Weeds

It’s important to correctly identify a plant before trying to remove or control it. Many weeds look similar to native plants, including some that are protected under Council’s Development Control Plan. Removing or damaging native vegetation without approval may be against the law. Always make sure a plant has been properly identified before taking action.

The following tools can help you identify weeds and choose the right control method:

• WeedWise
  NSW Government’s authoritative weed information system. It provides species profiles, legal requirements, priority status and recommended control methods.
• iNaturalist
  A community science platform where you can upload photos to help identify plants with assistance from AI image recognition and a community of users.
• Sydney Weeds Network’s Garden Escapes booklet
  A guide to common garden plants that have become environmental weeds, with advice on identification and control.
• Weed Control Techniques
  Practical information on mechanical, chemical, and cultural weed control methods, including safety and environmental considerations.

Always choose the best control method for the species, location and scale of infestation.

Some weeds pose a much higher risk to the environment, community, and economy than others. These species are classified as Priority weeds under the Biosecurity Act 2015 and are managed more strictly.

How weeds are prioritised

Weeds are assessed based on the biosecurity risk they pose, not simply whether they are present. Because these risks vary, not all weeds are treated the same way.

Each Priority weed has a specific management objective under the Biosecurity Act 2015, setting out the desired outcome for that species. Some Priority Weeds are also subject to additional legal requirements, such as mandatory control or restrictions on sale, movement, or disposal. These obligations exist because of the known, high risk posed by these species.

Detailed, species-specific information, including legal requirements, is available through WeedWise.

General Biosecurity Duty

Everyone in NSW has a General Biosecurity Duty under the Biosecurity Act 2015. This means you are required to take reasonable and practical steps to prevent, eliminate, or minimise biosecurity risks, including risks posed by weeds.

The duty encourages shared responsibility and early action to prevent weed spread.

Managing weeds on your own property is an important part of protecting the wider environment.

You can help by preventing weeds from spreading beyond your property and choosing native or non-invasive plants when gardening

Council offers Grow Native Garden Visits for residents seeking tailored advice on weed management and suitable plant choices for their garden.

The quickest and most effective way to deal with weeds on a neighbouring property is to speak with your neighbour and try to work it out together.

If this doesn’t resolve the issue, you can report the weeds to Council. Please note - Council can only take action in certain cases, in line with the Biosecurity Act 2015 and the Greater Sydney Regional Strategic Weeds Management Plan.

Council focuses on Priority Weeds and takes action where there are unmanaged biosecurity risks.

Council manages weeds on its land through bush regeneration programs guided by Council’s Bushland Prioritisation Matrix and targeted control of Priority Weeds where it is practical and effective. The community can also get involved through the Bushcare program.

Widespread weeds that are already common are usually not prioritised, unless bush regeneration works are underway.

Other public land managers, such as National Parks, utilities and infrastructure agencies, are responsible for managing weeds on their own land in line with biosecurity laws.