Every year New England Weed Authority (NEWA) staff carry out weed inspections on over 6,000 square kilometres of land in the Walcha, Armidale Dumaresq, Uralla and Guyra local government areas.
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This means over a three year period all properties in each local government area are inspected, totalling over 18,000 sq. kms. Generally, the Authority monitors the management of widespread weeds in the area including Blackberry, St Johns Wort, Nodding Thistle, Serrated Tussock and others. NEWA also have responsibility for monitoring aquatic weeds in the area.
District Weed Officers are also on the lookout for new and emerging weeds which have the potential to establish in the area. There are many ways new weed species can be introduced including vehicle movements, animals and the purchasing of stock feed from outside the area.
‘We always expect to find a few new species in the area after long dry periods, mainly from incoming feed,’ said Josh Biddle, District Weeds Officer for the Walcha Area.
The Noxious Weeds Act of 1993 lays out the legal responsibility for landholders to control weeds on their land and gives NEWA the Authority to access land to assess weed management. With such dry conditions however the decision has been made to wind back inspections so as to not put unnecessary pressure on graziers or their livestock.
All landholders (not just graziers) are encouraged to be on the lookout for unfamiliar plants on their property. NEWA can help with weed identification and will provide advice on weed management free of charge.
For advice on identification and control contact your local Weeds Officer on 6770 3602 or visit us at www.newa.com.au
