Council’s roadside weed-spraying program

Published on 31 January 2022

In a region rich in agriculture and home to some of the world’s most valuable ecosystems, Council’s weed control programs work to protect our region from the serious risk posed by invasive weeds. 

The extensive region-wide works program is one that requires careful planning and with a region that covers more than 15,000km2, the perception can be that Council doesn’t do enough or ‘in my patch of yard’. 

The weed control schedules, work, and contracts awarded are all carefully planned and prioritised to deliver the best bang for the buck, and must work in with the seasons such as noting when weeds go to seed. It’s a year-round program and there is a lot of ground to cover across the Snowy Monaro which is why it’s important for the community, landholders and Council to work together to combat invasive weed issues. 

Roads are one the biggest spreaders of weeds, with vehicles bringing new weeds into the region and spreading existing weeds around. Council invests a large proportion of our weed control budget into roadside weed spraying to limit the spread of weeds along roadsides and into adjoining agricultural and environmental land.

To make sure work is up to scratch and completed on time, the roads within the Snowy Monaro are divided into six contract regions. Each region is under contract to a local, qualified and experienced weed control provider.

During spring we prioritise treating grassy weeds, including Serrated Tussock, African Lovegrass, Chilean Needle Grass and Coolatai Grass during spring. Woody weeds, including St Johns Wort, Blackberry and Sweet Briar are the focus during the summer months. Autumn sees Council return its focus to grassy weeds.

Council’s biosecurity team continuously inspect roadsides for new weed species, particularly those identified by NSW Department of Primary Industries as State priority weeds. Weeds captured before establishment represent a significant cost saving to the community. The more established a weed becomes, the lower the likelihood of eradication and the greater the cost of control. 

Council works in collaboration with Transport for NSW to manage roadside vegetation along our main thoroughfares. This work enables passing traffic to maintain line of sight and maximise public safety. It also compliments Council’s roadside weed control program by addressing all weeds within two metres of the road seal and minimises slashing, which is renowned for worsening the spread of weeds.

To learn more about biosecurity and weeds in the Snowy Monaro, please visit the biosecurity and weeds pages on our website.

To report or receive advice on a weed outbreak on private or public land, please email council@snowymonaro.nsw.gov.au or call 1300 345 345.