Prevent weed spread: industry and recreation

Introduction

This section has information for business and the public on why and how to prevent the spread of weeds in the Northern Territory (NT).

Weeds cost the Australian economy over $4 billion every year in control costs, lost production, as well as severely damaging natural ecosystems and habitats.

In the NT at least $15 million is spent every year on weed management.

Preventing weed spread is by far the cheapest and most effective form of weed management.

To find out more get the preventing weed spread guide PDF (5.5 MB).

Cost of weed management

Weed management costs include:

  • equipment
  • herbicides
  • labour
  • planning
  • monitoring
  • reporting
  • extension and research.

How weeds spread

You can help with weed prevention if you understand how and where weeds spread in the Northern Territory (NT).

How weeds move 

Many weed seeds have specials ways of dispersing. 

These can include any of the following: 

  • wings or hairs that catch the wind
  • edible fruit and pods that encourage spread by birds and animals
  • hooks, barbs and sticky surfaces that allow seeds to hitchhike.

Natural events

Weeds can move long distances during natural events including all of the following:

  • floods
  • cyclones
  • droughts
  • fires.

How you can stop weed spread

You can reduce the spread of weeds by doing all of the following:

  • map and plan for weed control and avoidance
  • use appropriate hygiene by cleaning weed seed and material
  • avoid disturbing the soil
  • set priorities for weed control
  • monitor your property for weeds.

Read more on weed control plans.


Pastoral industry

If you work in the pastoral industry there are things you can do to prevent the spread of weeds in the Northern Territory (NT).

The pastoral industry in the NT usually involves large tracts of semi-arid land with little clearing of native vegetation.

If you allow weeds to grow they can impact on your productivity and management costs.

Weed spread to your pastoral property can be done via either:

  • local and interstate transport of stock, particularly when livestock eat and defecate weed seeds
  • or import and transport weed seed in hay and fodder or attached to machinery.

How to prevent weed spread

You can do all of the following to prevent the spread of weeds in the pastoral industry:

  • map locations and densities of declared weeds by carrying out a dedicated weed survey and send it to the Weed Management Branch
  • use weed mapping data to develop an annual property weed management plan
  • make sure your staff can identify relevant weeds in the area
  • eradicate all Class A weed species and report them to the Weed Management Branch
  • make it your priority to control weeds along waterways
  • you must follow weed management plans
  • apply an integrated approach to weed management including stock exclusion through fencing
  • isolate incoming stock in a quarantine paddock for at least seven days, particularly those coming from Queensland and Western Australia
  • isolate stock mustered from infested paddocks into a quarantine paddock for at least seven days prior to transporting them off station
  • monitor quarantine paddocks so you can detect any newly-established weeds early and control them right away
  • clean machinery and vehicles before moving them between paddocks
  • check your weed cleaning areas after rain and treat emerging weeds
  • clean your trucks after delivering stock
  • seek advice from the Weed Management Branch before introducing new pasture species.

What you're not allowed to do

You must not do any of the following on your pastoral property:

  • deliberately sow or plant any declared weeds for improved pasture - it is illegal to do so
  • buy, sell or move contaminated hay, fodder or manure.

Fodder and hay industry

If you work in the fodder industry there are things you can do in the Northern Territory (NT) to prevent the spread of weeds.

The NT produces large amounts of hay for export.

Livestock fodder is also used by small scale cattle ventures and horses in the NT and there is a small market for mulch hay.

Without proper management weed seeds can spread in contaminated hay, fodder or mulch.

How to prevent weed spread during hay and fodder production

You must do all of the following to prevent the spread of weeds in the fodder industry:
  • map locations and densities of declared weeds by carrying out a dedicated weed survey and send it to a Weed Management Branch
  • use weed mapping data to develop an annual property weed management plan
  • make sure that your staff can identify relevant weeds in the area
  • manage weeds prior to harvesting to avoid bailing them
  • clean down your machines when moving them between paddocks
  • keep access tracks free from weeds
  • cover your load when transporting hay or fodder
  • seek advice from the Weed Management Branch before introducing new pasture species.

How to avoid weeds when using hay or fodder

Buyers should insist fodder is provided weed-free.

Feed hay in quarantine paddocks, or near infrastructure points, that can easily monitored.

Be suspicious of any unfamiliar plants that germinate in the areas where hay has been introduced.

