Hawkweeds, soda apple and aquatic weeds high on new hit list

Minister for Primary Industries Niall Blair said weeds were a major threat to agriculture and the NSW economy and cost the agricultural sector $1.8 billion a year. “Without active management this cost will blow out,” Mr Blair said.

High on the list for weed control is $145,000 to fight aquatic weeds in the Murray, $136,000 to fight tropical soda apple in the North Coast and $180,000 to control hawkweeds in the Northern Tablelands.

The funding also includes $360,000 for “capacity building and engagement” in the Central Tablelands and $380,000 for “co-ordination and management” of weeds in the Central-West.

“Weeds threaten our unique natural environment, the price of food, human health through allergies and asthma, recreational activities and the NSW economy.

Related: Stockfeed being transported large distances could also introduce new weeds

“Now more than ever, it is crucial that we take advantage of the current dry conditions to ensure that we do not see an increase in weeds once the drought does break.

“This funding will achieve greater collaboration, enhanced reporting, promotion and awareness as well as more services on the ground and training.”

The NSW Weeds Action Program is the NSW Government’s mechanism for providing risk-based weed funding to deliver outcomes from the NSW Invasive Species Plan.

The program is in the fourth year of the five-year period. The years funding aims to support both regional sub-programs as well as several State projects designed to build the capacity for better weed management across the State.