Know your weeds

The most important part of weed control is knowing your enemy. Learn to identify common weeds, including those which aren’t yet widespread in our area, and get unfamiliar plants identified if you suspect they may be weeds. 

Some options for identifying the weeds on your property include:

  • Ask us! Call 1300 345 345 to speak with one of our Biosecurity Officers, or email photos marked Attn: Biosecurity to council@snowymonaro.nsw.gov.au. To help us make a positive ID please ensure you take a clear photo of the whole plant as well as close-ups of leaves, flowers, and fruit or seed pods. 
  • Visit NSW DPI's WeedWise or download the free app to search by name if you already suspect what it is, or by characteristics such as flower colour and leaf shape.
  • WeedScan is an AI based resource developed by the Centre for Invasive Species Solutions which can identify weed species and provide links to management information, as well as record and report occurrences of priority weeds. WeedScan can be accessed via your browser or as a free app for smartphones.
  • Download the Prohibited Matter(PDF, 1MB) and Weeds of the Monaro(PDF, 1MB)  booklets, or pick up a free copy from your nearest Council office.
  • Explore the weed categories below for more links and factsheets.

State Priority Weeds

State Priority Weeds in NSW include species listed as Prohibited Matter(PDF, 1MB) under Schedule 2 of the Biosecurity Act 2015, as well as those subject to Control Orders and Biosecurity Zones. If introduced and allowed to establish, these species could cause serious harm to livestock production, native ecosystems, or human health. Suspected sightings of these species must be reported. 

If you think you've seen any of the weeds contact Council’s Biosecurity Officers on 1300 345 345 or SMRCBiosecurityStaff@snowymonaro.nsw.gov.au, or the Biosecurity Helpline on 1800 680 244. Your local Biosecurity Officers will work with NSW DPI in assisting landholders to eradicate these species. 

Download the following factsheets for more information:

State Priority Weeds(PDF, 4MB) - this factsheet includes the seven state priority weeds which have previously been detected in NSW or the ACT and could tolerate the Monaro's climate. More information and images of some of these species are available in the following factsheets.

Alligator Weed(PDF, 1MB)

Orange Hawkweed(PDF, 2MB)

Mexican Feather Grass(PDF, 2MB)

Parthenium Weed(PDF, 1MB)  

Regional Priority Weeds

Regional priority weeds are those that have been assessed by the South East Regional Weed Committee as posing a significant biosecurity risk and having a high feasibility of coordinated control. These species are outlined in the South East Regional Strategic Weed Management Plan 2023-2027. 

Of the 26 species listed in the plan, 7 are already present or likely to grow on the Monaro. These species and their control requirements are highlighted in the following fact sheet: Get to know Regional Priority Weeds(PDF, 4MB).

See the factsheets below for further information and images.

Coolatai grass(PDF, 2MB)

Gorse(PDF, 1MB)

Silverleaf nightshade(PDF, 1MB)

Sticky nightshade(PDF, 1MB)

Spanish heath(PDF, 1MB)

Locally Important Weeds

These species are not specifically regulated at a state or regional level as they are widespread, however they can have significant impacts on agricultural and environmental assets in the Snowy Monaro region. Landholders should learn how to identify and manage these species using Integrated Weed Management to minimise their impacts on our local communities.

Arrowhead(PDF, 2MB)

African lovegrass(PDF, 1MB)

Chilean needle grass(PDF, 1MB)

Fireweed(PDF, 1MB)

Serrated tussock(PDF, 1MB)

St John's wort(PDF, 1MB)

Garden Escapees and Environmental Weeds

Many of the weeds in our environment are species which were introduced to Australia as garden plants but have since escaped into the wild where they can reduce biodiversity and habitat for native fauna, and encourage pest animals such as rabbits. 

You can help reduce the spread of environmental weeds by:

  • Removing weeds from your garden and replacing them with safer alternatives – see some of the Monaro's garden escapees and environmental weeds here(PDF, 12MB) so you know what to look out for. 
  • Checking your choices before you plant new species – ask your nursery about the potential weediness of a species or visit Gardening Responsibly.
  • Disposing of garden waste properly – compost on site, or take it to your local Landfill for disposal.
  • Not allowing aquatic plants from aquariums or ponds to get into local waterways.
  • Search WeedWise or see the below factsheets for information including control options for some of the Monaro's more invasive environmental weeds. 

Blackberry(PDF, 955KB)

Box elder(PDF, 1MB)

Ox-eye daisy(PDF, 1MB)

Scotch broom(PDF, 1MB)

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