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Many of our bushland reserves are under threat because of the invasive plants escaping from backyards and gardens.
Common garden species can be spread by birds eating the seeds or people tossing garden clippings into the bush. Some exotic species are vigorous invaders, growing faster than native species and usually producing much more seed.
Once weeds take over an area, the character of the bushland changes, diminishing habitat for native wildlife and altering fire regimes.
At the community level, Bushcare groups work with Council to eradicate high-risk weed infestations and rehabilitate bushland through the application of assisted natural regeneration practices and replanting with indigenous species (where appropriate).
Biosecurity weeds
Council is a member of the Sydney Weeds Network (Sydney North), which coordinates a regional approach to weed management.
Weeds in North Sydney are categorised according to their biosecurity risk and ability to spread from their existing and or intended location.
Biosecurity Weeds (formerly referred to as Noxious Weeds) are divided into four management control categories, each with different actions required. Under the NSW Biosecurity Act 2015, all individuals have a biosecurity duty. Local councils are authorised to issue a biosecurity directive to the owner or occupier of a property where weeds are sighted or reported. Weeds declared as a biosecurity risk may cause harm to human health, the environment or agriculture.
When a property owner or occupier is issued with a biosecurity directive, they have a legal obligation to control the weeds in the manner described by the risk rating, or as instructed by Council in the biosecurity directive.
The Greater Sydney Regional Strategic Weed Management Plan guides the management of biosecurity weeds in our region. Appendix 2 in the Plan lists those weeds most commonly found in residential gardens, which pose a threat to our local biodiversity or to human health. If you need help identifying a biosecurity weed, or need to know effective control techniques, visit NSW WeedWise.