Understanding weeds and biosecurity
Weeds are plants that grow where they shouldn't, causing problems for people, animals, or the environment. Many weeds come from overseas, but some Australian native plants can become weeds if they spread outside their natural area.
What biosecurity means
Biosecurity means protecting our environment, economy, and community from pests, diseases, and weeds that cause harm. In Eurobodalla, weed biosecurity focuses on:
- preventing new weeds from arriving
- detecting and removing new weed outbreaks
- reducing harm from weeds that cannot be removed.
Why weeds are a problem
Weeds cause several issues in Eurobodalla. These include:
- They harm native plants and animals by taking over gardens, parks, agricultural land, and bushland.
- They lower the quantity and quality of crops, gardens, and forests.
- Weeds can host pests and diseases that affect other plants.
- Some weeds increase fire risk, change soil health, and affect land appearance.
- They may cause allergic reactions, injury, or poisoning in people and animals.
Types of weeds
Declared weeds+
These weeds are officially listed as a risk under the Biosecurity Act 2015. If you find these on your property, you must control or remove them because they threaten agriculture, biodiversity, and health.
- Learn how to identify declared weeds on the NSW WeedWise website.
- Contact Council for a current declared weed list and information about Eurobodalla weed control programs.
Environmental weeds+
These weeds invade and damage native bushland, push out local plants, and reduce habitat for native biodiversity. Some plants, such as Alligator weed, can be both agricultural and environmental weeds, depending on where they grow.
How weeds spread
Weeds spread by seeds, roots, or plant pieces that move with:
- wind, water, and animals
- garden waste and mulch
- vehicles, machinery, and mowers
- your clothes and boots.
Weeds often grow best in disturbed areas, like after digging, fire, or floods. They can also thrive when herbicides or fertilisers change soil conditions.
Quick tips for residents
- Check new soil or mulch for weed seeds before bringing it to your property.
- Take part in our free workshops, plant swaps and garden checks for advice.
- Visit the NSW WeedWise website or call Council for help to identify plants.
How to control declared and environmental weeds in Eurobodalla
- Identify weeds early: Use photos and online tools like NSW WeedWise.
- Stop weeds spreading: Dispose of garden waste properly, clean machinery, and watch for new plants in your yard or bushland.
- Remove weeds early: Small weeds are easier to control by hand-pulling, digging, or mowing. For tough weeds, ask Council about safe methods and herbicides. Read our best weed control methods and tips.
- Report invasive weeds: Contact Eurobodalla’s Invasive Species Supervisor if you find unknown weeds that may be harmful.
- Replace problem plants: Join local plant swaps to trade weeds for native plants. Council gives away free native plants when you bring in environmental weeds.
- Join community efforts: Report serious weed outbreaks and join a local Landcare group to protect Eurobodalla's natural environment.
Learn how to dispose of weeds
Watch our YouTube video and find out how to correctly dispose of garden waste and weeds.
Contact us
If you need more information or suspect a weed problem, contact Council's Invasive Species Supervisor, Paul Martin:
- T: 4474 1000
- E: Paul Martin