Weeds are a major threat to our unique natural environment, threatening the survival of hundreds of native plants and animals in NSW. Weeds consist of various types including Environmental, Agricultural, Weeds of National Significance (WoNS) and National Environmental Alert List Weeds.
Biosecurity is the protection of our economy, environment, and community from the negative impacts of pests, diseases, weeds, and contaminants. In NSW, all plants are regulated with a general biosecurity duty to prevent, eliminate or minimise any biosecurity risk they may pose.
Council’s Vegetation Management Officers assist in the management of the vegetation on Council land, roadsides, public and private land by managing biosecurity in accordance with relevant legislation. Any person who deals with any plant, who knows (or should know) of any biosecurity risk, has a duty to ensure the risk is prevented, eliminated or minimised, so far as is reasonably practicable.
Weed Identification
If you would like help identifying weeds, the NSW Weedwise website and the Priority Weeds of the Murray and Riverina Regions, Identification Guide contains a list of priority weeds throughout NSW, describing, their Profile, Control (including registered herbicide options) and Biosecurity duty (under the Biosecurity Act 2015).
Council’s Vegetation Management Officers conduct property inspections and are available to help with weed identification or treatment plan. Contact the team via: Phone: 1300 292 442 Email: council@wagga.nsw.gov.au
Help stop the spread
There are some initiatives being implemented in our local area for the community to use to help stop the spread of weeds.
- Dispose of your garden waste through Council’s kerbside waste, waste management facility or compost. Never dump garden waste over the back fence or in bushland.
- Don’t let your garden weeds escape
- Always cover trailers when transporting plant material
- Be aware that weed seeds are transported on vehicles, trailers, clothing, shoes, pets and soil. Use weed hygiene stations to remove potential weed seeds.
What is Council doing to decrease the spread of weeds?
- Implementing the Wagga Wagga Roadside Vegetation Management Plan
- Conducting regular inspections on private properties and public land, providing feedback and advice on best methods of weed management
- Installing red guideposts on roadsides to tell drivers where priority weeds are present and where they should avoid stopping
- Installing weed hygiene stations at reserves and on walking trails to reduce the spread of weed