Managing Weeds of National Significance — have your say

The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) is encouraging the community to have its say on draft national strategic plans for six of the 12 new Weeds of National Significance.

Asparagus weeds, cat’s claw creeper, fireweed, Madeira vine, opuntioid cacti and sagittaria are among the 12 new Weeds of National Significance (WoNS) announced in April.

DPI invasive species manager, Scott Charlton, says the WoNS initiative is a partnership between state and federal governments to tackle some of the most challenging weeds impacting this country.

"Fireweed, a daisy-like plant with bright yellow flowers, is a serious pasture weed which has spread along the east coast of Australia and is a serious concern for many landholders," Mr Charlton said.

"Fireweed seeds prolifically and grows quickly, with possibly 3-4 generations in a season. These plants are toxic to livestock causing liver damage and ill-thrift.

"Sagittaria, a highly destructive aquatic weed from South America, causes considerable impacts to irrigation districts, waterways and wetlands, particularly those along the River Murray and other southern areas of the Murray Darling Basin."

Six species of asparagus weeds were recently listed as WoNS: Asparagus aethiopicus, A. africanus, A. asparagoides Western Cape form, A. declinatus, A. plumosus, and A. scandens.

Asparagus weeds have invaded all states and territories in Australia, except the Northern Territory. The continued spread of asparagus weeds threatens Australia’s biodiversity, including endangered coastal and forest ecosystems.

Opuntioid cacti are a group of up to 30 species, including Hudson pear, which in NSW occurs in the opal mining areas around Lightning Ridge and Grawin. Invasive cacti are drought resistant, hardy plants that can survive in low rainfall environments, with rangelands environments especially vulnerable.

Invasive cacti threaten NSW’s environmental, agricultural and aesthetic values, and pose a risk to animal welfare and human safety. Invasive vines and scramblers like cat's claw creeper and Madeira vine were introduced as garden plants but are now a threat to rainforests and riparian areas in the eastern states of Australia.

"Public comment is being sought for these draft plans and people have until 14 September to have their say," Mr Charlton said.

Draft national strategies and feedback forms for all species are available at www.weeds.org.au/WoNS

Visit www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/pests-weeds/weeds

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