Manly GC Vegetation Plan Update 2024

Manly Golf Club Vegetation Management Plan

Executive Summary and Landscape Concepts Version 1.2023

VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PLAN VERSION 1.2023

1

Juncus kraussii – Sea Rush, Riparian zone between 3rd fairway and green.

VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR MANLY GOLF CLUB

Executive Summary Acknowledgments Luke Partridge – Course Superintendent MGC (2017-2022) Tom Bradley – Head Horticulturalist MGC Craig Parry – Course Architect Harley Kruse – Landscape and Biodiversity consultant Dennis Brewer, Jack Lutze Leon Blacker – Course Superintendent MGC (2023-Current) VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PLAN VERSION 1.2023

2

Foreword

“This area was low-lying, a few feet above sea level, a land of marshes and bogs, covered with rank vegetation and occasional patches of evil-looking water”. “In times of heavy rainfall, the area was flooded and became an extension of the Manly Lagoon”.

Charles Henry Bertie 1946.

It is important to recognise that we have at Manly some of the most significant and environmentally sensitive urban green space on the Northern Beaches. When playing the course, it’s easy to forget how much the vegetation ties the golf course together, offering corridors for our fairways, tees and greens. Since the re-development of the course, the landscape has become so dense in places, that it dominates the golf course and detracts from the golf experience by contributing to ball loss and slow play.

A long history of well intentioned “over planting” compounded by the onerous re-vegetation requirements placed upon the club by council during the course re-development, have created a situation where the landscape encroaches the playing corridor, altering playing lines and resulting in the loss of golf course vistas as well as negatively impacting turf health and limiting accessibility to perform general maintenance.

The correct trees and understorey appropriately spaced and in the right locations can enhance the landscape and the golfing experience. It is also important that the vegetation contributes to a resilient and sustainable landscape – by using plants and natural plant groupings that are in balance with the local climate and environment, resource inputs can be minimised.

The purpose of the Vegetation Management Plan is to provide the Club Committee and Management with clear strategies and actions for sustainable vegetation management that can be readily integrated with other course management systems and processes. The desired outcome is a visually pleasing and maintainable course landscape that enhances the golfer’s experience.

Luke Partridge Course Superintendent

VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PLAN VERSION 1.2023

3

Introduction In July 2012 Manly Golf Club opened its new golf course. The incorporation of many environmental features added both strategic and visual benefits to the golf experience. The Club removed several hundred meters of storm-water pipes to bring the natural water hazards into play. This was a windfall for the local environment with the addition of 7000 square meters of valuable aquatic habitat. The Club also converted almost 8 hectares of turf to native landscape with over 250,000 native plants established. The variety of the over 60 different species of local flora has attracted many new birds and other wildlife. In the 10 years since reopening, the native plantings have been so successful, that they have begun to dominate the golfing corridor.

A strong focus of the Vegetation Management Plan is to protect, maintain, and enhance where necessary, existing vegetation that is best suited to the local environment, while removing dense understorey that contributes heavily to ball loss, slow play and limits accessibility to perform basic maintenance such as weed control.

The course spans two parcels of land which have different vegetation communities and associated challenges. The North Links is low-lying ground with saline ponds, freshwater creeks and tidal saltwater estuaries dominated by Casuarina trees and Swamp paper barks. The South Links is slightly more elevated providing a parkland feel with freshwater streams and ponds and a small sandstone escarpment around the 13th tee complex.

The vegetation frames the playing areas, characterises the course and ‘finishes’ the golfing environment. The vegetation should be sustainable in terms of maintenance, climate resilience and compatibility with turf culture.

Part 1 of the VMP addresses the management objectives, strategies and actions for Manly Golf Club. Part 2 contains landscape concept plans for the course. For each hole, landscape concept plans identify the key landscape character elements and define a high-level landscape concept.

VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PLAN VERSION 1.2023

4

Landscape Values & Planning

Landscape Categories For clarity in future works the course can be divided into three vegetation categories determined by the predominant vegetation type:

Key landscape assets Manly golf club has several key landscape assets that are unique to the course and should be preserved and accentuated in the future.

These key elements are: • • •

A mixture of fresh water and saline creeks, ponds and water bodies which dissect the course and provide key features on numerous holes. (e.g., 8th & 17th) The presence of many mature desirable native trees that frame holes, add to the open parkland feel of the course and provide habitat to native fauna.

Dense areas of native understorey planting in course extremities that provide seasonal flowering and character.

Native vegetation The sites native vegetation community is the Swamp Oak Floodplain Forest. By identifying the vegetation community, we are provided with a blueprint for success. It allows us to better perform species selection and increase biodiversity in the landscape. This also assists in designing planting plans and monitoring the revegetation of areas based on species numbers. The emphasis is on replacing unwanted plants with locally indigenous native species.

Native fauna The fragmentation of natural bushland areas in Manly has reduced the viability of habitat in many bushland reserves to support populations of native fauna. This places Manly golf club in a unique position wherein our vegetation plan can directly encourage native fauna communities to establish on site. There is an abundance of native birds, reptiles, insects and mammals on site already. Through the revegetation of native plant species and habitat construction the site aims to cater for an ever-increasing population of native fauna.

Landscape sustainability Whilst the primary role of the vegetation is to define and frame the playing areas, it must also be sustainable in terms of maintenance, climate resilience and compatibility with turf culture.

Landscapes in which the original diversity of native species is still intact are generally more resilient than depleted or modified landscapes. This is most evident in the lower areas of the north side where a range of native Juncus spp. thrive in the brackish, saline waterways. Due to the site’s exposure to flooding and runoff, invasive trees, shrubs and grasses are constantly being managed and replaced with more desirable and suitable native species. This ensures that the landscape remains sustainable, and that the biodiversity isn’t threatened by weeds that monopolise the landscape. The future of a successful golf course landscape is one that offers long term sustainability with minimal input of water, fertilisers and labour.

VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PLAN VERSION 1.2023

Category 1: Non-native vegetation Vegetation that has been planted and is not native to the local area. The most common examples are introduced conifers (e.g. Pinus radiata) and species native to other parts of Australia, e.g.

Willow Myrtle (WA).

