WEEDS MANAGEMENT

ILLEGAL DUMPING PLANTS INFORMATION PACKAGE

The NSW Biosecurity Act stipulates that any person who deals with biosecurity matter is required to exercise their general biosecurity duty (Visit View – NSW legislation for further information). Many ornamental plant species are capable of establishing themselves and proliferating roadside with several species observed (sporadically) along CGRC roads. Illegal dumping of unwanted plant material or failure to contain plants within property boundaries are avenues for these plants to encroach bushland and (in some cases) out compete remnant native species. Follow the link for examples of some common ornamental species to be mindful of and methods to reduce any biosecurity risks.

Illegal dumping plants Information Package

WEED ALERT

ALLIGATOR WEED

Alligator weed is an aquatic weed species not yet known to occur in the CGRC local council area and scheduled for Prevention/Eradication managerial goals. This species has significant deleterious effects on waterways and riparian zones due to its aggressive growth habit which increases sedimentation and severity of flooding events. Negative impacts on industry reliant on irrigation and/or recreational water usage occur due to the species impacting water accessibility and altering the environment. The Murrumbidgee is considered a high risk pathway for Alligator weed entry and establishment in CGRC waterways. If you believe you have observed this species please call Cootamundra-Gundagai Biosecurity Officers on 1300 459 689. Follow the link for more information on Alligator weed, visit NSW WeedWise and download the free app https://weeds.dpi.nsw.gov.au/

Alligator Weed Information Package

CHILEAN NEEDLE GRASS

Chilean needle grass is an invasive perennial (tussock forming) grass growing up to 1m high. It is tolerant of a range of soil types and capable of invading even undisturbed natural ecosystems. The species can outcompete native vegetation and is of low digestibility and nutritional value to grazing livestock. The characteristic “spear” seed heads are adept at penetrating the skin – decreasing the welfare, carcass and skin values of livestock. This species is scheduled with an eradication managerial goal within the CGRC area. If you believe you have seen this species please contact CGRC Biosecurity Officers for assistance in identification and control options. Follow the link for further information on Chilean needle grass or visit NSW Weed Wise https://weeds.dpi.nsw.gov.au/ and download the free App.

Chilean Neddle Info Package

COOLATAI GRASS

Please follow the link for more information, visit NSW Weedwise https://weeds.dpi.nsw.gov.au/ or download the free app.

If you believe you have seen this species please contact one of Councils’ Biosecurity Officers on 1300 459 689.

Coolatai Information Package

MEXICAN FEATHER GRASS

Mexican feather grass is scheduled prohibited matter in the state of NSW – the species should not be sold anywhere. The species is a prolific seeder with each plant capable of producing up to 100 000 seeds annually. Additionally, it is a resilient tussock type grass that is capable of establishing and spreading in many different climates and soil types (approximately 65% of NSW suitable of Mexican feather grass). All known incursions of Mexican feather grass in NSW have been eradicated or are currently under and eradication program.

The highest risk for Mexican feather grass introduction into the Riverina is via private gardens/ornamental plant trade. Mislabeled plants lead to inadvertent introduction into land areas free of the species where seeds are then spread by wind, water run-off and attaching to clothing or animals. The species has been found for sale in nurseries under the following incorrect names:

Elegant spear grass (Austrostipa elegantissima)
Stipa lessingiana
Stipa capillata
Stipa capriccio
Stipa Regal Sensation.

Online seed companies have also sold the species under various names:

Stipa tenuissima
Stipa tenaccissima
Elegant spear grass
White tussock
Texas tussock grass
Ponytail grass.

Thorough research of plants before introducing them to the home garden is always recommended to avoid potential establishment of scheduled priority weeds. For more information on this species follow the link the CGRC information package and visit NSW WeedWise https://weeds.dpi.nsw.gov.au/Weeds/MexicanFeatherGrass and download the free application.

