A weed is any plant that requires some form of action to reduce its effect on the economy, the environment, human health and amenity. Weeds are also known as invasive plants. Many plants introduced into Australia in the last 200 years are now weeds. Weeds are spreading throughout Australia faster than they can be controlled. All Australian states and territories have experienced native plant invasions. Invasive weeds present an extremely serious threat to Australia's natural environment, and agricultural regions. Weeds are estimated to cost our agricultural industry $4 billion annually and can also cause poisoning and other health issues for humans, pets and farm animals. The real cost of weeds to the environment is difficult to calculate. Some weeds are of particular concern and, as a result, have been listed for priority management or in legislation. Tamworth Regional Council is a member of the Northern Inland Weeds Advisory Committee (NIWAC), which aims to reduce the economic, environmental and social impact of weeds in the North West & New England Regions of NSW by promoting a regional approach to weed management. We can all take action to solve the weed problem. Get to know the local weeds in your area and contact Council's Noxious Weed Inspectors.
|
Noxious weeds are plants that pose a potentially serious threat to primary production or the environment. They are classified in Classes 1 to 5, ranging from those that are not present (or only to a limited extent) in the State to those that present a risk of spreading within or outside the State. The full list of declared noxious weeds in the Tamworth region includes the plant’s common and scientific names as well as its noxious weed classification.
|
|
Tamworth Regional Council is the local control authority for noxious weeds and has responsibility for determining how Class 4 Locally Controlled Weeds are to be managed. These management plans for the Class 4 noxious weeds in the Tamworth region specify how they are to be controlled by occupiers of land.
|
|
While some aquatic plants are vital to the overall health of the environment, some can become a problem. Council's Noxious Weeds Inspectors can help.
|
|
Council uses pesticides as part of a range of weed management techniques and adopts a number of measures to ensure this is carried out responsibly to minimise the impact on public health and the environment.
|