Category 2: Native vegetation Vegetation that is indigenous to, or naturally occurring at, Manly Golf Course. The vegetation may be remnant or grown and planted from seed of local native species. The native vegetation areas are evident in almost all areas redeveloped in the course redesign completed in 2012.

Category 3: Riparian Zone Vegetation lining the numerous fresh and saltwater creeks around the course. Riparian zones support a diverse range of vegetation, help maintain bank stability, and increase biodiversity.

Maintaining these areas supports cleaner water, reduces pest and disease pressure and helps retain nutrients and soil.

Landscape concept planning Landscape concept plans have been developed to describe the existing and future character of each hole. These contain actionable steps that will ensure the course landscapes are managed with continuity and sustainability in mind. This approach will allow us to focus on the following: Visual interest An increased diversity of plant types from ground flora through to understorey shrubs, and up into tree canopy, will provide a great diversity of foliage colour, texture and form along with the benefit of seasonal flowering throughout the year. Plant selections will aim to always have plants flowering somewhere on the course all year round.

Screening The more we can reduce the visual impact of the built form around the golf course and any nongolf activity the better. Where the dimensions allow vegetation will be the screen. Where the dimensions are too tight a combination of vegetation and brushwood type panel fencing will create a physical screen. This will aim to screen areas of built form such as roads, houses, factories and the maintenance facility.

Course playability It is important that the golf course landscape remains golf friendly. This can be maintained through proper plant selection and usage. A more gradual transition from turf to landscape areas wherein turf meets low ground flora, then grasses, then smaller shrubs to understorey planting and trees will help improve pace of play. This may require some areas to be replanted in order to re-establish layers of landscape.

5

Capitalising on non-golf play areas By identifying non-play areas around the course, we can convert them into to more densely planted naturalised areas with a mix of planting types including a range native grasses, understorey and ground flora depending on the proximity to golf. This will reduce maintenance and improve the aesthetics of the area whilst not hampering golfers or affecting pace of play.

Management of carries Carries from tees to fairways are a feature prevalent throughout the course. They define the tee boxes and frame the view of the golf hole ahead. Vegetation in these areas must be predominantly low growing plants that tapers down in density as it gets closer to the turf.

Ecology & Biodiversity Increasing the variety of species planted and the density at which they are planted will increase biodiversity on site. A range of local flora types will provide food and habitat to support a wide range of fauna throughout the year with nectar, seeds, and fruit all providing food sources. This will lead to an increase in birdlife, mammals, insects and amphibians which will offer members and guests a greater experience.

VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PLAN VERSION 1.2023

6

Management Issues

Management Objectives

The vegetation management plan aims to protect and enhance desired vegetation, by addressing and monitoring a range of factors that can negatively affect the landscape. These enhanced areas need to be managed so they maintain their function and aesthetic appeal. Some issues that affect these areas include: Irrigation water Irrigation over-spray from playing areas can greatly promote weed growth and require extra labour spraying or hand weeding.

Flooding Manly is exposed to flooding several times a year wherein high nutrient stormwater runoff enters and flows over the site. This causes the formation of highly fertile silt deposits and brings weed seed onto the site. These conditions are ideal for weed growth and directly alter the soil profile on the site. Due to its positioning at the bottom of the catchment area, Manly Golf Club is in a constant state of weed recruitment.

OBJECTIVE 1: To maintain and enhance the desired landscape character and visual amenity of the course.

The vegetation management plan aims to conserve and enhance the existing landscape character of Manly golf club. A more cohesive and attractive landscape will be created by conserving and reinforcing the high-quality landscape character elements and replacing or improving poor quality elements.

Trampling Foot, buggy and cart traffic can compact soil, damage plants, increase erosion and disturb the soil encouraging weed growth.

OBJECTIVE 2: To develop a sustainable landscape that lends itself to maintenance practices relevant to turf culture.

Vegetation maintenance work Maintenance work must be conducted with existing plant health in mind. This is particularly important for tree work, where falling branches can damage shrubs and understorey plantings.

Where tall stands of shrubs and small trees have been planted too close to the playing corridor or cart path, the vegetation will be removed and replaced with more suitable species to eliminate the presence of internal hedges that require unnecessary maintenance.

Non- Essential Gardens Many small gardens on course add to maintenance pressure and become weed infested very quickly. The maintenance requirements of these areas require a huge number of resources to present them to an acceptable level. Non-essential gardens are to be identified, removed and replaced, in most cases with turf.

Herbicides, pesticides & fertilisers

The landscape areas frame the golf course and therefore must be designed with golf playability and turf cultural practices in mind. This means that landscape areas and playing areas shouldn’t impede the maintenance efforts of each other and should be managed cohesively.

OBJECTIVE 3: To preserve and maintain the natural biodiversity.

The greatest risk to the vegetation is the loss of biological diversity. To ensure biodiversity remains on course, a wide range of suitable native species have been selected for the revegetation of certain areas. This will ensure that the course has a range of native plants that will attract native fauna to the site.

Chemical drift from playing corridors can injure or damage plants and promote weed growth.

Weeds Weed germination is a large issue due to the ease at which weed seed enters the site and readily germinates on highly fertile soils.

Introduced fauna The course is frequented by foxes, feral cats and rabbits. These pests can prey on native fauna and decimate native flora all while spreading weeds on their fur coats.

Vegetation removal Vegetation removal due to illness, failure or impact on turf culture can open an area up for weeds to germinate. It is important to plan future planting to minimise this.

Changing climate VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PLAN VERSION 1.2023

Everchanging climatic conditions require the need for resilient plant choices. With our last drought ending in 2020 and torrential rain and flooding in 2022 it is important to plan for weather extremes. Hardy native plants that can deal with differing climates and are still appropriate for a golf course setting are ideal.

