It is unfortunate that the majority of Australia’s 2,700 (estimated) species of invasive weeds are garden escapees, introduced via horticulture or nursery pathways.
Many plants that can look great in the garden have a nasty habit of jumping the garden fence, spreading to neighbouring property or bushland areas. The resulting weed infestations degrade our native landscapes, impact human health, threaten agriculture and reduce habitat for native fauna.
Significant work has been undertaken with the nursery industry to better assess new plant species before they are introduced, and to regulate the sale of existing plants that demonstrate a weed risk in some areas of the country. More and more native plants are also propagated and promoted as a great alternative for home gardens.
Whilst the nursery industry is improving its practices, many existing weeds continue to be sold, swapped and traded between keen gardeners. They may be oblivious to the weed risk presented by these plants, or knowingly flouting biosecurity laws without regard to the potential consequences. The sale of weeds in NSW is regulated by the Biosecurity Act 2015. Weeds of National Significance and weeds listed as Prohibited Matter are banned from sale statewide. These weeds, of which there are about 90 species, have what is called a Mandatory Measures regulation.
Additionally, the General Biosecurity Duty for Regional Priority weeds on the North Coast deems that an additional 54 species should not be sold here. Councils Biosecurity Officer inspects nurseries, florists and other retailers to ensure that they comply with Biosecurity requirements, and may also check on markets, garage sales and private sellers to enforce the requirements of the Act. Online markets, farmers markets, garage sales and garden clubs are difficult places to regulate, so it is up to all of us to be aware that some plants that might look like a great score could actually be banned from sale.
Sellers and buyers can be fined for trading in priority weeds, and the plants will be seized and destroyed. Weeds that are banned from sale include all plants in the Prickly Pear – Opuntia, Cylindropuntia and Austrocylindropuntia family (except Opuntia ficus-indica), many aquatic plants, most plants in the Asparagus family (except edible Asparagus) and many others.
Plants that are banned from sale can be found via the Advanced Search option on the NSW WeedWise website, or by chatting to your Biosecurity Officer. If you see priority weeds for sale you should report them to Council, and can do so anonymously if required.
