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 Smoky Cape, Hat Head, Crescent Head and Point Plomer. This spraying will be taking place between Monday 20 May and 31 May 2024 (weather dependent) to treat Bitou Bush infestations along headlands and costal foreshores. Some beaches, headlands, roads and walking tracks between Smoky Cape and North Shore 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.
For updates on the spraying program and temporary closures visit: www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au, or call the NPWS Macleay office on (02) 6561 6700.
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:
- Smoky Beach from Hat Head to Smoky Cape
- Smoky Cape Lighthouse
- Smoky Cape Picnic Area
- Jack Perkins Walking Track
- Green Island Fire Trail
Hat Head National Park:
- 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 Thirds Beach
- Connors Hill Trail
- Korogoro Circuit Walking Track
- The Gap carpark
Crescent Head and Point Plomer Area:
- Back Crescent Beach Access
- Goolawah Beach
- Barries Beach and Plomer Road
- Big Hill Walking Track
- Queens Head Picnic Area
- North Shore Beach (adjacent to Limeburners National Park
- North Shore Beach access tracks
- Plomer Road - Queens Head to Broken Bit
