What is a weed?
A weed is simply a plant growing in the wrong place. In our part of the world weeds threaten the integrity of native vegetation remnants and farmers identify weeds as a major issue in the sustainability of their farming enterprises. Huge amounts of resources and time are spent combatting weeds in both natural and agricultural systems, and our region’s warm and wet and wonderful climate also supports prolific weed growth.
The first step in weed control is the correct identification. Many weeds have specific control methods linked to the plant’s life cycle or chemical sensitivity. What works to control one weed may promote the spread of another so identification is important.
We have hard copies of Weeds of the North Coast of NSW in the office, a comprehensive booklet with high quality photos and detailed descriptions of local weeds and the methods that can be used to control them. While not every plant that is considered a weed on the North Coast is included, the booklet’s focus is on the most invasive species and those that are newly emerging in this region.
You can also download the free NSW WeedWise, app. Like the web version the smartphone app provides key information to help users reduce the impact of over 300 weeds in New South Wales.
You can search or browse weed names (common or scientific); recognise a weed by its physical description and image gallery; and find out about its impacts, where it occurs, how it spreads and its preferred habitat. Control options are described for each weed and the herbicides registered for control by the Australian Pesticide and Veterinary Medicines Authority are listed. Very helpfully, the biosecurity duties of landholders under the Biosecurity Act 2015 are displayed for each weed.
Successful weed control usually integrates a number of approaches: a process known as integrated weed control.
Integrated weed control considers:
- Choosing a range of control methods (eg chemical, cultivation, hand pulling)
- The removal of the weed (weed control)
- Encouragement of desirable species (competition)
- Follow-up control
Whatever the method chosen, it is important to consider what will happen after control activities which usually result in either bare soil or disturbance of some sort – conditions which favour colonisation by more weeds! For example, will the weed be replaced by a native vegetation in a remnant or will better pasture plants be encouraged to grow in its place in an agricultural situation?
A significant decision is whether to use a chemical or non-chemical control method. Considerations include the particular sensitivity of a species to chemicals, the extent of the infestation, how and where the weed is growing, and control equipment and time available. The Landcare Office has many resources to help you make the right choice for the right weed in each situation.
When using a herbicide, following the label is essential. The label is a legal document and specifies the plants that the particular herbicide is registered to control, as well as application methods and application rates.
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) can be found on the Internet. These give detailed information about the chemical, any handling and transport restrictions, toxicity rating, poisoning advice, etc.
Whose Responsibility are weeds?
All land managers have a general biosecurity duty are responsible to prevent, eliminate, or minimise the risk posed by invasive species, depending on the weed.
The DPI oversees biosecurity and can provide definitive information, and Bellingen Shire Council has the responsibility of implementing the Biosecurity Act in our area. Council’s Invasive Plants team works with landholders to ensure their responsibilities are understood and implemented. They can be contacted at Council by calling (02) 6655 7300 or emailing [email protected]
Prevention – These species are not known to be present in NSW or the North Coast region. Prevent these weeds from arriving and establishing in the region. Call the Biosecurity Hotline on 1800 680 244 or the Council Invasive Plants Officer on (02) 6655 7300 if you think you have seen these weeds anywhere.
Eliminate- These species are either not present or present to a limited extent in NSW or the North Coast region. Eradicate these weeds by permanently removing of destroying all known infestations using the information found on NSW WeedWise. Contact the Council Invasive Plants Officer on 6655 7300.
Containment – These species have a limited distribution in NSW or the North Coast region. Contain these weeds by preventing the ongoing spread of the species. Use control information found on NSW WeedWise or pick-up a handbook from Landcare or Council to find information on how to proactively manage these weeds.
Widespread Environmental Weeds – These are the lowest priority weeds (from a biosecurity perspective). These species are widespread and unlikely to be eradicated or contained within the broader regional context. Use the control information found on NSW WeedWise or pick up a handbook from Landcare or Council to find information on how to manage these weeds to prevent them from impacting on your neighbours, and key assets.
Some weeds are regionally significant, even if they are not at the state level, so it is worth downloading this comprehensive list of weeds of the North Coast and their priority.
Some of our worst local environmental weeds are:
Bamboo
Camphor laurel
Celtis
Groundsel Bush
Lantana
Madeira vine
Mother of Millions
Privet
Salvinia
Agricultural weeds
These weeds pose a threat to agricultural productivity. Locally important species include:
Fireweed
Chilean Needle Grass
Coolatai Grass
Crofton Weed
Giant Paramatta Grass