Mexican feather-grass Information Package

MOTHER OF MILLIONS

Mother of millions Information Package

Coolatai Grass

Coolatai grass is a predominantly Summer active species that occurs along several roadsides within CGRC. The species proliferates by means of seed dispersal and due to its perennial lifecycle has the potential to dominate land used for intensive farming purposes as well as non-agriculture/conservation areas. Please follow the link for more information, visit NSW Weedwise or download the free app. If you believe you have seen this species please contact one of Councils’ Biosecurity Officers on 1300 459 689.

Coolatai Information Package

Serrated Tussock:

With many Summer weeds entering dormancy coming into the Winter period; there are still weeds that are able to be dealt with due to their perennial growth habit. Serrated tussock is one such species that has been identified on several properties in the CGRC area. This weed can be difficult to identify in the environment and is scheduled for eradication – for further information follow the link.

Serrated Tussock Information Package

Foxtail Fern: Have you seen this plant? Foxtail Fern exists in many gardens but did you know it is a scheduled weed species? Read below to learn your roles and responsibilities when dealing with this plant.

Foxtail Fern Facts

Sticky Nightshade is a developing problem in the Riverina with populations identified in neighboring Council areas. Isolated plants have been found and destroyed on the Burley Griffin roadside this past Summer – this plant is now scheduled as a priority weed for eradication within the region. If you believe you have seen this plant on your property please contact Cootamundra-Gundagai Biosecurity weeds officers on 1300 459 689.

Sticky Nightshade Facts

WEED SPRAYING NOTIFICATION:

Council wishes to advise residents across the region that weed spraying will be undertaken. Notification is done in accordance with the Pesticide Regulation 1995. Herbicide application will occur during the months of January 2024 to December 2024 in the town and village streets and lanes, for the eradication of weeds in the road and culverts, as well as weed control in public spaces.

One of the main objective of the Biosecurity Act 2015 is to prevent the spread of noxious weeds.

Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council (CGRC) employees two Weeds Inspectors to manage and control Council’s weeds operations and to establish strategies and statements to control weeds in accordance with the Biosecurity Act 2015 within the Council region. Our Officers carry out inspections on private property and works with Local LLS and Council to ensure weeds are managed throughout the Council area.

Weed Spraying in townships is advertised in CGRC fortnightly newsletter, snippets, Facebook, and via Council website. Roadside weeds spraying is carried out by Council insectors periodically throughout the year.

Weed management is an integral part of sustainable agriculture, sound environmental management and the maintenance of biosecurity that underpins our rural industries. Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council (CGRC), undertakes a strict weed management regime, to ensure the region is protected from the negative impact of weeds and thereby strengthening the sustainability of the natural environment, primary industries and local communities in the region.

Council is required under the Biosecurity Act 2015 to control and eradicate noxious weeds on Council owned land (roadside spray included). Privately owned land including landowners and lessees and Crown land on behalf of the State Government. Across the CGRC region weed control is carried out for a number of reasons. Weeds of varying varieties have the ability to crowd out or restrict light to more desirable plants, draw nutrients from the soil, encourage pests and diseases that can degrade crop and stock quality. Some weeds can severely damage paths and walkways which could become hazardous to those walking on them and, if left unchecked, are very expensive to repair. Weed control is the botanical component of pest control, which attempts to stop weeds, especially noxious or injurious weeds, from competing with desired flora and fauna, this includes domesticated plants and livestock, and in natural settings, it includes stopping non local species competing with native, local, species, especially so in reserves and heritage areas.

CGRC Weed Spraying Officers will be conducting Weed Spraying across the region During 2024. This spraying program will be in Cootamundra, Gundagai and all villages and will encompass streets, laneways, road sides, culverts and various other public spaces across the region.

Pesticide Use Notification Plan | NSW Environment and Heritage

CGRC Pesticide Notification Plan

Emergency Pesticides Use

Emergency applications of pesticides in public areas for problems of dangerous insect’s that pose an immediate danger of public health and safety, Council will, where possible, post signs in the vicinity of the application.

In the event of pesticide application in an emergency situation in a sensitive area to control a dangerous pest infestation, the Council will organize a door-knock (in a reasonable amount of time) prior to the application of pesticide. (see notification plan for sensitive areas in pesticide notification plan).