These weeds are among many high-risk and established weeds targeted by a $10 million state government weed management program.

More than $8.5 million has been designated for rural areas, including the Wingecarribee region.

Council’s noxious weeds ranger Martin Filipczyk said each local government area had its own list of declared noxious weeds and landholders, as well as council, were responsible for controlling them.

“Some weeds, including Blackberry, Serrated Tussock and Fireweed, are common in different parts of the Wingecarribee shire and landholders are obligated to control them under the Noxious Weeds Act 1993,” he said.

The funding will help to target ‘new and emerging weeds’ with the aim of eradicating them before they become established and negatively impact on agriculture.

“This list is currently under review and includes species such as Madeira Vine, African Olive and Coolatai Grass,” Mr Filipczyk said.

Minister for Primary Industries Niall Blair said serrated tussock was also a constant concern for farmers across the state. “This is a significant amount of funding that will be used to support compliance, awareness and surveillance, largely by local councils,” he said.

If you find an invasive plant you haven’t seen before and believe that it could be a new and emerging weed in our shire, contact council’s noxious weeds officer on 4868 0888 who can assist with identification, and removal if required.

Further information on weeds and their control can be found at www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/weeds or by downloading the free smartphone app – NSW WeedWise (also available from the DPI website).