7

Flora List Trees

Shrubs & Low Trees

Herbs & Climbers

Allocasuarina distyla

Shrub She-oak

Acacia terminalis

Sunshine Wattle

Billardiera scandens

Apple Berry Dumplings

Allocasuarina littoralis

Black She-oak

Acacia linifolia

Flax-leaved Wattle

Eustrephus latifolius

Wombat Berry

Allocasuarina glauca

Swamp She-oak

Acacia longifolia

Sydney Golden Wattle

Glycine clandestina

Love Creeper

Angophora costata

Sydney Red Gum

Acacia suaveolens

Sweet-scented Wattle

Kennedia rubicunda

Dusky Coral Pea

Banksia integrifolia

Coast Banksia

Acacia ulicifolia

Prickly Moses

Hardenbergia violacea

False Sarseparilla

Banksia serrata

Saw-tooth Banksia

Banksia ericifolia

Heath-leaved Banksia

Pomax umbellate

Pomax

Casuarina glauca

Swamp She-oak

Angophora hispida

Dwarf Apple

Xanthosia pilosa

Woolly Xanthosia

Corymbia gummifera

Red Bloodwood

Banksia oblongifolia

Fern-leaved Banksia

Eucalyptus botryoides

Bangalay

Banksia spinulosa

Hairpin Banksia

Saline Areas

Eucalyptus capifelliata

Brown Stringybark

Callistemon citrinus

Crimson Bottlebrush

Carpobrotus glaucescens

Pig Face

Eucalyptus haemastoma

Scribbly Gum

Grevillea buxifolia

Grey Spider Flower

Ficinia nodosa

Knobby Club Rush

Eucalyptus piperita

Sydney Peppermint

Grevillea linearifolia

White Spider Flower

Juncus spp.

Sea Rush

Eucalyptus resinifera

Red Mahogany

Grevillea sericea

Pink Spider Flower

Salicornia quinqueflora

Glasswort/ Samphire

Eucalyptus robusta

Swamp Mahogany

Grevillea speciosa

Red Spider Flower

Suaeda australis

Austral Seablite

Eucalyptus sieberi

Silvertop Ash

Hakea gibbosa

Needle-brush Hakea

Eucalyptus umbra

Blood-leaved White Mahogany

Leptospermum laevigatum

Coastal Tea-tree

Ficus rubiginosa

Port Jackson Fig

Lepidosperma viscidum

Sticky Sword-sedge

Melaleuca ericifolia

Swamp Paperbark

Melaleuca nodosa

Prickly-leaved Paperbark

Melaleuca linearifolia

Snow-in-Summer

Persoonia levis

Broad-leaved Geebung

Melaleuca quinquenervia

Broad-leaved Paperbark

Pimelia linifolia

Rice Flower

Melaleuca stypheloides

Prickly-leaved Paperbark

Pultanaea stipularis

Fine-leaf Bush Pea

Syncarpia glomulifera

Turpentine

Ozothamnus diosmifolium

Everlasting Paper Daisy

Syzygium paniculatum

Magerita Lilly Pilly

Ricinocarpus pinifolius

Wedding Bush

Syzygium smithii

Lilly Pilly

Viminaria juncea

Native Broom

VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PLAN VERSION 1.2023

Grasses, Sedges & Rushes Baumea juncea

Baumea

Dianella caerulea

Blue Flax Lily

Dichelachne crinate

Plume Grass

Dichelachne micrantha

Short Hair Plume Grass

Entolasia spp

Entolasia species

Gahnia clarkeii

Tall Saw-sedge

Lobelia anceps

Lobelia

Lomandra spp. (glauca)

Mat Rush

Microlaena stipoides

Weaping Meadow Grass

Poa spp. (affinis)

Native Poa Grass

Themeda australis

Kangaroo Grass

Festuca spp

Sheep’s Fescue

Carex spp

Carex species 8

Trees Allocasuarina distyla

Shrub She-oak

Allocasuarina littoralis

Black She-oak

Allocasuarina glauca

Swamp She-oak

Angophora costata

Sydney Red Gum

Banksia integrifolia

Coast Banksia

Banksia serrata

Saw-tooth Banksia

Casuarina glauca

Swamp She-oak

Corymbia gummifera

Red Bloodwood

Eucalyptus botryoides

Bangalay

Eucalyptus capifelliata

Brown Stringybark

Eucalyptus haemastoma

Scribbly Gum

Eucalyptus piperita

Sydney Peppermint

Eucalyptus resinifera

Red Mahogany

Eucalyptus robusta

Swamp Mahogany

Eucalyptus sieberi

Silvertop Ash

Eucalyptus umbra

Blood-leaved White Mahogany

Ficus rubiginosa

Port Jackson Fig

Melaleuca ericifolia

Swamp Paperbark

Melaleuca linearifolia

Snow-in-Summer

Melaleuca quinquenervia

Broad-leaved Paperbark

Melaleuca stypheloides

Prickly-leaved Paperbark

Syncarpia glomulifera

Turpentine

Syzygium paniculatum

Magerita Lilly Pilly

Syzygium smithii

Lilly Pilly

VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PLAN VERSION 1.2023

9

Shrubs & Low Trees Acacia terminalis

Sunshine Wattle

Acacia linifolia

Flax-leaved Wattle

Acacia longifolia

Sydney Golden Wattle

Acacia suaveolens

Sweet-scented Wattle

Acacia ulicifolia

Prickly Moses

Banksia ericifolia

Heath-leaved Banksia

Angophora hispida

Dwarf Apple

Banksia oblongifolia

Fern-leaved Banksia

Banksia spinulosa

Hairpin Banksia

Callistemon citrinus

Crimson Bottlebrush

Grevillea buxifolia

Grey Spider Flower

Grevillea linearifolia

White Spider Flower

Grevillea sericea

Pink Spider Flower

Grevillea speciosa

Red Spider Flower

Hakea gibbosa

Needle-brush Hakea

Leptospermum laevigatum

Coastal Tea-tree

Lepidosperma viscidum

Sticky Sword-sedge

Melaleuca nodosa

Prickly-leaved Paperbark

Persoonia levis

Broad-leaved Geebung

Pimelia linifolia

Rice Flower

Pultanaea stipularis

Fine-leaf Bush Pea

Ozothamnus diosmifolium

Everlasting Paper Daisy

Ricinocarpus pinifolius

Wedding Bush

Viminaria juncea

Native Broom

VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PLAN VERSION 1.2023

10

Herbs & Climbers Billardiera scandens

Apple Berry Dumplings

Eustrephus latifolius

Wombat Berry

Glycine clandestina

Love Creeper

Kennedia rubicunda

Dusky Coral Pea

Hardenbergia violacea

False Sarseparilla

Pomax umbellate

Pomax

Xanthosia pilosa

Woolly Xanthosia

Saline Areas Carpobrotus glaucescens

Pig Face

Ficinia nodosa

Knobby Club Rush

Juncus kraussii

Sea Rush

Juncus continuus

Juncus spp.

