Controlling weed growth is generally a matter of choice, on the part of the landowner, however if a weed on your property is declared noxious in your area, you have a legal responsibility to keep it under control.
Weed control in NSW is determined and regulated by a number of Local Control Authorities, each governing a number of shires or councils. The list is determined by the Noxious Weeds (Weed Control) Order 2014 published in the NSW Government Gazette, and gives details regarding the nature and control requirements for each species declared to be a Noxious Weed in that area.
To view the list of noxious weeds for your area in NSW, simply visit this noxious weeds website select the suburb or region for the Local Control Authority area and click on Go.
A description of the plant, including its common name is available, with pictures and comprehensive information about its toxicity, impact on the environment and methods for control. Simply click on the common name (underlined) for details concerning each plant.
Not all areas have the same list of noxious weeds. A harmless garden plant from inland NSW may well become a noxious weed in coastal NSW. A plant may become a weed if it’s natural ability to reproduce and spread is enhanced, and become prolific, in a particular environment. This is usually because it has the ability to spread (bulbs, roots), produce berries eaten by birds, produce large quantities of seeds or survive in extreme climates. Even popular edible plants may need to be carefully regulated to reduce the risk of overwhelming other plants in the environment. Olives, Mangos and Passionfruit are all examples of this.
Most communities have local Landcare, Coastcare or Bushcare groups where volunteers can work together to rid public areas of noxious weeds, and encourage the growth of suitable vegetation.
What sort of things can a person do to stop the spread of weeds into our environment? You should choose your garden plants in consultation with experts. If you don’t have an experienced horticulturalist at your local nursery, you can consult online by doing research concerning noxious weeds in your area, or go to the Grow Me Instead website for localised information and suggestions.
Once your garden is established, weed it regularly, use mulch as a weed deterrent, and never, never dump garden waste in the bush, on vacant land or on the roadside.
