A weed can be described as any plant growing out of place. Weeds can have serious negative impacts on the economy, the environment and the profitability of your farm. Usually, weeds are introduced and spread by people. Most weeds grow in disturbed areas.
In the Northern Territory (NT), weeds are regulated under the Weeds Management Act 2001, managed by the Weed Management Branch. There are lots of types of weeds and some weeds are declared in the NT. The full list of declared weeds can be found online at A-Z-list-of-weeds-in-the-NT
Declared weeds must be managed, and some species have specific management requirements.
These requirements found in the weed management plans online at https://nt.gov.au/environment/weeds/how-to-comply-with-the- law/weed-management-plans-regional-strategy.
These payments are part of the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed (EPPRD)—an agreement between governments and plant industry bodies about how to deal with plant pest outbreaks.
Two examples of declared weeds are:
Gamba grass is a highly invasive weed that creates high fire fuel loads. It can cause uncontrollable, hot and intense fires that affect people, properties and communities.
Key gamba grass identifying features
Gamba grass has a statutory weed management plan for 2020 – 2030. Key requirements in this plan that apply are:
Properties less than 3Ha (7.4 acres) must be entirely gamba grass free.
Properties more than 3Ha (7.4 acres) must install a 15m gamba grass free buffer along the inside boundary of your property and around infrastructure (e.g. house, sheds) and the track into your property.
If you have gamba grass on your property it must be managed to meet the requirements above.
Assistance Available
Help is available to manage gamba grass on your property through the Gamba Action Program. This program offers advice, free herbicide and spray equipment loans each year from December to April. Contact the Weed Management Branch for more information.
Limnocharis was first detected in the Northern Territory at the Rapid Creek markets in 2021. In Thailand limnocharis is grown as a vegetable but presents a serious risk for agriculture and biodiversity and is a target for national eradication in Australia.
It is illegal to buy, sell or cultivate limnocharis. If you think you have limnocharis on your property this must be reported to the Weed Management Branch.
Key limnocharis identifying features
Limnocharis leaves are pale green, velvety, oval shaped with 11 to 15 parallel veins. The flowers are yellow, cup-shaped with three petals.
For more information
If you find a plant you are unsure of, or a new plant growing on your property, please call the Weed Management Branch for assistance with identification and control methods. There is no penalty for reporting and the team are very happy to help.
For more information on these or other weeds contact the Weed Management Branch on 8999 4567 or email weedinfo@nt.gov.au
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