Juncus usitatus

Common Rush

Salicornia quinqueflora

Glasswort/ Samphire

Suaeda australis

Austral Seablite

VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PLAN VERSION 1.2023

11

Grasses, Sedges & Rushes Baumea juncea

Baumea

Dianella caerulea

Blue Flax Lily

Dichelachne crinata

Plume Grass

Dichelachne micrantha

Short Hair Plume Grass

Entolasia spp

Entolasia species

Gahnia clarkeii

Tall Saw-sedge

Lobelia anceps

Lobelia

Lomandra spp. (glauca)

Mat Rush

Microlaena stipoides

Weaping Meadow Grass

Poa affinis

Native Poa Grass

Poa larbilardieri

Eskdale

Poa poiformis

Tussock Grass

Themeda australis

Kangaroo Grass

Festuca spp

Sheep’s Fescue

Carex spp

Carex species

VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PLAN VERSION 1.2023

12

Manly Golf Club

Landscape Concept Plans VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PLAN VERSION 1.2023

13

Introduction Landscape Character Zones Landscape Character Zone 1 (LCZ 1). Native Tussock grasses including but not limited to Poa labilladieri, Carex appressa, Festuca spp. Fine textured grasses offer greater density and offer competition for weed germination. These areas require low annual maintenance inputs and are to be made accessible for machinery.

Timeframe for completion: LCZ 1 timeframe varies from 3 months to a year from the time of clearing depending on the climatic conditions at the time of clearing. The 2 months post clearing works the only activity these areas will see is glyphosate spraying to control germinating weeds before seeding can take place. After several sprays the area should be almost 100% weed free & ready for seeding, climatic conditions will determine how quickly the grass establishes & how quickly native grasses can be planted in these areas.

Landscape Character Zone 1 – LCZ 1 (ie. Right hand side of 15th hole)

Landscape Character Zone 2 (LCZ 2). Riparian Zone Vegetation lining the numerous fresh and saltwater creeks around the course. Riparian zones support a diverse range of vegetation, help maintain bank stability, and increase biodiversity. Maintaining these areas supports cleaner water, reduces pest and disease pressure and helps retain nutrients and soil. Predominately planted with salt tolerant rushes and small trees. Eg. Juncus spp. Banksia spinulosa Timeframe for completion: LCZ 2 will first be sprayed several times to remove any weeds that germinate.

These sprays will take place 2-3 weeks apart approximately 4-5 times. In areas where spraying is not appropriate i.e. too close to waterways the same process will occur with hand weeding. Once the area has been sprayed it will be given a final level to ensure it has the appropriate gradient for drainage and future maintenance. The area will then be planted with native grasses, rushes and sedges drawn from our species list.

Landscape Character Zone 2 – LCZ 2 (ie. When standing on the 3rd green looking towards the 2nd gold tee)

Landscape Character Zone 3 (LCZ 3). Tree lined area with all species appropriately spaced and canopy raised to allow accessibility for golf and maintenance. Mulch bed below provides some protection from weed germination and offers an adequate surface from which to play a shot. Appropriate spacing and canopy height will allow sunlight and airflow and assist in promoting turf health.

Timeframe for completion: LCZ 3 timeframe for completion is a very short & simple process from the time unwanted species & materials are removed, a glyphosate & pre-emergent herbicide application & then a thick layer of mulch & it is done. If re-shaping & turfing is required the timeline for that process is approximately 2 months.

These plants will all be sourced from our species lists.

Key: Green = Area Completed, Orange = Work in Progress, Blue = Work yet to begin or being planned

Landscape Caracter Zone 3 – LCZ 3 (ie. Left hand side of 9th hole) VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PLAN VERSION 1.2023

Legend

14

Hole 1 Existing vegetation

1D

Predominately mature native trees that line the holes extremities. There is also two dense shrub gardens that have become overcrowded and extend onto the playing area. Screening plants are also present behind the green to block Kenneth Road from view.

Features A large Eucalyptus robusta and Melaleuca quinquenervia trees that frame the hole. These need to be preserved and managed in a way that ensures they remain a feature whilst not impeding playability or have a negative effect on turf health.

Proposed works & On-going Maintenance Strategy.

1A - Canopy raise and thin the right-hand side of both mature Eucalyptus robustas present in front of the first tee.

This will improve visibility and open the playing corridor.

Canopy raising of this tree is a part of continual maintenance program of the course & will happen as required.

1B - Clearing of the shrub garden between the 1st & 18th fairways. This garden has seen the shrubs dominate the lower grasses, sedges & herbs. This has led to the layers of plants underneath dying off and left a vertical wall of shrubs behind.

The dense understorey has been removed & the desirable species retained. Mulch has been spread in this area & a few succession trees planted LCZ 3.

1C - Clearing of the shrub garden next to the 10th fairway bunkers. Similarly, to area B this area has seen shrubs dominate the lower plantings and destroy landscape layers.

1B

1C

Appropriately spaced shrubs and trees have been retained or planted and the canopy of existing trees raised. Mulch to be installed around the base LCZ 3.

1D – Remove shrub garden. Regenerative work on this area will aim to highlight the Melaleuca stypheloides and Melaleuca quinquenervia trees present in the area.

1A

There are currently some nice Melaleuca quinquenervia in 1D that in a few years’ time with some strategic canopy raising will hopefully do the same as those in 10B & prevent players on the 10th aiming down the 1st. Callistemon viminialis & various Grevillea species have been planted.

VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PLAN VERSION 1.2023

15

Hole 2

2E

Existing Predominately Melaleuca quinquenervia, Allocasuarina distyla and Casuarina glauca trees. It is also intersected by Burnt bridge creek at the tee end and split in the centre of the hole by Cemetery creek which divides the fairway in two. The hole has many riparian zones and low-lying landscape areas that are subject to both normal and tidal flooding.

Three groves of dense shrubs left of the red tee and left and right of the Western fairway have become overgrown, weed infested and detract from vistas across the golf course.

2D

A dense shrub garden behind the green has become overgrown and impacts the turf corridor. This has a negative effect on the health of the green by restricting light and air flow.

The riparian zone dividing the East and West fairway has encroached into the playing corridor. This creates playability issues for all levels of golfer.

Features -

A copse of Melaleuca quinquenervia that divides the 2nd & 3rd fairway.

Dense riparian vegetation dividing the Eastern & Western fairways.

Proposed works & Strategy 2A - Remove Loamandra and Dianella, move mown turf line closer to creek edge and revegetate bank.

As this section is split by the path, 2-character zones will be utilized for maintenance purposes with LCZ 2 being used on the Northern side of the path & a combination LCZ 2 & native violet on the southern side.

2B - Remove all shrubs behind Melaleuca quinquenervia on right side of fairway (adjacent 9th tee). Plant appropriately spaced Banksia integrifolia & others to screen 9th tee. Understorey plantings LCZ 1.

2C - Remove non-essential grove of Callistemon citrinus left of 2nd gold tee & replace with turf LCZ 2.

2D - Remove at least half Melaleuca quinquenervia dividing 2nd and 3rd fairways at Eastern end. This will improve turf quality on 2nd fairway LCZ 3.

2C 2B

2E - Reduce dense shrub garden directly behind 2nd green. Retain desirable species. Understorey plantings LCZ 1.

2A

VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PLAN VERSION 1.2023

16

Hole 3 Existing The 3rd hole is framed by dense planting on the right hand side that provides excellent screening to Keirle Park. A native shrub garden left of the tee has become overgrown and weed infested. Native grasses and sparce low shrubs to the left of the tee side cart path provide an adequate separation between the 2nd and 3rd holes. A tight grove of Melaleuca quinquenervia separate the 2nd and 3rd fairways. These are spaced too close together and have a negative impact on turf health on the 2nd fairway, particularly during winter. A dense thicket of shrubs is present on the Western fairway behind the right fairway bunker. The riparian zone dividing the East and West fairway has encroached into the playing corridor. This creates playability issues for all levels of golfer.

3D

Features A double water carry lined by Juncus spp in the riparian zone.

Proposed works & Strategy 3A - Reduce shrubs between 3rd tee and 2nd green. Retain desirable species. Understorey plantings LCZ 1.

3C

3B - Remove silt from creek dividing fairways. Reduce riparian area and revegetate bank. LCZ 2.

3C - Reduce Casuarinas Right of Western fairway behind the 5th tees. This will improve turf quality on the fairway as well as the 5th tee & improve the aesthetic by opening up a vista down the 5th hole.

3B

3D - Retain thicket of shrubs between western fairway and 4th tee. Replace Dianella and Lomandra understorey.

LCZ 1.

3A

VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PLAN VERSION 1.2023

17

`

Hole 4 Existing Currently, the tee is bordered to the left hand side with visually pleasing Juncus krausii. The right side of the tee has a dense stand of flowering Callistemon citrinus that provide adequate screening to the thick casuarina forest behind it. A dense grove of Callistemon citrinus to the right of the approach and green creates maintenance and slow play issues.

4D

A thick planting of Melaleuca linearifolia to the left of the hole has dessicated due to saltwater inundation.

The casuarinas to the left of the hole are spaced too close together and invite weeds and invasive vines due to their proximity to the lagoon. A dense copse of Leptospermum behind the green create maintenance and playability issues and fall under the category of ‘non essential garden’.

4C

Features A water carry par 3 with potential for restoration of the riparian zone. A wetland area to the left of the hole can accommodate low growing species and improve visibility across the golf course toward Manly Lagoon.

Proposed works & Strategy 4A - Remove encroaching Callistemon spp. from path edges and replace with Juncus spp. that will not require constant pruning and re-establish layers of landscape area.

4B

4B - Restore riparian area northern side of creek, replace. LCZ 2.

4C - Reduce Callistemon citrinus right side of cart path. Retain appropriate number of species at an adequate distance from path. Re-vegetate LCZ 2 4D - Reduce Callistemon citrinus and Leptospermum laviegatum to the right side of the 4th green and surrounding path networks.

4A

VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PLAN VERSION 1.2023

18

Hole 5 Existing A dense planting of Lomandra longifolia once populated the right side of the tee complexes. These undesirables were inundated with weeds and vine and thus removed leaving a bare area in its place, which is being prepared for revegetation. The blue tee is surrounded on all sides by a tall Casuarina forest and other native tree species. This significantly detracts from the turf quality on the tee. The riparian zone in front of the red tee creates playability issues for high handicap golfers. The right side of the hole is planted with a wide variety of tall native tree species that provide excellent screening from Keirle Park. Armillaria root rot is present in this area and many swamp mahogany’s have died as a result of the disease and saltwater inundation. The left side of the fairway is lined with introduced pines, one of which displays an angled growth habit and is earmarked for removal. Further towards the green, a native wetland, which was once a creek system, has been overrun by self-seeded Casuarina glauca.

5E

Features This hole has a large number of mature Eucalyptus robusta and Melaleuca quinquenervia along the extremities of the hole. These features will be emphasized with the removal of understory shrubs and canopy raising. The 5th green surrounds also have water views with a riparian zone border.

Proposed works & Strategy 5A - Reduce Casuarina glauca surrounding the blue tee, canopy raise and clean out understorey. This will reduce shade stress and improve airflow on the 5th tee, thereby improving year-round turf quality. LCZ 3 5B - Plant fine grasses to the right of the tee complexes. LCZ 1 5C - Reduce riparian zone, replace with maintained turf. Revegetate bank. LCZ 2.

5D - Remove grove of Leptospermum behind 4th Green. Plant 1 feature Banksia integrifolia for backdrop to green.

Plant natural turf in understorey.

5D

5E - Remove all Casuarina glauca between 5th and 6th fairways and large leaning Pinus radiata. Restore back to native wetland LCZ 2.

5C

5B

5A VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PLAN VERSION 1.2023

19

Hole 6 Existing Mature Eucalyptus robusta and Banksia integrifolia line the right side of the tee complex with an understory of Lomandra longifolia. The right side of the hole has a many mature Casuarina spp. and Allocasuarina spp. There is a garden of native grasses adjacent to the fairway bunkers and Melaleuca linarifolias behind. A large wetland area of Melaleuca linarifolias is on the left-hand side of the hole that is earmarked for revegetation. The garden behind the green and to the right consists of Callistemon spp., Imperata cylindrica and Juncus spp.

6E 6D

6C

Features The water views between mature native trees at the tee complex is a nice vista. The large wetland area will become a feature and attract a large amount of native fauna, particularly wetland bird species. The area behind the green will be revegetated and open up views down the creek towards the 4th and 5th tees.

Proposed works & Strategy

6B

6A - Increase the plant density of grasses along the right-hand side of the tee. This will reduce weed pressure along the side of the tee whilst also improving habitat and providing seeds for native fauna. Remove Lomandra & widen strip of turf between path & overflow catchment area planted out with native species that don’t impact tee shots.

LCZ 2 6B - Plant native grass mix amongst existing Juncus spp. adjacent to the fairway bunkers. This will create a greater transition from playing surface to landscape area. LCZ 1.

6C - Remove Melaleuca ericifolia’s from shrub garden and restore native wetland with grass varieties from our species list. This garden is heavily inundated with salty water several times a year and leads to leaf burn and decline of the shrub’s health. By altering this garden into a lower wetland swale area, it will allow greater visibility of the 6th green and is much more appropriate for the area’s conditions. LCZ 2.

6D - Callistemon spp. and Imperata cylindrica will be removed from behind the 6th green. This area will be planted with rushes more suitable to the brackish water and the old sandstone wall beneath will be exposed. LCZ 2.

6E - The shrubs and grass varieties will be removed from this garden and replaced with a blend of Festuca spp. and smaller native grasses from our species list. This garden will be able to be maintained with a ride on mower and will also provide a range of seeds and flowers for native birds and insects. LCZ 1.

6A

VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PLAN VERSION 1.2023

20

Hole 7 Existing 7E

Predominately bordered to the left by dense vegetation, a key feature of the hole, Manly Lagoon, is screened by inappropriate understorey and self seeded Casuarina glauca. Turf quality is negatively affected by shade and lack of airflow as a result of the dense plantings.

Features The hole is bordered by Manly Lagoon but due to dense vegetation does not capitalise on water views.

7D

Proposed works & Strategy 7A - Shrubs encroaching on the 7th tee complex and surrounding paths will be removed to reduce maintenance as they require constant pruning. LCZ 1 & 3 7B - Remove Leptospermum between 7th tee and 8th fairway. Replace with a row of appropriately spaced Banksia integrifolia. Replant understorey with native tussock grasses. LCZ 1.

7C - Shrubs and limbs of trees that line the path will be removed. These impede passage and reduce turf vigour.

LCZ 3 7D - This area contains several invasive vine species. Clear out understorey to increase accessibility and maximise lagoon vista. LCZ 3.

7C

7E - The small section of shrubs next to the bridge will be removed and the riparian zone next to it will be extended. Plant density in the current riparian zone will be increased with Ficinia nodosa, Carex appressa and Juncus var. These species will offer a range of different colours, textures and sizes and break up the monoculture currently present along the creek bank. LCZ 2

7B 7A

VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PLAN VERSION 1.2023

21

Hole 8 Existing Restoration works have recently taken place on the 8th tee to minimise degradation of the lagoon bank. A copse of Casuarina glauca are present between the White and red tees, these create significant shade issues and have a negative effect on turf quality. The riparian zone on the Southern side is populated by a dense stand of Imperata cylndrica bordered by natural turf to the east. The left side of the hole is bordered by dense Casuarina glauca with Leptospermum understorey. The Leptospermum has reached the end of its life cycle and has begun to die off. The dense wall down the left side of the fairway creates internal hedging and playability issues. The riparian zone on the right side of the hole is populated with a row of Lomandra longifolia. Imperata cylindrica is present on the Southeastern riparian zone. This area is prone to inundation and the often becomes littered with flood debris. This area is difficult to access and maintain due to the dense riparian planting. Two non-essential gardens are present on the South-western bridge crossing.

8E

8D

8C

Features A copse of Melaleuca quinquenervia left side of the fairway currently being screened by self-seeded Casuarina glauca.

Proposed works & Strategy 8A - Remove non - essential gardens and replace with natural turf.

8B - Clear understory on left side of hole of all dying leptospermum laviegatum and self-seeded Casuarina glauca.

Retain larger Eucalypts and mature Casuarina glauca and canopy raise. LCZ 3 8C - Remove Imperata cylindrica from riparian zone and replace with natural turf. Remove Lomandra and dianella from riparian zone and replace with Juncus spp. Self-seeded Casuarina glaucas will be removed to open up a vista across the waterway and down the third hole. Remove Imperata cylindrica and extend natural turf closer to the waterway.

8D - Remove non - essential gardens either side of the bridge and replace with natural turf.

8B

8A

8E - Remove shrubs left of 2nd red tee. Replace with turf to edge of riparian zone. There is a key drainage outlet in this area constantly blocked with vegetative material. LCZ 2.

VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PLAN VERSION 1.2023

22

Hole 9 9E Existing The tee is bordered to the right with Eucalyptus and Melaleuca quinquenervia. The understorey is a blend of fine grasses including Carex appressa, Festuca spp, Poa larbilardieri, Poa poiformis. To the left is a thicket of dense Leptospermum which has become weed infested with many of the species failing. This has created an unattractive aesthetic, particularly parallel to the red tee. A non essential garden is present on the right side of the gold tee. Vegetation on the right side of the hole plays an important role in protecting Kenneth road from errant tee shots. There are many desirable species of Pine, Melaleuca quinquenervia and Eucalyptus, which are currently being choked out by dense understorey plantings and self seeded Casuarina glauca. The left side of the fairway, like the right has many desirable species at appropriate spacings, however these have also been “choked out” by dense understorey and self seeded Casuarina glauca. The thick wall bordering each side of the hole creates slow play and ball loss issues as well as detracting from the aesthetic by screening the vista of the 2nd and 3rd holes. A line of Callistemon citrinus screens the maintenance.

Features A rare example of a Eucalyptus robusta that has been colonized by an epiphytic Ficus rubignosa growing around its trunk displaying a “strangling” growth habit. Located to the right of the green side bunkers.

