Parthenium weed (Parthenium hysterophorus) has been detected in the Kiama area which adjoins the Wingecarribee LGA.
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This highly invasive weed has significant consequences for agriculture and animal and human health.
Distinguishing features include:
- Very small, white, 5-pointed flowers which grow in clusters
- Ribbed stems
- Divided leaves covered in fine hairs
Parthenium weed is considered prohibited matter under the NSW Biosecurity Act 2015 and if found must be eradicated and reported to the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI).
DPI state priority weeds coordinator, Phil Blackmore, said the Kiama detection was the 26th parthenium weed infestation to have been identified and managed in NSW since April 1, 2020.
"Six infestations are linked to contaminated organic whole grain chicken feed and mash and one is linked to contaminated conventional chicken feed," Mr Blackmore said.
"The contaminated feed infestations were traced to Queensland manufacturers who have worked with NSW DPI to eliminate parthenium seed from feed products. We have contacted suppliers, alerted buyers of potentially contaminated feed and conducted inspections of their properties."
Mr Blackmore said the Illawarra District Weeds Authority were contacted by the owners when they found the suspect plants which germinated in summer, just before Christmas.
"Local councils across the state are working to eradicate all infestations as the united efforts of the Local land Services and community continue to keep the devastating weed in check," he said.
NSW has benefited from the program to keep the state parthenium-free since 1982, with the greatest number of parthenium infestations found and managed during the past 12 months.
More information about parthenium weed and how to identify the plant at different growth stages is available from the NSW DPI website, https://weeds.dpi.nsw.gov.au/weeds/partheniumweed.
If you think you may have parthenium weed on your property please call Wingecarribee Shire Council's biosecurity officer on 4868 0888 as a matter of urgency.
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