Weeds

A weed can be any plant that impacts on the environment, economy or human health. Weeds compete with native plants, reducing biodiversity, native wildlife habitat and food sources.

We're committed to managing and protecting our beautiful bushland, coastal environments and waterways to minimise the negative impact of weeds. Landholders also have an obligation to manage weeds on their properties.

Weeds and legislation

Under the Biosecurity Act 2015, all plants are assessed for any adverse effect the introduction, presence or spread of a plant will have - or potentially have - on the economy, the environment or the community. The legislation states that anyone (landowner, land manager, resident or general public) has a ‘General Biosecurity Duty’ to prevent, eliminate or minimise the risk posed by priority weeds. A list of priority weeds can be found at NSW WeedWise.

Weed management in Sutherland Shire

Council is legally obligated and responsible for enforcing weed legislation in Sutherland Shire. We do this by:

• conducting weed inspections on public and private properties
• inspecting and controlling weeds in high-risk pathways, including transport corridors and waterways, and on sites such as waste facilities, development sites, florists, nurseries and aquariums
• providing weed management education, training and resources for staff and the public
• responding to breaches of the Act.

In accordance with the requirements of the Pesticides Regulation 2009, The Pesticides Use Notification plan has been prepared. The aim of the Plan is to inform the community about the application of pesticides in outdoor public places that are owned or controlled by public authorities.

What you can do to manage weeds?

Tips to assist with weed management and to prevent spread.

• Don't throw garden waste into bushland or natural environments.
• Don't throw aquatic plants from aquariums, ponds or water features into waterways, drains or wetlands.
• Ask for advice about weed identification, control and management.
• Plant species native to your local area.
• Join Bushcare, a Council-supported program where volunteers assist in bush regeneration.
• Support Greenweb, a Council-supported program to create conservation and wildlife corridors on the land of interested residents.

Report a mowing or weeds issue

Weed Control 1st April 2024 - 30th June 2024