Weed management

Weed management is an essential activity which safeguards our economy, environment and community. We manage weeds in accordance with the NSW Biosecurity framework and associated tools.

Under the Biosecurity Act 2015 everyone has a legal obligation to manage identified priority weeds on land that they own or occupy.

Council's role is to work with landowners and occupiers to help them meet their general biosecurity duty according to the Act. This includes:

• helping to identify priority weeds.
• providing advice and information on ways to manage weeds.
• providing displays at community events about weeds.
• an ongoing program of rural and urban inspections to check for priority weeds.

Weed management in the MidCoast area is conducted strategically on a priority basis, as available funds allow.

There's plenty you can do to help us manage weeds across the MidCoast and keep our natural environment beautiful! Our Landcare and Dunecare groups are always looking for new volunteers - find out more and register your interest on our volunteers page. 

Visit our "Quick Links" to access information about projects currently underway across the MidCoast - and find out how you can assist.

About Priority Weeds

Our use of pesticides

Our Pesticide Use Notification Plan sets out the process we follow to inform the community about pesticide use in the local area, including outdoor public places owned or controlled by Council.  

Council ensures that pesticides are applied to public places in a safe, responsible manner, minimising harm to the community and the environment. 

The plan allows members of the community to take action to avoid contact with pesticides, if they wish.

For more information, read the MidCoast Council Pesticide Use Notification Plan.

Our position on glyphosate

Glyphosate is a popular broad-spectrum herbicide which works by inhibiting an enzyme found in plants. There are around 500 products containing glyphosate registered for use in Australia. Glyphosate has been registered for use for over 40 years. It is widely available over the counter of retailers and merchants for use by the general community and industry to manage vegetation in a wide range of situations.

MidCoast Council uses glyphosate as part of our management of weeds across our region.

We only use chemicals currently approved for use and use all pesticides in accordance with the label and permit requirements.

A variety of herbicides are used to manage specific weeds depending on the site conditions and we have a practice of alternating chemicals to manage herbicide resistance.

Toxicological and ecological reports contained within the material safety data sheet for the chemicals we use, and other supporting literature, indicates that when applied as per the directions there is a very low risk of either acute or chronic impacts from the use of these herbicides.

We continually keep up-to-date with advancement in pest plant technology and work with NSW DPI, the Hunter Weeds Advisory Group and other weed scientists.

Pesticides are assessed and registered by the Australian Pesticide and Veterinary Medicines Authority before they are permitted to be used in NSW. They regularly review the toxicology of glyphosate and its use in Australia and their current stance is that registered use of glyphosate in Australia, as per label instructions, is safe. Regulators in Europe, New Zealand, Canada and the United States hold a similar view.

Read the APVMA position on glyphosate here.

The NSW EPA regulates the proper use of pesticides through the provisions of the Pesticides Act 1999 and associated regulations.

Many Commonwealth and NSW government agencies, as well as other stakeholder organisations, have a role in managing pesticides in NSW.

Council maintains an Environmental Protection licence issued by EPA under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act to spray over or near water.

Our projects

Aerial spraying for Bitou Bush

While aerial spraying for weeds can raise fears for some people, it's part of a long established, regulated and approved program to help control weeds and protect our environment.  

The aerial spraying program for bitou bush has been in place for over a decade on the Mid North Coast and is a joint program between the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and MidCoast Council and is undertaken to protect threatened plant and animal species and endangered ecological communities that occur along the coastal strip.

The program is implemented following the ‘Best Practice Guidelines for Aerial Spraying of Bitou Bush in New South Wales’ published by the Department of Environment and Conservation.

"Aerial spraying of herbicides from helicopters has been identified as being the most effective solution to manage bitou bush in steep or inaccessible sections of the coast including vast and remote stretches of beaches and headlands" says Council's Strategic Weeds Biosecurity Officer, Terry Inkson. 

