Biodiversity

The Lithgow local government area has a variety of flora and fauna. Past practices have contributed to the decline of some of these species, so much that they now are now regarded as endangered or vulnerable and in one case presumed extinct. However, during recent years the habitat of the Purple Copper Butterfly and the Regent Honeyeater have received much attention with improvements being made.

State of Biodiversity

The state of biodiversity during 2004/05 is illustrated using the following key indicators.

Pressure to Biodiversity

The drought, the presence of pest animals, the loss of habitat and the invasion of weeds continue to be the main impacts on flora and fauna species. To address these issues ongoing funds, volunteer time and community support is required.

Response to Biodiversity

The response to the state and pressures of biodiversity during 2004/05 includes:

• The draft Regulation and supporting information to guide the implementation of the Native Vegetation Act 2003 was placed on public exhibition. The Act and Regulations are expected to commence next year.

• The Lithgow and District Community Nursery distributed approximately 40,000 native tubestock to numerous organisations and individuals.

• The Rydal Village Association has undertaken numerous projects to improve the appearance of Rydal and its biodiversity. These include:
• Establishing gardens in Greg Featherstone Park.
• Construction of Pioneers Park at the Showground including the removal of exotic tree species and planting of native species.
• Planting of 2,500 native trees in the streets of Rydal in conjunction with Council's exotic street tree planting program.
• Removing willows and planting native species along sections of Solitary Creek.

• The Regent Honeyeater Recovery Project continues to provide and improve the habitat for the Regent Honeyeater. Activities undertaken have included:
• In August 2004 planting resulted in 3,500 trees and shrubs being planted by volunteers on 2 properties near Bogee.
• In May 2005, 4,000 seedlings were planted on a property at Crown Station Road, Capertee by 100 people.

• Funding for weed removal works has been secured from the following:
• Department of Lands and Primary Industries for Hassans Walls Reserve.
• Hawkesbury Nepean Catchment Management Authority for Hassans Walls Reserve, Hyde Park and Dargan Reserves.

• The Local Government Advisory Group has provided 2 grants to Council for works within the Capertee and Wolgan Valleys. These grants will focus on improving biodiversity, reducing salinity, erosion and pests and increase community awareness and participation in environmental management.

Current Actions 2005/06

The following actions are planned for 2005/06:

• Completion of the weed removal and environmental improvement grants.