New weed species added to Weeds of National Significance list

NSW will join the fight against some of Australia’s worst weed species as 12 invasive weed species are included in a national weeds initiative.

NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) Manager Invasive Species, Scott Charlton, the Weeds of National Significance initiative helps state and federal governments tackle the most serious and destructive weeds in the country.

"These nationally-recognised weeds pose a significant threat to agriculture, human health, productivity and the environment," Mr Charlton said.

"The newly-recognised weeds were selected based on their invasiveness, impact on primary industries and natural ecosystems and potential to spread.

"Importantly, consideration was also given to what benefits national coordination could provide.

"Weeds don’t respect state boundaries, which is why it’s critical we work together to manage emerging risks to our valuable primary industries.

"Under the Weeds of National Significance initiative, NSW DPI will lead coordination efforts for combating fireweed, asparagus weed, sagittaria (arrowhead) and water hyacinth.

"Working with state and federal authorities, NSW DPI will lead the development of management plans for these weeds and oversee national control efforts."

Scott Charlton said the NSW DPI has made real progress in tackling these problematic widespread weeds since the initiative was introduced back 1999.

"As an example, by declaring the highly invasive Parthenium weed as a Weed of National Significance we’ve been able to keep incursions to a minimum, control new outbreaks and get the community on board," Mr Charlton said.

"Through our Weeds Action Grants Program, we’re also working with regional communities to target declared weeds such as alligator weed and serrated tussock."

Bringing Australia’s Weeds of National Significance to 32, the 12 newly declared weeds include:

• African boxthorn
• asparagus weeds
• bellyache bush
• brooms
• cat’s claw creeper
• fireweed
• gamba grass
• madeira vine
• opuntioid cacti
• sagittaria
• silverleaf nightshade
• water hyacinth.

Further information on weeds is available on the NSW DPI website: http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/pests-weeds/weeds

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