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Other Information:
Environmental weeds are spoiling our environment
 Garden waste does not improve the soil. Additional nutrients will kill native plants. |
Urban noxious weeds usually begin life in someone's backyard.
Common garden species can be spread through birds eating the seed or people tossing
garden clippings into the bush. These introduced species are vigorous invaders
that smother indigenous plants and feed off excess nutrient levels in disturbed
soils. Introduced plants have few predators, grow faster than local native species and usually produce much more seed. Once weeds take over an area the character of the bushland changes, diminishing habitat for native wildlife and altering fire regimes. They threaten the very existence of already endangered or vulnerable species of plants and wildlife. The plants identified as Noxious Weeds or other Significant Environmental Weeds are threats to native bushland. |
How you can help...
If any of these plants are growing in your garden, those that are declared
noxious must be removed under the Noxious Weeds Act, but please consider removing
them all. There are many attractive garden plants which won't spread beyond your
garden.
Please consult your local council or weed control authority
regarding correct weed removal and control techniques, and for advice on suggested
alternatives. Sydney North's "Stop the Spread" brochure highlighting noxious weeds
in the region, is also available on request.
| Environmental weeds invade bushland | To succeed we need your help... |
| • Blown by wind | Remove likely plants from your garden especially if you live within one kilometre from bushland |
| • Spread by berry eating birds and other animals | Remove likely plants from your garden especially if you live within 500m of bushland. |
| • Carried by attachment to birds and other animals | Replace likely plants with locally indigenous native species |
| • Carried by water | Never leave weed piles near a creek edge or within the flood zone. A sudden storm can wash it downstream. |
| • Spreading vegetatively. Vines, scramblers and creepers spread rapidly when dumped or adjacent to bushland. | Never dump garden waste in bushland areas. Dispose of all garden waste by composting, or contact your local council for green-waste arrangements in your area. Remove totally if you live next to bush. |
| • Spread by machinery, or in mud | Clean gardening equipment on site to help prevent weed seed spread to other areas |
Join a local Bushcare Group
Join
a Bushcare or Volunteer Bush Regeneration Group in your area
to take part in a united effort to control and eradicate environmental weeds in
your local bushland area, or perhaps start one yourself. These community groups
are a great way to meet local people and to get involved in protecting your local
environment.
Usually meeting once a month, they are supported by local councils or state agencies, providing tools and guidance on the work day.
Please contact your local council or weed control authority for details of any volunteer Bushcare or other environmental groups in your area..
The natural resources staff can also provide information on:
• bushland management plans and restoration work currently being undertaken
by council and the community
• local native plants and where to buy them
• any threatened species and endangered ecological communities, and
• invasive species in your area.