Wollondilly Shire Council is committed to the control and eradication of weeds, wherever they may grow.
Weeds are an ever-present threat to our local environment and way of life. Not only do they have a severe impact on agricultural activities, costing upwards of $7 billion nationally, but they also cause a number of other issues, including:
- Competition with commercial plants resulting in reduced productivity;
- Adverse effects on public infrastructure through the deterioration of roadways and waterways;
- Adverse effects upon human health from poisonous or irritating plants;
- Increased risk due to fire hazards created by uncontrolled weed growth;
- Adverse effects on tourism and recreation;
- Deterioration of natural ecosystems, through competition with indigenous flora;
- Adverse effects upon the viability of rare or endangered species and ecological communities and other indigenous flora and fauna;
Weeds were traditionally divided up into two categories, noxious and environmental however introduction of the Biosecurity Act and repeal of the Noxious Weeds Act has removed the “noxious weed” categories and replaced them with “Priority Weeds”.
Priority Weeds
Priority weeds are those specifically identified by the NSW Department of Primary Industries, though may differ between Regions and local government areas due to differences in natural environments. Priority weeds for the Sydney Region can be found in the Greater Sydney Regional Strategic Weed Management Plan.
Prioritisation of weed control activities in Wollondilly Shire is Guided by The Wollondilly Biosecurity (Weed Management) Strategy.
It is important to prevent and contain new weed incursions while still managing weeds which are already widespread.
Environmental Weeds
Environmental Weeds are those that, whilst not actually identified, still present a serious threat to the environment. Environmental Weeds in Wollondilly include Privet, Moth Vine, Madeira Vine, Giant Reed, and Balloon Vine.
Relevant Links
Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment