Weeds

Weeds are found everywhere – even in gardening supply shops!

Weeds can choke waterways, destroy assets such as fences, suffocate native plants and trees and poison animals and birds. Or they can just be a nuisance in your garden and prevent healthy plant growth.

In NSW, all plants are regulated with a general biosecurity duty to prevent, eliminate or minimise any biosecurity risk they may pose. It is important for people to understand that eradication is not always the goal – it is not always possible. Explaining minimising risk will help to manage expectations.

View our weeds photo gallery 

Be Weedwise

Encourage your friends and neighbours to plant native or non-invasive alternatives. Identify your weeds with NSW WeedWise, which contains over 300 weed species.profiles over 300 high priority weeds. It describes the level of risk associated with each plant and outlines methods of control (including registered herbicide options).

Weed alternatives

Growmeinstead is a national online search tool where you can identify your weed and it suggests alternatives.

Weeds on my property

The changes to biosecurity laws regarding weeds mean everyone has a duty to prevent, eliminate and minimise weeds, particularly those with a high level of risk.

If you are a property owner in Ku-ring-gai, you are responsible for removing weeds on your property and minimising their regrowth.

Weeds on neighbouring properties

The quickest and most effective way of dealing with weeds on your neighbours’ property is to talk to them and try and resolve any issues together.

Council officers are only required to inspect properties suspected of hosting weeds that are high risk, or a property sharing a common boundary with endangered native plants or a national park.

If you can't resolve the issue with your neighbour amicably, contact the Community Justice Centre to arrange for mediation.

Weeds on public land

Weeds are an issue in bushland, along walking tracks and in catchment areas. Weed seeds can be spread by birds, animals, wind and people. They cause problems by smothering native plants, blocking waterways and increasing the risk of flooding.

Council undertakes regular weed control programs in these areas through staff, private contractors and community volunteer groups.

Ku-ring-gai has over 700 volunteers looking after weed control in bushland and helping protect the environment. For just a few hours a month you can join these volunteers. Visit Bushcare volunteers to find out more.

Weed management and pesticide use policy

Weed Management Policy(PDF, 132KB)

Pesticide Use Notification Plan for Outdoor Public Places(PDF, 447KB)

More information