"Volunteers do a great job of assisting with manual removal of bitou bush, however other methods are necessary to target areas where it is too dangerous to send people to treat the weed.

"It's necessary to use a range of treatment methods to effectively control bitou bush. Aerial spraying is just one facet of a comprehensive integrated program, with other methods including bush regeneration techniques, physical controls, mechanical controls (including the use of fire), low and high volume spraying, and biological controls" said Terry Inkson.

Previous efforts over the past decade have seen a huge reduction of mature bitou bush in managed areas, however ongoing treatments are necessary to prevent reinfestation. At Hawks Nest alone, mature bitou bush has been reduced by around 96% allowing re-establishment of local native species since aerial treatments commenced in 2007.

Recent public comments by concerned residents about the chemicals used are also somewhat misleading, due to misinterpretation of technical data.  

"While we understand that people are always concerned about the use of chemicals in the environment, and rightly so, Council does not use chemicals unless they are approved for such use by relevant authorities and do so in accordance with best practice management guidelines, to ensure maximum efficiencies and safety" said Terry Inkson.

"For general community safety, as a precautionary measure, Council needs to implement buffer zones by restricting access to certain areas on beaches and in the water when this activity is occurring.  This is why we place signage and clear the areas for the duration of the activities" explains Terry. 

If you have concerns about the coastal aerial spraying program, please view our FAQs sheet(PDF, 3MB) .

If your question isn't answered there, you can ask our expert staff using the form below. We'll get back to you as soon as possible with a response.

Click here to view form.

Target: Aquatic Weeds

Aquatic weeds are known to displace natural vegetation, destroy aquatic life and reduce habitat available to fish. Aquatic weed management remains a focus for us with a variety of high priority weeds such as alligator weed, amazonian frogbit and senegal tea plant infestations in the Karuah and Manning Catchments being monitored and managed where required under integrated weed management programs. 

Myall Lakes Catchment

Aquatic weeds were monitored and treated along 46 km of stream bank this year. The ongoing monitoring program has revealed significant reductions in densities and occurrences of the target weed parrots feather.

A 1.5 ha area of Alligator Weed received multiple treatments at the obsolete landfill area contained within Tea Gardens Waste Management Centre. This infestation is currently being managed under an intensive, ongoing, integrated weed management program. In Tea Gardens, 1.5 ha of salvinia-infested water bodies were treated. An integrated management program for longleaf willow primrose in drainage areas of Tea Gardens is ongoing.

Karuah and The Branch Estuary

Water hyacinth is an aquatic weed impacting water bodies on numerous private properties in many localities throughout the floodplains of the Karuah Catchment, including Nooroo, Stroud Road, Washpool, Stroud, Booral and Allworth.

Along with private land managers, we have been undertaking controls to manage this weed in various areas for many years, however a problem such as this requires an ongoing large scale coordinated approach to truly be effective. Due to many complexities the effectiveness of biological controls are limited.

We intend to form a partnership with affected land holders and seek external funding to implement a long term control strategy. Water hyacinth may rapidly take over an entire waterway and its large reproductive capacity can cause annual re-infestation thus making ongoing control necessary. There are new off label permits available for the use of certain herbicides to effectively treat Water Hyacinth on water bodies. Land managers should contact us for management advice.

Wallis Lake 

Amazon Frogbit is a floating freshwater plant from Central and South America, introduced into Australia as a decoration for fish ponds, aquariums and water features. It can rapidly invade and smother waterways and is a serious biosecurity threat.  See the separate section on this page below for more information.

The discovery of the aquatic weed near Forster was the first time Amazon Frogbit has been found in a natural area in NSW and triggered an emergency response to control the spread of the weed. We are working closely with Hunter Local Land Services, the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI), implementing management activities including treatments of the infestation ongoing monitoring and private property inspections. This project is ongoing and we are confident that a target of eradication is feasible.

