Weeds Action Program 2020-2025

The New South Wales (NSW) Weeds Action Program is a NSW Government initiative to reduce the impact of weeds through the implementation of the NSW Invasive Species Plan and the NSW Biosecurity Strategy.

The NSW Invasive Species Plan provides a framework for coordinated management of invasive species, including weeds, and complements the NSW Biosecurity Strategy.

The NSW Biosecurity Strategy outlines how to identify, minimise, respond to and manage biosecurity risks, including weeds, and the program realises the strategy's vision of: "government, industry and the people of NSW working together to protect the economy, environment and community from the negative impacts of animal and plant pests, diseases and weeds for the benefit of all people in NSW.”

The program demonstrates the NSW Government’s commitment to both by supporting:

• state, regional and local processes to detect and respond to new weed incursions
• integrated, cooperative, cross-disciplinary and cross-jurisdictional weed management systems
• prioritisation of weed management activities to achieve the greatest benefit
• effective and targeted on-ground risk mitigation for high priority weeds
• behaviour change strategies that increase community ownership and involvement in effective weed management
• the knowledge base for weed management and its influence on community, industry and other stakeholders
• cost-sharing arrangements for effective and strong partnerships

The program has delivered successful outcomes since 2010, and supports the NSW Government’s response to the Natural Resources Commission review of weed management in NSW, by ensuring consistent and coordinated regional planning and local delivery.

The North Coast Regional Strategic Weed Management Plan for 2023-2027 has been endorsed and released after extensive consultation with stakeholders and the North Coast Regional Weed Committee, it can be viewed here.

North Coast Weeds Update 2022-2023

The North Coast Weeds Action Sub-Program, part of the NSW Weeds Action Program, collaborates with local authorities and the NSW DPI to address Priority Weeds and High-risk Pathways aligned with the NSW Invasive Species Plan. In the 2022-2023 financial year, the program secured over $1.5 million in funding, engaged in extensive education efforts, and demonstrated commitment through inspections, achieving 4,422 hectares of priority weed control, despite facing challenges such as unprecedented rainfall-triggered weed germination.

The NSW Weeds Action Program 2022-2023, a state-backed initiative, continues its mission to combat the impact of weeds on our environment, economy, and community. In partnership with North Coast Local Control Authorities and NSW DPI, the North Coast Weeds Action Subprogram focuses on Priority Weeds, High-risk Pathways, and outcomes from the NSW Invasive Species Plan 2023-2028.

Year 3 of the WAP Program brought in over $1.5 million in funding and nearly $2.8 million in-kind work during the 2022-2023 financial year. Noteworthy is the additional funding from sources such as the LLS High-Risk Pathways and the Early Needs Program. Every dollar invested in WAP funding resulted in a remarkable $1.86 in-kind contribution from project partners.

Early in 2022, unprecedented rainfall triggered mass germinations of high-priority weeds such as Tropical Soda Apple and Seeded Banana, and along with flooding, the increased rainfall increased the distribution of common environmental weeds, such as Colombian Waxweed posing challenges for land managers and partners.

The North Coast Regional Strategic Weed Management Plan for 2023-2027 has been endorsed and released after extensive consultation with stakeholders and the North Coast Regional Weed Committee, it can be viewed here.

Engaging extension materials, social media campaigns, and participation in events like PRIMEX Casino underline the program's commitment to education and capacity building. Over 60 events, including presentations and training sessions, were conducted. Along with collaboration through cross-border and inter-regional meetings, taskforces and a weed professional field trip facilitated in collaboration with Queensland counterparts, offering insights into potential threats and sharing best practices.

Aerial and on-ground inspections covering large areas of land and waterways demonstrate the program's commitment to prevention and early detection. High-risk species inspections and pathway treatments underline the dedication to weed management, with 14,160 property inspections by Weed Officers last year across the region and 4,422 Ha of priority weed control achieved.

Vigilance led to the identification of new weed incursions, with Rous County Council leading emergency responses for significant Frogbit infestations. Frogbit is occasionally traded through aquarium enthusiasts and groups. Naturalised infestations can result from overflowing ornamental ponds and dams or through the deliberate dumping of the plant into waterways and drainage areas.

The North Coast Weeds Action Program remains steadfast in its commitment to sustainable weed management. Collaboration is key to ensuring the long-term success of weed control efforts in the region and North Coast LLS looks forward to continuing to work with Local Control Authorities and stakeholders.