Weeds

Weed Management

A weed is a plant that is growing out of place or where it is not wanted. The majority of weeds in Australia were introduced legally as attractive garden ornamentals or fruit and flower producing plants.

Weeds impact biodiversity, bushfire risk and agricultural productivity. While it is not possible to eliminate weeds Council along with other stakeholders are working to contain and manage weeds.

Left unchecked, weeds risk reducing our agricultural productivity. They can look unsightly too and be a fire hazard.

Weeds can be of national or environmental significance with the potential to impact biodiversity.

All landholders have a responsibility to manage noxious weeds on their property. Leeton Shire Council is responsible for managing weeds on public land managed by the Council and collaborating with landholders and other stakeholders to ensure that weeds are contained, controlled or managed as far as practicable.

Council has engaged an independent contractor to help manage its functions under the Weeds Action Plan and to carry out inspection and weed control activities in accordance with the Plan and the new Biosecurity Act.

For further information from the Department of Primary Industries in regards to weed control and identification, legislation and policy please click here

Controlling Environmental Weeds

Council operates a series of weed specific control programs for a range of environmental weeds on Council managed land. Most of these programs are funded under Federal or State Government Programs.

Local Control Authorities

Local Control Authorities (called LCAs) are Local Government Authorities that are responsible to ensure that weeds are controlled throughout New South Wales. This responsibility is allocated to Local Control Authorities from the Biosecurity Act.

Responsibility for the Control of Weeds

Council’s Weed Inspectors carry out inspections on private property and enforce the provisions of the Biosecurity Act. Council is also responsible for the control of weeds growing on roadsides and land under the control of Council. Other State authorities are responsible for the controlling of weeds on the land they administer.