9D

Proposed works & Strategy 9A - Remove weeds and undesirable plants from beneath trees at the back of the tee. Seed this area with Festuca spp. and grasses LCZ 1. Keep Native Violet under Casuarinas & weed as required.

9B - Remove shrubs left side of tee. these shrubs create internal hedging and are too densely spaced to control germinating weeds in the understory. Replace with appropriately spaced Banksia integrifolia to provide protection from 2nd tee shot. Clear weeds from understory and replace with fine grasses to replicate the right side of the tee complex.

LCZ 1.

9C - Remove non essential garden right of Gold tee. Replace with turf.

9D - Reduce self-seeded Casuarina glauca and remove dense understory. Retain desirable species at appropriate spacings.

9E - Remove all vegetation from behind the 9th green. Use excess material from maintenance facility construction to increase the height of the mounding and screen the water storage tanks and maintenance compound. Mounding to be planted with fine grasses including Carex appressa, Festuca spp, Poa larbilardieri and Poa poiformis. LCZ 1.

9C

9B

9A VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PLAN VERSION 1.2023

23

Hole 10 Existing

10D

A dense thicket of shrubs borders both sides of the tee. The vegetation on the left side of the tee provides adequate screening of Graham Reserve. The shrubs on the right side of the tee have been addressed as part of the proposed works on hole 1. The fairway is lined on both sides, predominately by dense stands of Melaleuca quinquenervia and Callistemon citrinus. To the left, the dense stand provides some protection from the Driving range. On the right hand side the Melaleuca quinquenervia have a negative effect on turf health, particularly in the winter months.

A dense thicket of shrubs frames the fairway bunkers. This area has been addressed in proposed works on the 1st hole.

10C

Features A feature native garden provides separation between the 10th hole and the practice facility.

Proposed works & Strategy

10A – Reduce impact of encroaching shrubs to ensure clear tee shute & irrigation system is not impeded.

10B 10B - Reduce the number of Melaleuca quinquenervia separating the 10th and 1st holes. This will allow more sunlight and airflow on to the turf surfaces. This will also assist in promoting turf health and drying the area out more efficiently after rainfall events.

10C – See 1C.

10D – Remove lomandras / Dianellas, replace with LCZ 1

10A

VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PLAN VERSION 1.2023

24

Hole 11 11C Existing The tee box is surrounded by dense understorey vegetation, which has a negative effect on turf quality. The vegetation screens what was once a vista from the Putting green down the 11th hole.

The left side of the green contains attractive mature trees with a dense inappropriate understorey considering its proximity to the green.

Features The 11th hole has a large number of mature tree species that frame the hole. These include a large Pinus radiata, several Lophostemon confertus and a variety of Banksia, Melaleuca and Eucalyptus spp.

Proposed works & Strategy 11A - Certain shrubs will be removed from the right side of the tee complex to open vistas between 11 and 18. This will allow extensive views of the south side from the tee box. This will improve turf quality on the tee. LCZ 1.

11B - Remove shrubs encroaching on 11th path complex and replace with low grasses and more appropriately spaced shrubs. LCZ 1.

11B 11C - Understorey beneath large Acacia spp. and Eucalyptus spp. Cleared out and replaced with mulch. This will reduce the incidence of ball loss and slow play. Vegetation that offers Screening of Balgowlah rd will be retained. Eventually consider brush fencing. LCZ 3.

11A

VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PLAN VERSION 1.2023

25

Hole 12 Existing 12E The 12th tee box is bordered by a native shrub garden where a tall Eucalypt once stood before failing some years ago.

The left side of the hole is bordered by approximately 60 mature specimens of Melaleuca quinquenervia, Casuarina glauca and Eucalyptus robusta. These mature specimens provide adequate screening and protection to Manly West Park. The right side of the hole is bordered by up to 20 mature specimens of the same species, as well as a small drainage ditch which has been planted out with Lomandras, Dianella and swamp lillies. The fairway is subject to a great deal of shade due to the mature trees that line both sides of the hole, this has a negative effect on turf quality particularly during the winter months. The hole is intersected by burnt bridge creek which is lined with a row of Poa larbilardieri which provide screening for the gabion walls. On the Northern side of burnt bridge Creek a native shrub garden has become overrun with creeping vines and weeds. Behind the green an embankment has recently been oversown with Festuca spp.

12D

Features Burnt Bridge creek intersects the hole and is lined with a row of Poa larbilardieri LCZ 1.

Proposed works and Strategy

12A - Canopy raise all trees. This will allow more sunlight and airflow on to the turf surfaces. This will assist in promoting turf health and drying the area out more efficiently after rainfall events.

LCZ 3.

12C

12B - Remove non-essential native shrub garden, extend and re-align white tee.

12C - Canopy raise all trees. This will allow more sunlight and airflow on to the turf surfaces. This will assist in promoting turf health and drying the area out more efficiently after rainfall events.

Remove Lomandras and lillies from drainage ditch. Re-vegetate with Native tussock grasses. LCZ 1 12D - Remove shrubs and smaller trees encroaching on turf edge and establish a native grassland area up to screening plants along fence line. LCZ 1.

12E - Remove native shrub garden, retaining desirable species. Re-align mown turf line. This will improve maintenance access and open new vistas across the golf course. LCZ 1.

12B 12A VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PLAN VERSION 1.2023

26

Hole 13 Existing

13E

A large elevated tee complex surrounded by native gardens and a water carry over burnt bridge creek. The right side of the hole has a row of mature Casuarina spp. and Melaleuca quinquenervia with a large Eucalyptus robusta and Lophostemon confertus at each end. The left side of the hole has an assortment of Banksia, Casuarina and Eucalyptus species with several large Agonis flexuosa closer to the green. The green is surrounded by Syzigium leuhmannii and Banksia spp.

Features The main feature of the hole is the elevated tee complex that looks over numerous holes on the south side of the course. There is also a large Corymbia gummifera adjacent to the tee box.

Proposed works & Strategy

13D

13A - Remove all vegetation from escarpment around tee and surrounding gardens. Engage landscape architect to design low maintenance feature garden with plenty of colour and flowering natives.