Target: Senegal Tea Plant

Senegal tea plant, a native of the American continents, can float on still or very slow moving fresh water or grow as a bush on wet, marshy soils. It has been recorded at localised sites in most states. It is mainly spread by careless disposal of aquarium plants or deliberate cultivation for sale.

Because Senegal tea plant grows very quickly, it can rapidly cover water bodies with a floating mat, excluding other plants and animals that rely on them.

Approximately 80 km of rivers in the Manning catchment have been identified as infested with Senegal tea plant, from the lower reaches of the Barrington and Gloucester Rivers to Abbotts Falls on the Manning River, just south of Wingham.

Although Senegal tea plant has reached the known tidal limits of Abbotts Falls, there is a concern that future flood events could spread the infestation further downstream in the Manning River, as little is known about the plants ability to survive in brackish water. Should the Senegal tea plant infestation go unchecked, serious economic and environmental damage could occur.

Because of the potentially serious impact of Senegal tea plant on the environment, water resources, primary industries, tourism and recreation, we’re committed to control programs for this weed.

To find out about our current eradication program, due to start in February 2020 - see below 'Current Operation: Senegal Tea Plant'.

Target: Camphor Laurel

We’re working with partners on an exciting new trial to sterilise weed trees that may allow us to protect Australian bush habitats while keeping our significant historic trees in towns. Many grand old trees in the streets and parks of our towns, including popular introduced species like camphor laurels and African olives, were planted over a hundred years ago, before anyone was aware of the damage exotic species would do to the beautiful and unique Australian bushland.

But they've grown on us - literally! Generations of family photos and community events feature these trees that stand proudly today. Unfortunately, each year, they send their seeds far and wide, crowding out the natives. This has devastating effects on native wildlife as natural food sources are squeezed.

MidCoast Council is leading a ground breaking trial project in Australia and working with local neighbouring Councils, the Hunter Local Land Services and NSW Department of Primary Industries, that involves 'sterilising' the old trees so they no longer produce seeds.

The $150,000 project is funded by the Australian Government, Department of Agriculture and Water Resources through their 'Control Tools and Technologies for Established Pest Animals and Weeds Program'. Products that are currently registered for use in the USA are being trialled in Australian conditions, in various locations, potentially leading to registration for commercial use in Australia.

The project involves trialling the application of certain chemicals to trees, via foliar spraying and injection. Treatments are undertaken at flowering time of the individual species being targeted to cause flower drop, arresting the production of seeds.  If the trial is successful, we can retain many trees that may be viewed as significant.

Containing and Controlling Bamboo

Running or rhizomatous bamboo is a plant that MidCoast Council cannot enforce the removal or containment of. It is not a "priority" weed species either locally or under the Hunter Regional Strategic Weed Management Plan 2017 - 2022. All bamboo is generally recognised as a nuisance plant often between neighbours.

if you want to have running bamboo on your property, to be considered a good neighbour, it should be contained either in pots or with an “escape proof” root barrier (Click here for information on root barriers) and maintained.

If you are having issues with Bamboo coming across your boundary from a neighbours’ place, talk to them first, as they may be having the same issues you are and are not sure how to tackle it. Any interactions you have with them regarding the bamboo issue should be documented or diarised in case of any future action taken. If you cannot get any action, contact the Community Justice Centre to assist with mediation on the matter. If mediation fails and the Bamboo is causing structural issues with your dwelling or services, action may be taken under the Trees (Disputes Between Neighbours) Act. For the purpose of this Act, the regulations deem Bamboo to be a tree.

General information about root barriers

• Bamboo root barriers are generally available from nurseries that specialise in Bamboo. Other nurseries, hardware stores and arboriculture suppliers should be encouraged to make these more available.
• Before installing any barrier, all existing Bamboo between proposed barrier and property boundary must first be completely eradicated either by physical removal or poisoning (see control techniques below).
• Consider recommending the use of other plants that can provide similar functions but do not have the same invasive habit as Bamboo. Some alternative non-invasive clumping Bamboo species include Bambusa multiplexa, many cultivars exist from 1m to 10m high, and Bambusa balcooa which grows from 15-30m tall.
• The root barriers recommended below should, as much as possible, be monitored for their effectiveness, and where necessary these specifications will be reviewed as new information is received.

