NSW Weeds
There are 1,665 naturalised plant species in NSW. Of these, over 340 have the ability to threaten biodiversity and many of these weeds have been identified within key threatening processes. Weeds, along with pest animals, pose the second greatest threat to biodiversity, after habitat loss.
Weeds in general
The NSW Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) manages weeds on its estate (such as national parks and nature reserves), and also develops and implements strategies for weeds that threaten biodiversity. For information on strategies to manage specific weeds navigate to them through the panel to the left of this text. Alternatively, priorities to manage all widespread weeds in the 13 Catchment Management Authorities in NSW have been developed.
The NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and the OEH have prepared an overview of the various weed management strategies currently in use in NSW and how they are applied to a variety of situations. Furthermore, a working group including members of DPI, OEH, and Local Control Authorities have developed an Incursion Plan for Invasive Plant Species in NSW. The plan sets out to address the weed component of Goals 1 & 2 of the NSW Invasive Species Plan - to exclude and eradicate or contain weed species in the state. Under Goal 3, widespread weed management for conservation is addressed through the Biodiversity Priorities for Widespread Weeds.
The OEH is partner in the Weeds of National Significance (WoNS) program. Species such as bridal creeper, bitou bush and lantana are WoNS.
Page last updated: 21 September 2012
