Weed Control
Who is responsible for managing weeds in NSW?
NSW Department of Primary Industries - the primary government agency for weed control in NSW. It is responsible for implementing the NSW Noxious Weeds Act 1993.
Local control authorities - responsible for enforcing the control of noxious weeds on private lands and for undertaking weed control measures on council-managed lands.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service - manages weeds on national parks and reserves, in collaboration with other groups and agencies. Under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995, the NPWS is responsible for developing threat abatement plans for weeds that have been listed as key threatening processes. A summary of some of the weed control programs undertaken by NPWS can be seen in the report Protecting our national parks from pests and weeds.
Weed control methods
The method you use to control environmental weeds depends on the species of weed being managed, the levels of weed infestation and the resources available (time, labour, equipment and finances).
Biological control/Biocontrol - aims to reduce the effect of weeds by introducing their natural enemies. In Australia national research on biocontrol is carried out by CSIRO and various government agencies. In NSW, NSW Department of Primary Industries also does biocontrol research. Biocontrol programs are regulated by the Biological Control Act 1985.
Useful Links - Biocontrol
Community biocontrol networks information on establishing community biocontrol networks and details about the community program 'Weed Warriors'.
Chemical control - Herbicides are an important tool for managing weeds. Many modern herbicides are very selective, effectively controlling only specific weeds, leaving other plants unharmed. Herbicide use requires specialised knowledge and training and any herbicide application must, by law, comply with label directions.
Useful Links - Chemical Control
Australian Pesticides & Veterinary Medicines Authority - herbicide registrations, permits and a search engine for product information
Pesticides - information about pesticide use in NSW.
Compendium of Pesticide Common Names
International Survey on Herbicide Resistant Weeds
NSW Pesticides Act 1999 Mechanical control - methods include hand-pulling, slashing, digging, grubbing, bark-stripping, felling and bulldozing. These methods may also be combined with burning, tilling or burial of the weeds.
Useful links - Mechanical Control
Hand removal of small plants (PDF - 102KB)
Control of vines and scramblers (PDF - 115KB)
Control of weeds with underground reproductive structures (PDF - 116KB)
Control of woody weeds (PDF - 112KB)
Integrated weed management - Integrated weed management (IWM) is likely to be most effective in controlling weeds. It involves a sustainable approach to long-term management of weeds using a combination of techniques such as biological control, cultural practices, mechanical and chemical control and habitat manipulation. IWM is designed to minimise economic, health and environmental risks.
Useful Links - IWM
CRC for Australian Weed Management
Useful Links - Weed control (General)
Weeds CRC weed management guides
Queensland Environmental Weeds Management
Weed prevention and control strategies
National Weeds Strategy - aims to prevent new weed problems reduce the impact of existing weeds of national significance and provide the framework and capacity for ongoing management of weed problems of national significance.
NSW Invasive Species Plan - Provides a framework for the management of weeds, vertebrate pests, invertebrate pests and freshwater and marine aquatic pests in NSW
Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service includes information on the national quarantine status of species.
Plant Health Australia works to improve the ability of Australian agriculture to respond to plant pests, weeds and diseases.
Community organisations and initiatives
Weedbusters - working with the community to achieve sustainable land and water management.
Weed Warriors - community biocontrol networks bringing weed education to students with a hands-on approach.
Bushland Friendly Nursery Scheme - NSW north coast communities working with the nursery industry to reduce environmental weeds.
Garden Plants Under the Spotlight - a national scheme working with the Nursery and Garden Industry of Australia to reduce the use of environmental weeds in the garden industry.
Flora for Fauna - recommend native plants for your specific region of Australia and includes superb images, extensive plant lists and excellent fact sheets.
Environmental Weed Action Network - a great example of community involvement from Western Australia.
Conservation Volunteers Australia - find out about projects around Australia, and apply for voluntary work online.
Page last updated: 10 April 2012
