Kempsey Shire Council recently conducted aerial surveys to map the spread of Groundsel Bush, which has been gaining momentum in the shire. The surveys revealed infestations in the Willi Willi, Morparrabah, Stuarts Point and Collombatti areas.
Greg Egan, Weeds Officer at Kempsey Shire Council said his team will work closely with impacted landholders to help them control Groundsel Bush.
"Groundsel Bush invades open to dense forests, bushlands and agricultural land, outcompeting grazing vegetation and native species," said Mr Egan.
"Under the New South Wales Biosecurity Act, everyone has a legal obligation to manage identified priority weeds on land they own or occupy. Council Weed Officers are available to help landholders reduce the risk of weeds impacting assets of high value."
Groundsel Bush infestations weren't the only bad guys discovered.
"Searches for infestations of Cockspur Coral Tree and Tropical Soda Apple took place, and we found one infestation of the Tropical Soda Apple in a known area," said Mr Egan.
Landholders should also keep an eye out for Mother of Millions as this weed is not only highly invasive but highly toxic stock and poisonous to animals and humans.
"Mother of Millions invades household gardens as well as natural and farm landscapes, and the red-orange flowers are five times more poisonous than the leaves and stems."
"Many farmers control this weed on their land to ensure that their cattle or other stock do not eat them."
Thankfully, there are a number of Landcare and Dunecare community groups putting in the hard and extremely valuable work in controlling weeds on public and Crownland.
"It's great to see volunteer groups doing highly valued work on several sites to control weeds in the Kempsey Shire."
Council hosts programs to help with weed control and Weed Officers are available to assist landholders.
