Weeds

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THE IMPORTANCE OF WEED CONTROL

Weeds pose a serious threat to human and animal health, to primary production and to our natural environment. Weeds reduce farm productivity, displace native species and contribute to on-going land degradation and reduced land values.

Landholders are also responsible for the control of the Priority Weeds listed for Gwydir Shire on the NSW WeedWise website. 

Priority Weeds (that used to be referred to as declared noxious weeds) have the potential to have a serious impact on the environment, the community or economic activities (such as farming). Not all priority weeds are non-native and some are aquatic.

Gwydir Shire Council employs two (2) full-time weeds officers. These experienced officers are available to assist with weed management issues – contact can be made through Environmental Services on (02) 6724 2000. Weeds information booklets are also available free of cost from Shire Offices.

Other sources of priority weeds information

On-line information on identification and control of priority weeds found in Gwydir Shire and adjoining areas can be accessed through the locally-based North West Weeds website.

ABOUT THE LAW

  • The Biosecurity Act 2015 (NSW) came into effect on 1 July 2017. The Biosecurity Act 2015 (NSW) replaces all or parts of 14 Acts including the Noxious Weeds Act 1993 and the Fisheries Management Act 1994.

    Under the Act, biosecurity is everyone’s responsibility. This principle applies to anyone who owns or is the responsible manager for a land tenure. The principle states that “anyone who knows or ought reasonably know about a biosecurity risk has a duty to report, prevent, eliminate or minimise that risk as far as reasonably practicable”.

    Under the legislation, landholders must control biosecurity risks on their property. Landholders are responsible for the control of the Priority Weeds listed for Gwydir Shire as well as the pest animal group known as Vertebrate Pests that includes but is not limited to;

    • Rabbits
    • Foxes
    • Pigs
    • Wild dogs & cats
    • Deer