27 October 2025
Rous County Council (Rous) is one of seven local councils and state government agencies to share in the NSW Government’s $1.18 million investment in Tropical soda apple (TSA) control activities under the Good Neighbours Program.
The funding will see Rous deliver targeted works to help curb the invasive weed’s spread in key riparian zones along the Richmond River as part of the broader ‘Increasing Tropical soda apple management across the North Coast and Northern Tablelands’ project.
Image: invasive weed, Tropical soda apple (Solanum viarum)
The Good Neighbours Program, led by Local Land Services and championed by The Hon. Tara Moriarty, MLC, promotes collaboration between public and private landholders, fostering joint action to manage pest animals and priority weeds.
The project will strengthen biosecurity efforts in the Northern Rivers by enabling Rous’ Weed Biosecurity Officers to work directly with landholders to control TSA across property boundaries.
Tropical soda apple is recognised as a high-priority weed due to its rapid spread and significant impacts on agriculture and native ecosystems.
The Richmond River has been identified as a major pathway for TSA dispersal, with seeds carried from the upper catchment downstream into lower tributaries and adjoining areas, according to Philip Courtney, Rous Weed Biosecurity Manager.
“The funding will support coordinated treatment of known TSA infestations along the length of the Richmond River, focusing on high-risk areas including Wiangaree, Kyogle, Casino, Coraki, Woodburn and Broadwater,” Philip Courtney said.
“Targeted work will also take place along Tunglebung Creek to reduce the potential spread into the Clarence River catchment.
“By concentrating efforts on these riparian corridors, the project aims to slow the spread of TSA and reduce its impact across the region.”
Rous Weed Biosecurity Officers will undertake consistent, on-ground control in partnership with affected landholders, ensuring a strategic and collaborative response to one of the region’s most invasive weed threats.
Philip Courtney said the funding comes at a crucial time for protecting the region’s biosecurity.
“Tropical soda apple is quickly becoming one of the most problematic invasive weeds in the Northern Rivers – it threatens agriculture, biodiversity and even land access,” he said.
“Getting ahead of it requires coordinated, cross-boundary action – and this program supports that critical work.”
Rous General Manager Phillip Rudd echoed the importance of the project and collaboration amongst partners.
“This is a timely and strategic response to a fast-moving problem,” Phillip Rudd said.
“We are grateful for the support provided by the NSW Government’s Good Neighbours Program, which will help us to take a joint approach in a high priority area.
“At Rous, we remain committed to continuing our partnership with the NSW Government, Local Land Services, and regional landholders to support the long-term management of Tropical soda apple in the region and protect the environmental and agricultural integrity of the Richmond River catchment areas.”
