WEEDS MANAGEMENT

ILLEGAL DUMPING PLANTS INFORMATION PACKAGE

The NSW Biosecurity Act stipulates that any person who deals with biosecurity matter is required to exercise their general biosecurity duty (Visit View – NSW legislation for further information). Many ornamental plant species are capable of establishing themselves and proliferating roadside with several species observed (sporadically) along CGRC roads. Illegal dumping of unwanted plant material or failure to contain plants within property boundaries are avenues for these plants to encroach bushland and (in some cases) out compete remnant native species. Follow the link for examples of some common ornamental species to be mindful of and methods to reduce any biosecurity risks.

Illegal dumping plants Information Package

WEED ALERT

Foxtail Fern: Have you seen this plant? Foxtail Fern exists in many gardens but did you know it is a scheduled weed species? Read below to learn your roles and responsibilities when dealing with this plant.

Foxtail Fern Facts

Sticky Nightshade is a developing problem in the Riverina with populations identified in neighboring Council areas. Isolated plants have been found and destroyed on the Burley Griffin roadside this past Summer – this plant is now scheduled as a priority weed for eradication within the region. If you believe you have seen this plant on your property please contact Cootamundra-Gundagai Biosecurity weeds officers on 1300 459 689.

Sticky Nightshade Facts

WEED SPRAYING NOTIFICATION:

Council wishes to advise residents across the region that weed spraying will be undertaken. Notification is done in accordance with the Pesticide Regulation 1995. Herbicide application will occur during the months of January 2024 to December 2024 in the town and village streets and lanes, for the eradication of weeds in the road and culverts, as well as weed control in public spaces.

One of the main objective of the Biosecurity Act 2015 is to prevent the spread of noxious weeds.

Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council (CGRC) employees two Weeds Inspectors to manage and control Council’s weeds operations and to establish strategies and statements to control weeds in accordance with the Biosecurity Act 2015 within the Council region. Our Officers carry out inspections on private property and works with Local LLS and Council to ensure weeds are managed throughout the Council area.

Weed Spraying in townships is advertised in CGRC fortnightly newsletter, snippets, Facebook, and via Council website. Roadside weeds spraying is carried out by Council insectors periodically throughout the year.

Weed management is an integral part of sustainable agriculture, sound environmental management and the maintenance of biosecurity that underpins our rural industries. Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council (CGRC), undertakes a strict weed management regime, to ensure the region is protected from the negative impact of weeds and thereby strengthening the sustainability of the natural environment, primary industries and local communities in the region.

Council is required under the Biosecurity Act 2015 to control and eradicate noxious weeds on Council owned land (roadside spray included). Privately owned land including landowners and lessees and Crown land on behalf of the State Government. Across the CGRC region weed control is carried out for a number of reasons. Weeds of varying varieties have the ability to crowd out or restrict light to more desirable plants, draw nutrients from the soil, encourage pests and diseases that can degrade crop and stock quality. Some weeds can severely damage paths and walkways which could become hazardous to those walking on them and, if left unchecked, are very expensive to repair. Weed control is the botanical component of pest control, which attempts to stop weeds, especially noxious or injurious weeds, from competing with desired flora and fauna, this includes domesticated plants and livestock, and in natural settings, it includes stopping non local species competing with native, local, species, especially so in reserves and heritage areas.

CGRC Weed Spraying Officers will be conducting Weed Spraying across the region During 2024. This spraying program will be in Cootamundra, Gundagai and all villages and will encompass streets, laneways, road sides, culverts and various other public spaces across the region.

Pesticide Use Notification Plan | NSW Environment and Heritage

CGRC Pesticide Notification Plan

Emergency Pesticides Use

Emergency applications of pesticides in public areas for problems of dangerous insect’s that pose an immediate danger of public health and safety, Council will, where possible, post signs in the vicinity of the application.

In the event of pesticide application in an emergency situation in a sensitive area to control a dangerous pest infestation, the Council will organize a door-knock (in a reasonable amount of time) prior to the application of pesticide. (see notification plan for sensitive areas in pesticide notification plan).