Hunter Central Coast Region

Join us and help make a difference. The environmental weed Scotch Broom is widely distributed throughout sub alpine communities and is impacting on the structure, floristics and ecology of the area. These works are helping to protect endangered ecological communities and threatened species habitat in the Barrington Tops region.

Responsibilities

• Cutting mature broom plants and emerging seedlings in the project area.
• Bush regeneration, weed and pest management

Skills and attributes

• Medium level of fitness is required

Commitment, shifts and location

• Dates: 19 - 22 February 2026
• Works will be based around Polblue with the objective being to protect the montane wetland and to create habitat for a large number of rare and threatened species via the removal of surviving Scotch Broom.
• Activities will start and finish from Polblue Campground where free camping is provided.
• Bookings: When completing your application, you will be able to sign up for the days you are available to attend. 

Polblue Scotch Broom Control 2025/26 2WD access

Getting there

• Participants will provide their own transport to Polblue Campground.  The roads are unsealed, and open to the public. The access to Polblue Campground is 2WD.

From Gloucester

• Barrington Tops Forest Rd has re-opened to the public from the Gloucester side - with some traffic control.

From Scone

• Take Gundy Road which becomes Hunter Road from Scone. Drive through Moonan Flat, then turn right onto Moonan Brook Road.
• After 3.4km turn left onto Barrington Tops Forest Road.
• Polblue camping area is located 7km on the right after the Dingo Gate. Access from Scone is currently restricted to 2.5t on the Barrington Tops Forest Road.  Access via Hunter Rd / Tomalla Rd still open for all vehicles / public  

Polblue Campground

• Click here to read about Polblue Campground
• The campground has been booked for event participants - and camping is free. You are welcome to come up the night before or to stay the night after the activity to help manage fatigue and to give you more time to enjoy the Barrington Tops National Park.
• Polblue is a basic campsite with a pit/drop toilet, gas BBQs and picnic tables. The site is designed for ‘camp beside your vehicle’ and is suitable for camper trailers, caravans and motorhomes. Please bring plenty of drinking water, food and supplies for your stay as well as your own camping equipment & firewood.

Dress code

• Long sleeve shirt
• Long pants
• Jumpers and jackets
• Safety glasses
• Gloves
• Closed shoes (ankle high lace up boots preferred)

Gear list

• Drinking water, food, sunscreen and other gear.
• NPWS will supply tools and safety equipment for broom control works. If you want to bring your own personal safety equipment such as helmets, fluorescent shirts or vests, gaiters and sun protection you are welcome.
• NPWS will supply all cleaning products for disease and pathogen control.

Work Health & Safety

NPWS Health and Safety Policy is at the core of our workplace safety culture and operations, extending through to volunteer services.

Click 2026 Job Safety Analysis Scotch Broom and ensure you read this document carefully prior to commencing volunteering. Please check with your Volunteer Supervisor if you have any questions or comments.  

Volunteers are required to

• Ensure all potential hazards, accidents and incidents are identified and notified to your Volunteer Supervisor 
• Take reasonable care to protect the health and safety of yourself and others while volunteering. 
• Report all injuries, accidents or near messes to your Volunteer Supervisor.  
• Attend required training in safe working practices and procedures 
• Use and care for any equipment provided for health and safety purposes 

Additional information

Weather

• It is important to be prepared for wet and cold weather for this activity, as the weather can change quite rapidly on Barrington Tops. Please ensure you have adequate warm and weatherproof camping, clothing and bedding.
• As part of the risk assessment process, we will discuss weather implications and how we will manage this.
• Your safety and comfort are important to us and if weather conditions deteriorate, we will cancel either the work session, the day or the activity.
• This is a sub - alpine environment with the potential for snow.
• If you wish to cancel due to predicted weather conditions, we respect that and ask that you inform us. Barrington Tops can become quite cold. 

Phone coverage

• There is very limited Telstra phone coverage at Barrington Tops.
• Normally you will only get reception at lookouts and at a couple of other spots around the plateau.
• Other telco providers may not get any reception.

Activity Timetable

Day 1  

9:00am	Meet at Polblue Campground - NPWS marquee
9:15am -10:15am	Activity Induction
10:15am -10:35am	Morning tea, NPWS, bring a cup
10:35am-12:15pm	Walk to site - Scotch Broom control works
12:15pm-1:15pm	Lunch back at campground
1:15pm-3:00pm	Scotch broom control works

 

Day 2/3 & 4

9:00am	Meet at Polblue Campground
9:00am -9:15am	Take 5 for Safety
9:15am -10:00am	Walk to Site - Scotch broom control works
10:00am-10:15am	Morning tea, NPWS, bring a cup
10:15am-12:00pm	Scotch broom control works
12:00pm-1:00pm	Lunch back at campground
1:00pm-3:00pm	Scotch broom control works
3:00pm	Return to campsite/home at your leisure

 

Contact details 

If you have any questions or comments, please contact your Volunteer Supervisor:

The Conservation Team

Hunter Central Coast Branch

Email conservation.hccb@environment.nsw.gov.au

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service

  

 

Cancellation 

As the number of volunteers able to participate on any given day is capped at 30 people, please ensure that you complete your application process fully. Once you have signed up to attend you can easily remove yourself by logging into you volunteer profile. This will free up a place that others can sign up for.