Weed Categories

An image of the priority weed Arum Lily
  What is a Priority Weed?

  • High-risk species that threaten biodiversity, agriculture, food production, and the economy.

  • These weeds can still be eradicated or contained if action is taken early.

  • They are assessed using tools like the Weed Risk Management (WRM) system, which considers their impact, how widely they could spread, and how feasible control is.

  • Managing them quickly prevents them from becoming widespread problems.

What is a Widespread Environmental Weed?

  • Already common across the Shire, particularly in bushland, wetlands, and other natural areas.

  • They are often too well-established to completely eradicate.

  • The focus is on slowing their spread and reducing their impact on the environment.

  • This protects native ecosystems and makes space for native plants to thrive.

Understanding Weed Categories

Weeds are managed according to their level of risk and how practical they are to control. They are placed into specific categories, each with its own regulations and management requirements. Understanding these categories helps determine the right response when a weed is identified. To decide which category a weed belongs to, the Weed Risk Management (WRM) system is used. Head over to our Weed Risk Management page for more information.

Prohibited Matter
  • Prohibited Matter are pests, weeds, and diseases banned from entering or being kept in NSW.
  • They are listed in the Biosecurity Act 2015 as the highest priority.
  • Most are not found in NSW yet — which is why it’s so important to keep them out.
  • If you think you’ve spotted one, report it straight away.

View the Prohibited Matter Booklet(PDF, 1MB)  for information on Prohibited Matter in NSW

State Biosecurity Zones
  • Zones are set up under the Biosecurity Regulation 2017 to stop the spread of pests, diseases, or invasive weeds.
  • Special rules apply in these areas to protect the environment, farming, and community health.
Biosecurity Control Order
  • A Biosecurity Control Order is a legal direction issued by the NSW Minister for Agriculture (or their delegate).
  • They create designated areas where people must take certain actions — for example, destroying or controlling a weed.
Regional Priority Weeds
  • Regional Priority Weeds are considered high-risk for the South East of NSW.
  • They are listed in the South East Regional Strategic Weed Management Plan.
  • Managing them helps protect biodiversity, farms, and community spaces across the region

View the South East Regional Strategic Weed Management Plan 2023-2027(PDF, 3MB)  for more information on Weed Management in the South East Region

Local Priority Weeds
  • Local Priority weeds are weeds that are a particular problem within Wingecarribee Shire.
  • They are chosen based on their local impact — such as rapid spread in bushland or threats to agriculture.
  • Targeted control at a local level helps protect our landscapes and productivity.

View the Wingecarribee Shire Council Biosecurity weed control program 2024-2029(PDF, 4MB) for more information on Local Priority Weeds

Widespread / Environmental weeds
  • Widespread Environmental Weeds are weeds that are already common across the Shire.
  • They threaten bushland, wetlands, and other natural ecosystems.
  • Because eradication isn’t possible, the focus is on containing them and reducing spread.

View the Widespread Environmental Weed Booklet(PDF, 5MB) for more information on common weeds found in the Wingecarribee area

 

        

Report a weed

Spotted a weed in your area? You can report it using our Report a Weed form by clicking the button below.

When reporting, please include:

  • A clear photo of the plant (include flowers or seed heads if possible).

  • Location details – an address, description, or GPS coordinates.

Our Biosecurity Team will contact you to arrange an inspection and confirm the plant's identity.

Report a Weed Form

 

 

 

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