Regional presence
The different ways we’re managing biosecurity across the Northern Rivers region.
10,000km2 of weed management
Rous works with a wide range of stakeholders to combat the spread of targeted weeds in the Northern Rivers region of NSW. The council is the local control authority responsible for administering the Biosecurity Act 2015 for weeds in the region. Rous provides a cost-effective and consistent mechanism for control and management of targeted weeds within the county. Rous operates in Byron, Ballina, Kyogle, Lismore City, Richmond Valley, and Tweed shires. It covers over 10,000km2 from the Queensland border to the north, Tenterfield Shire to the west and the Clarence Valley local government area to the south.
A united approach
Rous’ approach to weed management has strong links with the NSW Biosecurity and Food Safety Strategy, NSW Invasive Species Plan and the NSW Weeds Action Program.
Rous’ weed management platform is based on the achievement of the four goals outlined below:
- Exclude – prevent the establishment of new weed species in our region
- Eradicate or contain – eliminate or prevent the spread of new weed species in our region
- Manage – reduce the impacts of widespread invasive weed species
- Collaborate – ensure community, industry and government stakeholders have the ability and long-term commitment to manage invasive weed species.
Our approach to weed management reflects the following key themes:
- Identification and management of high risk weed species and the pathways they use to spread into and within our region.
- Formulation of new weed detection systems to improve our capacity to find new weeds early (prohibited matter).
- Ensuring we have the resources and procedures in place to undertake rapid strategic control measures against new weed incursions.
- Continual analysis of our weed management programs to ensure we are directing resources to where benefits will be the greatest.
- Increasing the community commitment and involvement in proactive weed management approaches.
Primary biosecurity measures
The main biosecurity activities and services Rous manages.
Land inspections
Regulatory inspections of land to ensure owners, occupiers, and managers carry out their legislative weed control obligations.
Weed management on public lands
Mapping the density and distribution of weeds on roadsides and public land. Carrying out control works against targeted weeds on the public road network throughout the Northern Rivers.
Strategic control of high risk weed species
Identification of species exhibiting problematic potential and implementing strategies for their timely control and future management. Ongoing review of weed-management programs to ensure resources leveraged for greatest impact.
Education and community empowerment
Developing programs to empower communities to take part in protecting the region’s biodiversity by taking part in effective weed management programs.
Our responsibilities
Rous manages the weed control and biosecurity of the Northern Rivers region including:
- the prevention, elimination, and management of weeds
- the development, implementation, and ongoing improvement of weed control programs
- the inspection of land in connection with its weed control functions
- documenting and reporting on our work.
Our services
Rous also offers a range of services to land holders, including:
Advice
Rous provide best practice management information for all facets of targeted weed control.
Weed identification
Weed samples can be dropped into the Rous office for identification.
Weed information
Rous has a broad range of weed information available to the public.
Community empowerment
Rous hosts regular field days, workshops, school talks, and stalls to empower people to help protect the region’s biodiversity.
