Weeds

Weeds are a major threat to our unique natural environment, threatening the survival of hundreds of native plants and animals in NSW alone. They also impact on the price of food, human health through allergies and asthma, recreational activities and the NSW economy.

Biosecurity isn't just about farmers and livestock biosecurity applies to urban areas as well. For example, you should consider the risks when buying seeds interstate or online. You could unwittingly be importing a pest plant.

Or perhaps you're getting rid of organic waste from a fish tank; did you know some popular aquarium plants are highly invasive species, and pose significant risks to waterways? Aquarium waste should go in the bin, not sewers or waterways.

You should check to make sure you're not transporting seeds or bugs on your vehicle, clothing, boots or equipment after being away in the great outdoors.

Find out more about the Biosecurity Act and further information about weeds in the sections below.

Agricultural weeds

Agricultural weeds are plants that represent a threat to agricultural production. They reduce the area available for agricultural activities, interfere with agricultural practices and affect the quality of produce.

The NSW Department of Primary Industries Agriculture has more information on agricultural weeds.

Environmental weeds

Environmental weeds are plants that represent a threat to the conservation values of natural ecosystems.  They invade native plant communities and out-compete them causing a reduction in plant diversity and resulting in a loss of habitat for native animals.

The Department of Primary Industries has more information on environment weeds.

Noxious weeds

Weeds that are declared noxious are those weeds that have potential to cause harm to the community and individuals, have the potential to spread within an area and to other areas. They can be controlled by reasonable means.

A noxious weed is any weed that is declared noxious under the Noxious Weeds Act 1993. To be declared, a weed must have a detrimental effect or cause serious economic loss to agriculture or to the environment. 

Search for the current declared noxious weeds in Coffs Harbour via the NSW DPI website.

Weeds of national significance

Under the National Weeds Strategy, 20 introduced plants were identified as Weeds of National Significance (WONS). These weeds are regarded as the worst weeds in Australia because of their invasiveness, potential for spread, and economic and environmental impacts.

National Environmental Alert Weeds     

Under the National Weeds Strategy, 28 environmental weeds were identified National Environmental Alert Weeds.

Alert Weeds are non-native plant species that are in the early stages of establishment and have the potential to become a significant threat to biodiversity if they are not managed.

Pesticide Use Notification Plan

The Pesticide Use Notification Plan has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the NSW Pesticides Regulation 2009 (the Regulation).

The plan describes how City of Coffs Harbour will inform members of the community about pesticide applications made to outdoor public places that are owned and /or controlled by us.

The plan allows members of the community to take action to avoid contact with pesticides, if they wish.

 

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