Some of the most ecologically sensitive areas at Macarthur Memorial Park have been heavily impacted by invasive species – particularly African Olive, which has spread aggressively across the region over many years. In these areas, native plants have struggled to survive under the dense shade and competition created by this fast-growing species.
To protect the long-term health and stability of the bushland, our environmental team is undertaking a staged program to remove African Olive and gradually rebuild a thriving, self-sustaining ecosystem. This work is essential not only for restoring biodiversity but also for preventing serious future risks such as soil instability on steep slopes.
Phase 1 – primary removal
The first step is carefully removing mature African Olive trees and dense clusters of invasive weeds. This opens the canopy and allows light to reach the ground again, giving native plants a chance to re-establish.
Phase 2 – reducing mass weed infestation
After primary removal, the soil is often dominated by invasive weeds. Ongoing follow-up control is essential to prevent reinfestation and to slowly reduce the weed mass to manageable levels.
Phase 3 – restoring the native seed bank
Once the area is stabilised, we begin reintroducing native species through planting and seeding. Over time, this helps rebuild a healthy natural seed bank and encourages long-term ecological stability.
Preventing soil instability and long-term risks
African Olive can root deeply into steep slopes and escarpments. If left untreated, the root systems can rot after the plants die naturally, leading to soil creep or even landslip. By removing them in a controlled stage-by-stage effort, we protect both the environment and the future safety of the landscape.
How African Olive spreads
Birds play a major role in dispersing African Olive seeds after consuming the fruit, which is why the species appears so widely across the region. Without intervention, it quickly takes over native bushland in the same way as other invasive plants such as lantana and blackberry.
A long-term commitment
Some areas, including the escarpment, have contained thousands of African Olive plants growing unchecked for many years. Restoring these landscapes will take time, resources and consistent effort – but the long-term benefits for biodiversity, soil health and habitat resilience are invaluable.
Supporting native regrowth
Targeted spraying of African Olives and other invasive weeds allows native plants to re-establish, creating healthier habitat corridors throughout the park. This improves conditions for native birds, reptiles, and mammals – many of which have already been identified through our camera trap program.
Our approach focuses on minimal disruption, careful application, and long-term ecological stewardship.
Caring for the park today, protecting it for tomorrow
These efforts are part of the broader commitment to maintaining Macarthur Memorial Park as a place of natural beauty and environmental responsibility. By removing invasive species and supporting native regrowth, we’re protecting the landscape for future generations and ensuring the park remains a peaceful, healthy environment for all who visit.
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