Weed Control

What are weeds?

The definition of a WEED is a plant that is growing in the wrong place at the wrong time. Some plants are declared Noxious Weeds due to their detrimental impact on human health, agriculture and/or our environment.

Why should we control weeds?

It can be a legal obligation under the Noxious Weed Act.
There are weeds that are poisonous or harmful to livestock and to people.
Some weeds cause dermatitis, skin inflammations, health problems, asthma, hay fever and poisoning.
Others can decrease the quality of water making it unsuitable to drink.
Some water weeds impede the flow of water along creeks, rivers, watercourses and drainage channels.
Weeds can also cause tainting of milk, meat, eggs and other products.
Plus they can rapidly invade natural bushland and reduce the density and variety of native plant species.

What’s the difference between declared weeds and environmental weeds?

Declared Noxious Weeds

This means that you have a legal obligation to control Declared Noxious Weeds under the Noxious Weeds Act 1993. Failure to remove these weeds can lead to court proceedings and in some cases, very large fines. Lists of declared Noxious Weeds in your own local area can be obtained through council or from the NSW Department of Primary Industries.

Environmental weeds

This means that you are under no legal obligation to control those particular weeds, but in most cases it is good farm and personal practice to remove these weeds as well as any that are declared noxious weeds. Remember weeds can have bad effects on human health, lost agricultural production, livestock and/or the environment.

Why do we need to control weeds?

Weeds can be found anywhere and everywhere, from a farmer's paddock to your own flower garden at home.

No matter what the situation or the person, weeds are seen as a pest and/or a problem and they can prove to be very costly.

How much do weeds cost Australia per year?

The current estimate in terms of lost production and cost of direct weed control is $3.8 billion per year nationally. And that amount does not include the impact on our natural environment or the threat to biodiversity.

What does Council do about this?

Council’s Weeds Officer and Vegetation Officer plan, manage and provide effective services of noxious weed and environmental weed control within the Local Government Area to ensure compliance with all relevant Acts, Regulations and Standards.

The Weeds Section provides a number of services including:

Noxious weed identification, control and eradication.
Safe storage, transport and handling of pesticides within Council.
Weed control on Council land and vacant Crown Land.
Private property inspections including quotations and operational works to control noxious weeds.