Weeds
What is a Noxious Weed?
Weeds pose a serious threat to human and animal health, to primary production, and to our natural environment. Weeds reduce farm productivity, displace native species and contribute to ongoing land degradation and reduced land values. Noxious weeds can be agricultural weeds, environmental weeds, or weeds that have other impacts (eg human health). A declared noxious weed is a weed that must be controlled by law. The level of control is determined by the weed control class as defined by the Noxious Weeds Act 1993.
The Noxious Weeds Act 1993
The Noxious Weeds Act provides for the classification of noxious weeds and sets out responsibilities for their control in NSW. An amended Noxious Weeds Act came into effect on 1 March 2006. Changes have been made to the list of currently declared noxious weeds in Lake Macquarie (increased from 44 to 88) and to the "categories". The former W1, W2, W3 and W4 categories have been changed to Control Classes 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.
| Class 1 - State Prohibited Weeds |
|---|
| to prevent the introduction and establishment of those plants in NSW. "The plant must be eradicated from the land and the land must be kept free of the plant." |
| Class 2 - Regionally Prohibited Weeds |
| to prevent the introduction and establishment of those plants in parts of NSW. "The plant must be eradicated from the land and the land must be kept free of the plant." |
| Class 3 - Regionally Controlled Weeds |
| to reduce the area and the impact of those plants in parts of NSW. "The plant must be fully and continuously suppressed and destroyed." |
| Class 4 - Locally Controlled Weeds |
| to minimise the negative impact of those plants on the economy, community or environment of NSW. "The growth and spread of the plant must be controlled according to the measures specified in a management plan published by the local control authority." |
| Class 5 - Restricted Plants |
| to prevent the introduction of those plants into NSW, the spread of those plants within NSW or from NSW to another jurisdiction."The requirements in the Noxious Weeds Act 1993 for a notifiable weed must be complied with." |
Noxious Weed Control
For information on the approved control techniques for noxious weeds view NSW DPI's Noxious and Environmental Weed Control Handbook.
Need Further Information?
For a complete list of noxious weeds in Lake Macquarie and the legal requirements for those weeds, visit the NSW Department of Primary Industries and look under the 'Agriculture/Weed Management' section.
For further information and advice on noxious weeds, please contact Council’s Vegetation Control Officer on 4921 0360.