Local government responsibility for weeds

This handbook is aimed at local councils and councillors.

Topics covered include;

• Local government and weeds management
• The Biosecurity Act and local government
• The role of authorised officers
• Training
• Other stakeholders in NSW weeds management
• Additional information

The Standard for Weed Management Capacity in NSW describes the components that local control authorities should have in place to manage weed risk effectively. The NSW Department of Primary Industries will audit local control authorities against the Standard and support them to meet the Standard.

The NSW Weeds Action Program (WAP) provides funding to local government for weeds. Eligible activities include:

• Early detection of high-risk weeds through inspections and surveillance of high risk sites and pathways.
• Responding to biosecurity emergencies.
• Eradication and containment of high-risk weeds.
• Increasing the capacity of the community to identify, report and manage weeds.

Authorised officers have diverse and often difficult roles. Access to ongoing training and professional development is crucial. Full or part qualification in Certificate IV Government Investigations and part or full Qualifications in Certificate to Diploma level qualifications in Conservation and Land Management (weeds specialisation) is recommended. NSW DPI also supports delivery of non-accredited training to enhance weeds management outcomes.