Weeds

The impact of weeds

We must control weeds to protect and maintain the productivity of our primary industries, protect our natural environments and sustain the health and wellbeing of our communities.

About weeds

Weeds are plants that grow wild and have negative impacts on primary industries, native vegetation or human health.

The cost of weeds to Australian agriculture is billions of dollars each year.

Weeds:

  • compete with crops, pasture, livestock and native flora and fauna
  • contaminate crops and seeds
  • degrade our production resource
  • reduce the value of the natural environment
  • may cause health problems.

Invasive species

The 2020 Report Card for established invasive species presents a snapshot of the distribution and abundance of weeds in South Australia. The report cards, and the data that underpins them, are used to support on-ground decision making at a local level, and inform policy making at a state level.

Programs to oversee, destroy or contain weeds and pest animals, and to prevent new pests coming into South Australia are run by the Department for Environment and Water and Department of Primary Industries and Regions.

Exotic Plant Pest Hotline

Suspected plant diseases, exotic pests, or noxious weeds must be reported immediately.

Call us if you find plant pests or diseases that could be a national threat, even if you are unsure. This can be done anonymously.

24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Freecall 1800 084 881
Page last reviewed: 06 Dec 2021

 


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