Location of the root barrier

• Barrier may be installed at a distance of 1000mm from the property boundary/ fence line or retaining wall of the property with the bamboo. This will facilitate adequate and regular inspections of the rhizome barrier and allow for any necessary maintenance as required, and without having to enter adjoining property. If this barrier is being installed on a property adjacent to an infestation to prevent further spread, the barrier should be installed as close as possible to the dividing fence.
• During barrier installation, care should be taken to avoid damage to underground pipes and cables. Contact Dial Before You Dig on 1100 or https://www.1100.com.au/
• Barrier should divert around large trees to avoid root damage during installation.

Root barrier fencing

Construction

• Barrier fencing should be made from a material which will not rust, break or shatter in the long term e.g.

• Reclaimed or recycled conveyor belt rubber.
• Polycarbonate roofing with four corrugations overlapping at the seams sealed with a silicone adhesive.
• High density polystyrene or polyethylene plastic, 40 mm or heavier, glued at junctions, or clamped with stainless-steel clamps.

• Galvanised iron is not suitable because it will rust over time.
• No barrier is suitable in rocky ground.
• Where the soil is poor and the existing rhizome descends no more than 150mm, construct a barrier 600mm deep.
• Where the soil is free draining or kept moist, or where the rhizome descends more than 150mm, the barrier should descend to at least 1000mm depth (or when in doubt, up to 1200mm).
• Barrier should protrude 100mm above the ground to hinder rhizomes growing over top.
• For added benefit, the barrier should be installed sloping away at the top and towards the bamboo grove at the bottom, so that when the rhizomes hit the barrier they will bend upwards rather than down (a barrier does not stop a running rhizome, it only deflects it).
• Where extra support is required, the barrier should be securely tied to star pickets installed into the ground to at least 200mm below the barrier, and at maximum intervals of 1.5m.
• To ensure adequate confinement where the ground level changes abruptly:

• The full depth of the rhizome barrier should project from the bank
• At the foot of the bank, the barrier should return at least 300mm back into the area to be confined.

• There must be no gaps in the barrier otherwise it will be ineffective.
• The barrier must extend the whole length of the bamboo infestation.
• If the barrier is not continuous, it should join with an existing structure that will prevent the bamboo spreading e.g. masonry wall with deep footing, and must be material that is a least as deep as the rhizome barrier and not prone to degrading e.g. concrete.
• Where the rhizome barrier ends at a wall it should be returned around the corner and along the wall, at least for 350mm so that the rhizome is forced to grow back into the infestation itself. The barrier should be secured hard up against the wall (using adhesives and hardware such as masonry nails or Dynabolts^TM) so that the rhizome cannot grow outside the barrier.
• Retaining walls should be installed where steep banks cannot support the barrier in the long term.

Maintenance

The top of the barrier should be checked every 6 months to:

• Cut off and remove any rhizomes that are growing over top.
• Remove any build-up of leaves and debris. Bamboo sheds many leaves forming a dense leaf mulch layer on the ground that makes it more difficult to properly inspect the barrier for rhizomes growing over the top or underneath.
• Repair any defects or damage to the barrier, including re-installing any loose star pickets.

Use of reinforced concrete

• Dig trench 1200mm deep and 150mm wide with small backhoe or other trench digging machine.
• Fill trench with reinforced concrete.

Escape proof planters made from fibre reinforced cement

• Different sized cylindrical planters are available according to desired height of plant. The minimum diameter is 450 mm (smaller than 450mm may force the rhizome deeper than 1m in the ground).
• Depth of the planter must be at least 1000mm underground.
• Set top of planter at least 50mm above ground.
• Keep soil level 50 - 75mm below the top of the planter to expose any rhizome that jumps the top of the planter.
• Inspect and cut off all rhizomes that grow over the side of the planter on a regular basis.

