Weeds management

Controlling and eradicating priority weeds throughout our area is an important part of our work.

Ways we do this are:

• spraying weeds using an 8 metre boom spray and a Quikspray 30 metre hose reel for handgun work

• mapping weed infestations using GPS units linked to a GIS mapping program

• being an active member of the Murray and Riverina Weeds Action Program (WAP) to effectively identify and stop new weeds early and increase community participation in managing weeds 

• participating in the Red Guide Post Program, where red guide posts are placed at known locations of high risk priority weeds such as parthenium weed, chilean needle grass, serrated tussock and coolati grass sites. Over 2,000 red guide posts have been distributed to 33 participating Councils across the Riverina and Western NSW. The posts are installed next to existing white guide posts at the start and end of the high risk priority weeds infestations. By avoiding Red Guide Posted areas we can all help stop the spread of weeds.

Identifying weeds

To help identify a weed on your property you can download the free NSW WeedWise app.

Copies of the "Priority Weeds of the Murray and Riverina Regions" available in each of our offices. You may also like to download a copy of the NSW Weed Control Handbook.

Priority weeds

Plants that can have a detrimental effect or result in serious economic loss to agriculture or the environment are considered 'priority' weeds. We all need to play a part in controlling priority weeds. Preventing the spread of weeds protects our native plants and animals and our land, water and food production in NSW. Weeds can take over precious habitats and threaten our industries and livelihoods. We need your help to stop them!

African boxthorn

This is a woody, thorny shrub that can grow up to 5m high and 3m wide. Young plants grow quickly. Plants sometimes drop their leaves and appear dead during drought or in winter.

• Leaves are bright green, oval, smooth & fleshy and grow in clusters along the branchlets
• Flowers are white to purple with 5 petals, 1 cm in diameter, purple or pale blue markings, fragrant, present during the spring and summer months but can occur year round
• Fruit are berry like, green when young, orange-red when ripe, 5-10mm in diameter containing 20-70 seeds, usually present in autumn but can be present year round
• Seeds are light brown to yellow, irregular flat shape, smooth with raised spots, 2.5 mm long and 1.5 mm wide 
• Seeds can germinate any time of the year if there is adequate moisture and warmth
• Stems are rigid, very branched, thorny with thorns up to 15 cm long on the main stem and stout thorns on ends of branches

Biosecurity Act 2015

We are guided by the Biosecurity Act 2015 for information on regulatory controls and powers to manage priority weeds in NSW. View the Act.

Information & advice

If you are concerned about weeds on your property, contact our Weeds Inspector or your local agronomist (option for farmers). r.