Invasive and Priority Weeds

Harrington Park Lake and Drainage Reserve Invasive Weed Spraying

Alligator Weed

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For more information phone 13 CAMDEN.


Have you seen this plant?

Parthenium weed (Parthenium hysterophorus)

How does this weed affect us?

Parthenium weed can cause severe dermatitis and respiratory problems in humans.

It invades pastures and crops and can also cause health problems in dogs and livestock.

Parthenium weed:

  • Is toxic to livestock;
  • Outcompetes pastures;
  • Can taint the flavour of meat or milk;
  • Reduces crop yield;
  • Contaminates grain; and 
  • Is a host plant for crop viruses.

Where are you likely to find it?

Parthenium weed has recently been found in an urban compost heap in Engadine. It may have spread to other locations in Greater Sydney.

Look for it where:

●            There is lots of bare soil (roadsides, poor pastures);

●            New soil or compost has been delivered;

●            Earthworks have taken place; and

●            Hay, grain or bird seed has been fed to livestock or chickens.

Check regularly and especially after rain.

What does it look like?

It is fast-growing and usually grows up to 1.5m tall but can be up to 2m tall.

Leaves are pale green and covered in soft fine hairs. Lower leaves are 5–20cm long.

and deeply divided. Upper leaves are smaller and less divided.

Flowers are creamy white, 4–6 mm across and star-like with 5 distinct points. Flower clusters are delicate and look a bit like "baby's breath".

Stems are grooved, woody when older, and have many branches when flowering.

Seen it? Call NSW DPI Biosecurity Helpline 1800 680 244.

For control and biosecurity information visit NSW WeedWise.


Biosecurity alert - Frogbit

frogbit

A new aquatic weed called Frogbit (Limnobium laevigatum) has been identified in the upper Georges River catchment.

It can rapidly invade and smother waterways. Plants can form into large mats of runners and adult plants can develop very quickly. Juvenile plants have a great capacity for distribution as they are small and can be easily and quickly carried along by water currents. While Frogbit spreads when plants move in water, a common cause of spread is the dumping of illegal aquarium or pond plants in waterways and by transfer on marine craft.

Frogbit is a serious biosecurity threat to Camden’s lakes, creeks, dams and the Nepean River, as well as the rest of NSW. All species of Frogbit are classified as “Prohibited Matter” under the Biosecurity Act 2015 and if found must be reported immediately to NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) or to Council.

To report a sighting of Frogbit, contact Council's Natural Resources (Biosecurity) Officer on 13 CAMDEN


Nepean River Aquatic Weed Spraying

Doc1 4

Pesticide spraying for aquatic weeds will be undertaken along the Nepean River, from 2 kilometres upstream of Menangle Weir and downstream to Theresa Park Weir. This treatment is conducted through the Local Government Areas of Camden, Wollondilly and Campbelltown Councils.

There will be 2 - 3 sprays conducted over the growing season, weather permitting. In the event of rain or unfavourable weather conditions, an extension of time will be required. Notifications of the dates of these sprays will be posted to Councils Facebook Page and on Councils Website. The public is advised not to use, drink or swim in these waterways during these periods. The pesticide treatment is conducted in accordance with the Pesticides Act 1999.

All weed infestations will be treated according to manufacturer’s specifications with Metsulfuron-methyl and/or an organic oil compound/wetting agent. All chemicals are registered for this use by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority.

Under the provisions of the Biosecurity Act 2015, aquatic weeds such as Alligator weed, Salvinia and Water hyacinth are regional priority weeds. It is recommended to contact Council's Biosecurity Officer (Weeds) to obtain advice regarding the control of these and other weeds if you have identified any on your property.

For more information, phone 13 CAMDEN.


 

Resources

Pesticide Use Notification Plan - November 2020