Our Environment » About Noxious Weeds   Not all weeds identified as noxious in Lane Cove at present grow here but they have the potential to become serious weeds or already are serious weeds elsewhere in NSW. They are identified so that they can be eradicated or controlled as soon as they appear. What is a Weed? Weeds are plant species that are out of place in the natural environment. They can often produce vast quantities of seed which spread across into the natural ecosystem by wind, water, birds (and other animals) and humans. What are Noxious Weeds? Noxious weeds are those plant species declared by NSW Agriculture and Council under the Noxious Weeds Act, 1993. They are declared because they threaten human health and property, agricultural productivity and natural biological diversity. A comprehensive listing of all noxious weeds within Lane Cove Councils' contral area is available here.   What are Environmental Weeds? Environmental weeds are introduced plants which have invaded natural ecosystems. These weeds become highly invasive due to their rapid growth, high fecundity (seed production and longevity) and very effective dispersal methods. Some environmental weeds are also classified as noxious weeds. Noxious and environmental weeds compete with native plants for sunlight, moisture and nutrients. They can dominate and stifle the germination of native plants. What is the Noxious Weeds Act, 1993? The Noxious Weeds Act, 1993 is the legislative Act governing all aspects of noxious weeds throughout NSW. Under this Act, Lane Cove Council can enforce penalties on land holders failing to control noxious weeds growing on their property. The Act also classifies noxious weeds into five control categories. The NSW Department of Primary Industries is the government authority that has responsibility for and declares noxious weeds. Who is responsible for controlling Noxious Weeds? Owners and occupiers of property in the Lane Cove Municipality are obliged to comply with the Noxious Weeds Act, 1993. Lane Cove Council also has the responsibility to comply with the Noxious Weeds Act on land under its control. Government land is the responsibility of the government department, which has control over the land. For each category of noxious weed, there is specific criteria for control of those weeds. Noxious weeds in the category Class 4 have specific management plans which can be viewed below. Class 4 Management Plans Asparagus Fern Lantana Asparagus Fern - Climbing Ludwigia Asthma Weed Madeira Vine Balloon Vine Morning Glory - Blue Bamboo Morning Glory - Coastal Bitou Bush - Boneseed Ochna Blackberry Pampas Grass Bridal Creeper Privet Cape Ivy Rhus Castor Oil Scotch Broom Cats Claw Creeper Serrated Tussock Chilean Needlegrass St Johns Wort Giant Reed Trad Harrisia Cactus Turkey Rhubarb Further Information If you like further information about identification, suggested weed removal techniques and to report suspected noxious weeds please contact Lane Cove Council on 02 9911 3555 during business hours Mon to Fri. You may also present samples of noxious weeds at Council's Customer Service Centre for identification. Useful Links You may find these websites helpful for further information and references: Federal Government Weed Website Noxious Weed Declaration - Dept of Primary Industries Sydney Weeds Committee The Weeds Society of NSW Weeds Australia Weed Busters Weeds of Blue Mountains Weeds of National Significance   Noxious Weed Listing Noxious Weed Descriptions Noxious Weed Removal Techniques       Lantana camara         Tradescantia fluminensis