Bamboo plants contained in pots

• Bamboo may be grown in a pot if it is placed on a hard surface (eg. non-cracking concrete), off the ground, or on a large saucer underneath the pot, to prevent spread of rhizomes.

• Water

• A water-filled pond, stream or ditch can also effectively block the spread of bamboo, since rhizomes and roots cannot tolerate extended periods of saturation.
• Water need only be present for one season a year.
• This option should only be used if pond, stream or ditch already exists.

Mechanical Control

Carefully dig the base of the plant, rhizome (underground stem) and roots out of the ground and dispose of at the tip. Fill the hole and mulch the area to discourage any regrowth from any remaining stem fragments. If regrowth occurs, dig up the stem and rhizome and dispose of in your bin.

Chemical control

If you choose to kill this weed by chemical means you should use a Glyphosate based herbicide (applied in accordance with APVMA Permit number PER9907).

For best results, cut bamboo stems off just above ground level then immediately paint the stump with a glyphosate mixture at a ratio of 1 part glyphosate to 1.5 parts water). This must be done one stem at a time (click here for tips on removing bamboo).

Smaller plants can be sprayed with a mixture of 1 part glyphosate to 50 parts water (applied in accordance with APVMA Permit number PER9907). Choose a day when it is not too hot, is not windy and rain is not forecasted for at least 24 hours. Caution should be taken to ensure that overspray onto desirable plants and neighbouring properties does not occur.  If foliar spray has been used, wait until the plant has completely died. Remaining dead stems should be cut off at ground level and mulched over to prevent any reinfestation.

Larger clumps can be sprayed under a separate APVMA off label permit, with a very effective herbicide, however as it is not available over the counter to the general public work must be done by a qualified contractor with the appropriate chemical training.  Contractors can contact your Council Weeds Officer for details of the chemical and conditions of use on the 02 7955 7777 or via email to council@midcoast.nsw.gov.au

Current Operation: Senegal Tea Plant

The scheduled spraying of Senegal Tea along the banks of Gloucester River to the Manning River at Bight Bridge is due to begin on Tuesday 12 October (weather and conditions permitting).

Spraying will cover both sides of the river, totalling about 160km of bank, that has been divided into 24 segments based on property boundaries along the stretch.

Council would like to remind affected residents that only qualified operators will be involved in the operation.

As a precaution, residents of these properties are urged to refrain from using, drinking or swimming in the water for 96 hours following the treatments.

This page will continue to be updated as the process continues and anyone interested can check back in for further information, weather reports and changes as they come to hand.

What weed is that?

Identifying and controlling the weeds in your garden is a fantastic way you can 'do your bit' to keep the MidCoast beautiful, preserve our native species, and even safeguard our economy!

The tools on this page can help you to check for priority weeds in our region, and contain great tips for effective removal of these pests.

Go to the local guide

Trying to identify something in your garden? Or want to know the best removal technique? This resource is a great start!

Garden Escapees and Other Weeds of Bushland and Reserves (2015)(PDF, 18MB)

Get the app

The NSW WeedWise app provides key information to help users reduce the impact of noxious and environmental weeds in New South Wales. The app profiles over 300 weeds, describing their legal requirements under the Noxious Weeds Act 1993, control information and registered herbicide options.

Click here to access via Google Play for Android devices

Click here to access via iTunes for iPhone and iPads

Try the web

We recommend the PlantNet site.

Quick guides to our most 'unwanted' MidCoast weeds

These invaders are on our hit list! If you have any of these in your garden, take action now!

   Aquatic Weeds

  Ochna "Mickey Mouse Plant"

   Cassia 'Winter Senna'

   Ground Asparagus

   Mother of Millions

These guides have been produced in assistance with our partners: