Help us protect Northern Rivers biodiversity
We’re working to prevent, eradicate and control priority weeds across the Northern Rivers. Learn more about the invasive weeds we’re targeting and report a targeted weed.
Targeted weeds of the Northern Rivers
There are many weeds threatening our biodiversity, agriculture, and economy. The NSW Department of Primary Industry (DPI) has identified certain weeds as posing more of a significant risk than others. In close partnership with landholders, the farming industry, government agencies and the Northern Rivers community, we are working to prevent, eradicate, and control these targeted weeds.
Parthenium
Parthenium is a fast-growing weed that can cause allergic reactions in humans, health issues in cattle, outcompetes degraded or drought-affected pastures, reduces crop yields and carries crop viruses, and spreads incredibly easily. We are currently working to prevent Parthenium from becoming established in NSW so please, report it to Rous and help our farming communities.
Tropical soda apple
Tropical soda apple (TSA) is another fast-growing weed that can replace one hectare of pasture in six months from just a few plants. It has sharp prickles and its fruit may be harmful to humans. It outcompetes native plants and hosts crop pests, disease, fungi and insects that damage fruit and vegetable crops. Each plant can produce 45,000 seeds a year so please report it to Rous and help our farming communities.
Frogbit
Frogbit is a fast-growing, perennial, fresh-water weed that can interfere with fishing, swimming and boating. Frogbit spreads to form thick mats on the surface, outcompetes native plants, reduces light, food and shelter for fish, and provides more habitat for mosquitos. Frogbit has the potential to overrun our waterways so please report it to Rous and help our native wildlife.
Limnocharis
Limnocharis is an aquatic weed that can restrict access to water for people and animals, agricultural channels and drains, reduce food and habitat for fish and other aquatic animals, and outcompete native aquatic plants. If you see Limnocharis, please report it to Rous and help protect our native habitats.
What makes it a targeted weed?
Targeted weeds are high priority weeds as determined by NSW DPI using the NSW Weed Risk Management System. We deliver targeted weed programs aimed at preventing weeds from establishing, eradicating them from our region, and containing new outbreaks across the Northern Rivers.
Read more about weed management:
What about other weeds?
We are the designated Local Control Authority for the Northern Rivers. That means we’re responsible for weed management inspections and enforcement, managing targeted weed control programs, controlling weeds on council-managed lands, and providing weed education, training and resources for the community.
Weeds’ exponential threat
The invasive species curve below illustrates the importance of rapidly responding to new and emerging weeds, while preventing introduction of new weeds to our region.
Got weeds questions?
We’re eager to answer your weed management questions and help empower you to control, prevent and eradicate weeds on your land.
