Environmental and Noxious Weeds
A ‘weed’ is best described as a plant that is growing out of place or where it is not wanted. Many environmental and noxious weeds were accidentally introduced to Australia as garden plants that have now escaped to become weeds. Those plants with potential to spread widely and to have a detrimental effect on the environment or the economy are declared as noxious weeds. The declaration of noxious weeds varies across New South Wales. To find out which weeds are declared noxious in your area, contact the Weeds Officer at your Local Council or visit the NSW Department of Primary Industries website (http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/pests-weeds/weeds).
Responsibility for the management and control of noxious weeds lies squarely with the property owner, or where a property may be rented or leased, the occupier of the property. It is not the responsibility of Council to manage and control weeds on private property, however in certain circumstances Council can instruct and enforce property owners or occupiers to undertake weed control activities.
It is also important to be aware of environmental weeds. While not declared noxious, environmental weeds can still invade and cause harm to native vegetation and waterways. Environmental weeds can include both exotic plants and native species growing outside their natural range. Environmental weeds commonly include lawn species (eg Kikuyu and Buffalo) and other garden plants that escape and spread into native bushland where they out-compete and replace native species (eg Morning Glory, Wandering Jew, Cassia, Camphor Laurel).
Impacts of Weeds
Weed invasion is one of the most serious conservation and land management problems in Australia and has a significant impact on the health and survival of crops, pastures, native vegetation and wildlife. Weeds compete with native and agricultural plants for nutrients, moisture and light. Weeds also prevent natural regeneration of native species, reduce wildlife habitat, change the movement and quality of water, increase soil erosion and change fire behaviour. Weeds can also poison the soil, and be toxic to humans and animals.
Methods of Weed Control and Integrated Weed Management
There are five key methods of weed control that are generally practiced.