What you're not allowed to do

You must not do any of the following when producing hay or fodder:

  • deliberately sow or plant any declared weeds
  • buy or sell contaminated hay or fodder
  • cut or mow an infested area for hay production
  • transport contaminated hay.

Subdivisions, development and construction

There are things you can do to prevent the spread of weeds when undertaking subdivision, development or construction in the Northern Territory (NT).

You must closely manage the following to prevent weed spread and establishment: 

  • hygiene procedures for construction equipment, vehicles and materials to ensure they do not carry weed seeds into new areas
  • control of existing and establishing weed infestations.

How to prevent weeds

You must do all of the following to prevent the spread of weeds on or from construction sites: 

  • map locations and densities of declared weeds and send the information to a Weed Management Branch
  • use weed data to write a construction environmental management plan
  • control weeds before you begin work
  • make sure staff and contractors can identify declared weeds 
  • inspect and clean equipment of weed seeds before you begin work
  • where seeding weeds must be cleared, you must stockpile and bund plant material and top soil
  • minimise disturbance to soil and native vegetation
  • manage weeds until there is a change of land use or until land titles are issued.

What you must not do

You must not do any of the following on site:

  • take or use dirty equipment or vehicles to remote locations
  • do not drive through weeds, particularly when clearing vegetation or subdivision lines - where you cannot avoid weeds, clean your vehicles before moving them to weed-free areas
  • do not import or export contaminated material including sand, gravel, rock and fill.

Corridor construction and mineral exploration

You can prevent the spread of weeds when constructing new corridors or undertaking exploration works.

The construction of all of the following can potentially result in major weed spread into remote and clean areas:

  • roads
  • tracks
  • power lines
  • telecommunications lines
  • railways
  • pipelines
  • exploration lines.

Prevent weed spread

You must do all of the following to prevent the spread of weeds when constructing corridors or undertaking exploration works:
  • go to the NR Maps website to find out about relevant declared weeds
  • map locations and densities of declared weeds by carrying out a dedicated weed survey and send it to the Weed Management Branch
  • talk to landholders about weed management before you begin work
  • make sure that site operations staff can identify relevant weeds
  • inspect and clean weed seeds from all equipment - especially if it came from interstate - before you begin work
  • if your vehicles pass through weed infestations make sure they are cleaned before moving them to weed-free areas
  • clean your machinery, vehicles and equipment before moving them between sites or across property lines
  • clean down in areas that are flat, easy to access, and that don't drain into a waterway
  • record the location of clean down areas
  • check for weed growth on corridors and clean down areas after the first rains and control weeds before they establish
  • minimise the disturbance to soils and native vegetation
  • work to control weeds with government agencies and landholders, particularly those with adjoining or overlapping corridors.

What you must not do

You must not do any of the following when constructing corridors or conducting exploration works: 

  • don't drive through weeds
  • don't import or export contaminated material including sand, gravel, rock and fill.

Corridor maintenance

Corridors can include roads, power lines, rail lines, pipelines and telecommunication lines.

If you work in or along corridors in the Northern Territory (NT) without adequate weed management or hygiene procedures you may spread weeds. 

Strategic weed control is an important part of preventing spread along and from corridors. 

Vehicle and equipment hygiene is needed to avoid weed spread. Seeds or parts can be easily moved or introduced by vehicles and machinery. 

Maintenance material such as gravel and rock can be contaminated with weed seeds. 

Clean product should be used and areas of use monitored for weeds. 

Manage weed spread in corridors

Corridor managers and owners should do all of the following to manage weed spread in corridors:

  • map locations and densities of declared weeds and send them to the Weed Management Branch
  • use mapping data to develop an annual Weed Management Plan
  • ensure that all contractors and staff can identify declared weeds relevant to the region
  • prioritise all Class A species for eradication and report them to the Weed Management Branch
  • adhere to relevant statutory weed management plans
  • coordinate slashing, spraying and burning programs -slashing may be the best option for high density, widely established grasses, herbicide should be used to kill isolated plants and outbreaks
  • prioritise weed control in areas with clean adjoining lands
  • plan early control works for areas susceptible to water logging
  • control high fuel load grasses close to infrastructure early in the season to prevent damage
  • ensure that weed hygiene is written into maintenance contracts
  • minimise disturbance to existing land surface and native or non-invasive grasses
  • don't import or export contaminated materials including sand, gravel, rock and fill
  • establish a monitoring program so control and weed spread can be evaluated
  • work with relevant government agencies and land holders, particularly those who have adjoining, overlapping or adjacent corridors.

Slashing in corridors

Contractors and technical staff should do all of the following when slashing in corridors: 

  • be able to identify priority weeds in the area
  • coordinate slashing works with weed sprayers
  • don't slash before herbicide has taken effect
  • advise sprayers of intended route, enabling follow up using herbicide where required
  • driver slashers from clean areas towards infested areas to prevent spread
  • don't drive through seeding weeds - where weeds can't be avoided, vehicles should be cleaned before moving to weed free areas
  • clean down into accessible, flat areas that don't run into drains or waterway
  • record the location of clean down areas - check clean down areas after rain and treat emerging weeds if necessary.

Weed spraying in corridors

Contractors and technical staff should do the following when weed spraying in corridors:

  • refer to an annual weed management plan
  • be able to identify priority weeds in the area
  • vary herbicide type according to weed species and location
  • coordinate weed spraying with slashing program
  • allow time to slashed, mown or burnt weeds to grow new leaves before spraying
  • only spray weeds when they are actively growing
  • always spray weeds before seeding
  • don't drive through seeding weeds - where weeds can't be avoided, vehicles should be cleaned before moving to weed free areas
  • clean down into accessible, flat areas that don't run into drains or waterway
  • record the location of clean down areas - check clean down areas after rain and treat emerging weeds if necessary.

Mining and extractive industries

You can prevent the spread of weeds if you work in mining and extractive industries.

These industries can cause major disturbance that can facilitate weed spread and growth.

You must manage weeds during construction and operation to ensure weed seeds are not spread by people, machines, materials or along haul roads.

You must avoid stockpiles becoming infested with weeds, especially if you intend to move the material off site or use it for rehabilitation.

Prevent weed spread

You must do all of the following to prevent the spread of weeds when mining or extracting:

  • map locations and densities of declared weeds by carrying out a dedicated weed survey and send it to the Weed Management Branch
  • use weed data to inform your mine management plan
  • make sure that your site staff can identify relevant weeds in the area
  • control weeds before you begin work
  • you must eradicate all Class A weeds and report them to the Weed Management Branch
  • you must follow weed management plans - isolated plants and infestations of gamba grass and mimosa must be eradicated
  • where you must clear seeding weeds, stockpile and bund plant material and top soil
  • regularly inspect and treat stockpiles, access tracks and haul roads
  • before you begin work, inspect and clean weed seed from equipment, especially if it came from interstate
  • clean machinery, vehicles and equipment before moving between sites
  • establish a clean down area that is flat, easy to access and that does not drain into a waterway
  • check the clean down area after rain and treat emerging weeds
  • minimise disturbance to soil and native vegetation
  • plan rehabilitation that will minimise weed growth during closure or the reduction in area of an exploration permit.

What you must not do

If you mine or extract raw materials, do not import, use, or export contaminated material including sand, gravel, rock and fill, and don't use weed infested materials for rehabilitation.


Nursery and aquarium businesses

You can prevent the spread of weeds if you work in the nursery and aquarium businesses in the Northern Territory (NT).

If you work in a nursery or aquarium business you should know which plants are declared weeds so you can remove them from sale and report them to the Weed Management Branch.

Prevent weed spread

You must do all of the following to prevent the spread of weeds through nursery or aquarium trade:

  • your sales staff must be able to identify declared weeds and suggest suitable alternate species to customers
  • remove all declared weeds from sale
  • destroy weeds and their seeds on site to avoid their spread
  • be aware that some plants from gardens and aquariums have become invasive weeds, including lantana, neem and cabomba
  • keep potted sales stock weed free, especially when sending orders to remote locations
  • closely monitor plants grown from seed to be sure that contaminants are not declared weeds
  • promote non-weedy garden plants through Nursery and Garden Industry Australia's Grow Me Instead program.

What you must not do

To prevent the spread of weeds in nursery or aquarium businesses you must not do any of the following:

  • you must not import aquatic plants into the NT without applying for a move aquatic plant DOCX (51.4 KB) permit
  • do not plant, keep, import, transport or sell declared weeds as garden plants - this includes weeds such as neem and fountain grass
  • never dump declared weeds or plants that self-propagate
  • never allow plants to escape from outdoor ponds during heavy rains
  • never tip pond or aquarium plants in a waterway or drain.

Boating and fishing

Weeds can seriously impact river health and fishing opportunities in the Northern Territory (NT).

You can prevent the spread of weeds when you're boating and fishing in the NT.

