Weeds
Invasive weeds are among the most serious threats to Australia's natural environment and primary production industries. Weeds have major economic, environmental and social impacts in Australia, causing damage to natural landscapes, agricultural lands, waterways and coastal areas.
Australia spends considerable time and money each year combating weed problems to protect ecosystems and primary production on private and public land. Weed problems are complex, with multiple causes. Efforts to reduce their impacts must therefore be coordinated across all sections of society.
What is a weed?
A weed is any plant that requires some form of action to reduce its effect on the economy, the environment, human health and amenity. Weeds typically spread easily and are often excellent at surviving and reproducing in disturbed environments. A weed can be an exotic species or a native species that colonises and persists in an ecosystem in which it did not previously exist. Weeds can inhabit all environments; from our towns and cities through to our oceans, deserts and alpine areas.
Some weeds are of particular concern and, as a result, have been listed for priority management or in legislation.
- National weeds lists
- State and territory weed management arrangements
- Search for a weed
- Weed species A-Z
Related sites
- Weeds in Australia
- Weeds - Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
- Weeds Australia
What's new
- Draft Threat abatement plan to reduce the impacts on northern Australia's biodiversity by the five listed grasses
Comments closed 21 November 2011
Quick links
- Approved threat abatement plans
- Draft threat abatement plans
- Key threatening processes
- Marine pests
- Weeds in Australia
- Publications
- Publications archive