Weeds risk assessment

Though there is a list of Weeds of National Significance, and Noxious Weeds, these records are not comprehensive. The 2012 survey was conducted to create a more complete overview of new and emerging environmental weeds. Using the NSW Weed Risk Management system, 146 of the 218 listed species into management categories that range from 'eradication' (with the aim of removing the species entirely) to 'managed sites' (with the aim of maintaining the overall value of key sites through general weed management).

This strategic approach to assessing weed risk ensures that weeds with the potential to cause high impacts are dealt with, and it complements the approach under the Biodiversity Priorities for Widespread Weeds. So far, the system has identified 15 weeds that need to be eradicated from the state, including boneseed, senegal tea and carrion flower.

The Department of Primary Industries is currently producing an online database of completed and partially completed assessments.