Weeds can be unintentionally moved from one site to another by attaching to watercraft, trailers and fishing equipment.

A single plant fragment can start a new infestation in another location.

Prevent weed spread

You can do all of the following to prevent the spread and establishment of weeds in the NT's waterways:

  • contact the Weed Management Branch to get an NT Weed ID deck so you can identify declared weeds
  • report developing weed infestations to the Weed Management Branch
  • avoid infested water bodies or weed outbreaks
  • clean any plant fragments from your boat, trailer and all equipment before leaving a site or launching at a new site
  • be aware of the declared weed mimosa, which lines the banks of many waterways - they can rain seeds into your boat.

What you must not do

You must not do any of the following when you are boating and fishing:

  • don't collect water to move live bait between waterways - this is an under the Fisheries Act 1988
  • don't enter quarantine zones such as part of the Darwin River - heavy penalties apply.

Recreational activities

You can prevent the spread of weeds during recreational activities in the Northern Territory (NT). 

Recreational activities can cause the spread of weeds into the NT's most remote areas.  

You can unintentionally transport weed seeds by any of the following activities:

  • cars
  • quad bikes
  • motor bikes
  • horses
  • clothes
  • tents or swags.

Prevent weed spread 

To prevent the spread of weeds during recreational activities you must do all of the following:

  • contact the Weed Management Branch to get an NT Weed ID deck so you can identify declared weeds
  • report developing weed infestations to the Weed Management Branch
  • avoid driving or passing through weeds
  • feed your horses weed-free fodder to avoid weed spread in dung
  • clean your vehicles, quads, bike, clothes, camping equipment and animals before moving to new areas
  • if you find weed seeds or burrs leave them in the weed infested area or burn them in your campfire.

Keep your vehicles and equipment clean

The spread of weeds can cause significant impact to the environment, agriculture and recreational areas.

You can help stop the spread of weeds.

Prevent weed spread

You must thoroughly clean equipment, vehicles and any items used to treat weeds before leaving a site.

Plant fragments, seeds, soil or mud containing seeds of a declared weed are all forms of contamination.

Types of vehicles and equipment for cleaning can include:

  • cars, motorcycles, ATVs and quad bikes
  • tractors and implements (slashers)
  • earth moving machinery (bulldozers)
  • harvesting equipment
  • trucks
  • boats
  • backpacks, clothing and footwear.

How to clean

You must have dedicated wash-down areas that can be monitored for weed germination.

It's an offence to move vehicles, machinery and other equipment contaminated by a declared weed.

You should clean using any of the following methods:

  • use a blower or air compressor if you don’t have access to water
  • use a stiff brush or broom to remove dry soil, mud and loose seeds
  • air blast large quantities of seeds in hard to reach areas such as cavities and joints
  • vacuum inside the cab to remove contaminants
  • use a hose or a low or high pressure cleaner
  • detergents may help remove grease, dirt and mud.

Where to look for weed seeds

Weed-contaminated soil and plant material can easily lodge in many different places.

You should check areas of your vehicles and equipment where grass and seeds can get caught.

Check any of the following:

  • foot wells and mats
  • carpet, spare tyre area and other recessed areas
  • radiator, grille, gearbox and under windscreen wipers
  • undercarriage and remove any mud clumps
  • wheel arches, wheel trims, flares, step treads, bumpers, mud flaps, tyre rims, axles and diffs, bonnet vents, towballs and spare tyres
  • tray and channels of tail gates, side guards, under chassis rails, floor welds and bolt holes
  • trailer wheels, guards, trays, channels of the draw bar under the body and the tops of slashers
  • quad/ATV wheels, belly plate and suspension and anywhere mud or weed seeds might be caught.
  • boat decks and sides, propellers, anchor wells, cooling system inlet, bilges, bait wells and trailers
  • clean footwear and remove weed seeds from socks and clothing.

Weed hygiene declaration

You can use the weed hygiene declaration PDF (443.7 KB):

  • to confirm your vehicle is clean when moving between properties
  • as a vehicle clean down checklist
  • for your own purposes.

Under the Weeds Management Act 2001, it is not a statutory requirement to complete the declaration.

The Weed Management Branch do not conduct vehicle inspections.

To find out more, get the vehicle hygiene brochure  PDF (5.2 MB).

Find the latest weed information on the Department of Environment, Parks and Water Security website.

For help and information on weed management, contact the Weed Management Branch.