows access to the site’s remnant, which is in a well-kept condition with minimal weed presence. A strong weed presence occurs along the eastern and southeastern boundaries however, which is well established and dominating over native regeneration.

Threatened species include a population of thorny pea (Pedleya acanthocladum) and an individual ball nut (Floydia praealta). Numerous arrowhead vine (Tinospora tinosporoides) occur throughout the remnant.

NSW threatened species and Lismore City Council records identify the southern ochrosia (Ochrosia moorei), sweet myrtle (Gossia fragrantissima), scrub turpentine (Rhodamnia rubescens), native guava (Rhodomyrtus psidioides), spiny gardenia (Randia moorei), northern clematis (Clematis fawcettii), camerons tarenna (Triflorensia cameronii), axebreaker (Coatesia paniculata), grey-headed flying fox (Pteropus poliocephalus), shorter rainforest ground beetle (Nurus brevis) and rose -crowned fruit dove (Ptilinopus regina) to also occur at the site.

The impact of dumping, stormwater and flying fox and ibis colonies within the reserve present ongoing management challenges.

Systematic weed control (primary, follow-up and maintenance) will be undertaken at Rotary Park. This will assist natural regeneration of native plants in place of weeds.

Rotary Park’s remnant vegetation remains largely in-tact and well maintained.

Sandy Point is a Ngulingah Local Aboriginal Land Council property located on the Wilson River downstream from Lismore. Riparian vegetation is in an overall good condition, containing a re-established forest red gum community. Koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) are known to occur at the site.

The riverbank, however, has experienced significant erosion, with large areas degraded or missing entirely resulting in significant landslips and vertical drops.

Landslips and riverbank erosion are the site’s main threat, compromising vegetations ability to establish and further stabilise soils.

Woody and vine weeds have begun to re-establish around the site’s margins, namely common coral tree (Erythrina x sykesii), moonflower (Ipomoea alba), red mulberry (Morus rubra) and greenleaf desmodium (Desmodium intortum). These species all have the potential to outcompete, smother and kill young native seedlings regenerating.

A well-maintained dry eucalypt community at Sandy Point. Riverbanks in the north have endured significant erosion.

Native vegetation at Simes Bridge East has been degraded, with a high density of exotic species. Limited native plant species occur on site.

Dominant weed species include cats claw creeper (Dolichandra unguis-cati), ochna (Ochna serrulata), small-leaved privet (Ligustrum sinense) camphor laurel (Cinnamomum camphora), chinese celtis (Celtis cinensis) and coral tree (Erythrina x sykesii). These invasive species can significantly reduce the diversity, structure and function of native vegetation communities through increased pressure for resources (i.e. light, space, nutrients), suppressed germination and smothering of native plants.

Simes Bridge East is subjected to regular inundation during major and minor flooding events.

Systematic weed control (primary, follow-up and maintenance) will be undertaken at Simes Bridge East.

Cats Claw Creeper, other vine weeds and woody weeds occur through Simes Bridge East.

Simes Bridge West contains a mix of revegetated and naturally regenerated species. Forest red gum occurs through the site (likely planted), along with dry subtropical rainforest. Weed occurrence is patchy, however dense infestation do occur in select areas across the site.

Threatened plant species present include thorny pea (Pedleya acanthocladum) and rough-shelled bush nut (Macadamia tetraphylla) and coolamon (Syzygium moorei).

Weed threats include moonflower (Ipomoea alba), hairy commelina (Commelina benghalenin), small-leaved privet (Ligustrum sinense) and chinese celtis (Celtis cinensis). These species can reduce the diversity, structure and function of native vegetation communities through competition and smothering.

Simes Bridge West is regularly inundated during major and minor flooding events, which can greatly vary in intensity and height. Flooding can pose a key threat to riverbank vegetation communities, by uprooting and removing trees caught in floodwater, introducing a diversity of weeds from upstream infestations and eroding large areas of riverbank limiting the vegetation that can occur there.

Weed control to assist natural regeneration will be implemented throughout Simes Bridge West. A mix of 1050 rainforest and wetland species is being planted to extend and connect habitat.

Simes Bridge West has areas of dense vine and woody weeds.

South Lismore Duck Pond Landcare volunteers are rehabilitating the South Lismore Duck Pond and a section of Leycester Creek. Wetland habitats are regenerated and rehabilitated through weed control and revegetation.

The sites dominant weed species include common coral tree (Erythrina x sykesii), moonflower (Ipomoea alba), coastal morning glory (Ipomoea carica) hairy commelina (Commelina benghalenin), white mulberry (Morus alba) and elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) in the northern and eastern areas. The site is regularly inundated during both major and minor flooding events.

The site includes informal walking tracks, open grassy recreational areas, picnic tables and access directly to the river at water level.

Planned works include systematic weed control and planting a diverse array of around 1100 subtropical rainforest and river oak-wet forest trees.

Entrance to South Lismore Duck Pond