13B - Remove slither of vegetation behind gold tee and replace with turf and continue Poa larbilardierii bed along Burnt Bridge Creek. LCZ 1 13C - Extend fescue area to the right of gold tee to encompass the large Eucalyptus robusta garden bed to the east. LCZ 1.

13D - Reduce the number of Melaleuca quinquenervia between the 13th and 14th fairway. This will improve turf quality on both holes particularly in winter. LCZ 3 13E - Reduce planting density behind the green surrounds. This will improve turf quality on the green and allow more light and air flow into the surrounding grass area.

13C

13B

13A

VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PLAN VERSION 1.2023

27

Hole 14 Existing

Vegetation on the right side of the tee provides screening to the bore water pump shed. A row of red Pennisetum down the left side of the tee are not consistent with other course plantings. The riparian zone on the left side of the hole was grossly over planted and has been cleared out periodically over a number of years. A row of Melaleuca quinquenervia separate the 13th and 14th fairways. As with other divisional copses, these are too tightly spaced and have a detrimental effect on turf quality. Riparian zones dividing the East and West Fairway have been reduced significantly.

14D

Features

14C

Cemetery Creek Meanders through the 14th hole, dividing the two fairways. This waterway is key for drainage out flow on the South Links and should be kept accessible to perform routine maintenance on drainage outlets.

14B Proposed Works and Strategy

14A – Retain as is.

14B - Remove lomandras and swamp lilies from left side of fairway riparian zone. Plant with native tussock grasses and Festuca spp. LCZ 1.

14C - Reduce number of Melaleuca quinquenervia on the right side of the fairway and canopy raise the remaining trees. This will improve turf quality on the right side of the hole, particularly during the winter months. LCZ 3.

14D - Clear out understorey and canopy raise the copse of Eucalyptus and Melaleuca quinquenervia. LCZ 3.

14A

VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PLAN VERSION 1.2023

28

Hole 15 15C Existing Significant works have taken place around the tee and right side of the hole which have improved the aesthetic and improved maintenance accessibility of the landscape. Burnt bridge creek is lined on the Southern side by Tussock grasses. On the Northern side a row of Callistemon spp screens the view of the escarpment around the 13th tee.

Features Once remediation works have taken place, the 13th tee and feature garden will become a notable backdrop for the hole.

Proposed works & Strategy 15A - Remove small corner garden and turf up to the line of Carex appressa left along the riparian zone.

15B - Clear Lomandra longifolias from underneath Eucalyptus robustas and move turf line in to create smaller mulch circles around each.

15B

15C - Remove Callistemon spp. from behind the green and replace with native tussock grasses.

This will enhance the backdrop of the 15th hole by improving visibility of the escarpment and formal garden. LCZ 1.

15A

VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PLAN VERSION 1.2023

29

Hole 16 Existing The tee box is surrounded by Dianella, Lomandra and Swamp Lillies. The tee vegetation has become overrun with the Hiberdia and other weeds. Cemetery creek diverts around the irrigation dam and is in play on the left side of the hole. The right side of the hole borders the 12th hole with up to 20 mature trees including Eucalypts, Casuarina glauca and Melaleuca quinquenervia. A small drainage ditch is present on the right side of the hole and has been addressed in planned works for the 12th hole (12D). Behind the green, mature Eucalypts are hiddent by inappropriate understorey including Lomandra and Coastal Tea tree.

Features The elevated tee complex provides views of the south side of the course and cemetery creek.

There is also a number of sizeable trees including Eucalyptus robusta, Corymbia gummifera and Synocarpus sinuates.

16C

Proposed works & Strategy 16A - Revegetate tee complex and replace with native tussock grasses and select shrub species in centre of triangle adjacent to blue tee. Clear vegetation in front of tee and replace with Native tussock grasses and select flowering shrubs in area to the right of tee.

16D

16B - See 12E. 16C – See 12C. 16D – Area planned for future clearing works & to make a feature of the creek with terraced rock work.

16B

16A VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PLAN VERSION 1.2023

30

Hole 17 Existing

Predominately bordered by mature Eucalypts, Casuarina glauca and Melaleuca quinquenervia, the hole is framed by Cemetery creek to the left-hand side. The riparian zone of cemetery creek was originally planted with dense shrubs, Lomandra and Dianella which have all been progressively removed due to their contribution to ball loss, slow play and limited maintenance access. The red tee area is framed by a mature Pine with a dense shrub understorey.

17C

Features

Cemetery creek and its riparian zone add significant value to Course bio-diversity and is frequented by many native bird species and other local fauna.

Proposed works and strategy

17B

17A - Remove inappropriate and invasive understorey from beneath pine tree and plant native tussock grasses in surrounding tee complex gardens.

17B - See 14B. 17C - Canopy raise all mature trees.

17A

VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PLAN VERSION 1.2023

31

Hole 18 Existing

18E

18D

Predominately bordered by mature trees on the right side of the hole. A dense copse of Melaleuca quinquenervia toward the green past the fairway bunkers have a negative impact on turf health.

The left side of the hole is populated with mature species of Casuarina glauca, Eucalypts and Banksia integrifolia with a dense shrub understorey. The dense understorey contributes to ball loss and negatively impacts vistas of the clubhouse from the golf course. Maintenance access is an issue in this area due to the dense nature of the plantings, hence, weed control is an ongoing challenge. This area has been addressed as part of planned works on the 1st hole (See area 1B)

Features

18C

A large Moreton Bay Fig frames the green and provides screening to the Balgowlah industrial area.

Proposed works and strategy 18B 18A - Reduce copse of Melaleuca quinquenervia. This will assist in improving turf quality on both the tee and 1st fairway.

18B -See area 1B.

18C - Reduce and canopy raise copse of Melaleuca quinquenervias separating the hole to improve fairway turf quality.

18D - Remove dense shrubs, retaining desirable species. Re-vegetate understorey with native Tussock grasses. Re-align mown turf line as necessary. Removal of dense shrubs in this area will improve turf quality on the 11th tee and improve vista from putting green down the 11th hole.

18E - Clear understorey beneath Moreton Bay Fig. Replace with native tussock grasses and Festuca spp.

18A

VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PLAN VERSION 1.2023

32

VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PLAN VERSION 1.2023

33