NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Biosecurity border inspectors have found 60 parthenium plants at a wash-down facility north of Mungindi on the Queensland side of the border.

DPI Invasive Species Manager, Scott Charlton said the detection is evidence that wash-down facilities are helping to stem the spread of a serious weed threat to NSW.

“The fact that the plants have been found at these wash-down facilities is confirmation that this service remains the frontline in combating the distribution of this plant, particularly its seed which is difficult to see,” Mr Charlton said.

“Parthenium weed is established in central Queensland and can spread south by vehicle and machinery movement.

“NSW weeds inspectors have been actively searching for new weed infestations, including parthenium following the recent rainfall.

“All the plants have now been documented and destroyed by NSW Local Government weeds inspectors, and close surveillance of the area will continue.”

Another parthenium plant has been located and destroyed at a wash-down facility in the Hebel region, also just north of the NSW/Queensland border.

Parthenium is a Weed of National Significance (WoNS) and is a fast growing annual plant with prolific seed production.

Mr Charlton said once established, parthenium weed very quickly builds a huge seed bank in the soil that makes eradication difficult.

“Outbreaks along roadsides, particularly the Newell Highway are known to occur, and local government weeds officers have been very effective at finding and eradicating infestations,” Mr Charlton said.

“Headers and grain harvesting machinery from Queensland have previously been a source of new infestations on private property and compulsory inspections for harvesting machinery entering NSW from Queensland have minimised parthenium weed spread.

“NSW continues to be free from established populations of parthenium weed, and detections such as the most recent findings in the State’s north reinforces the need for continued vigilance in both surveillance and compliance.”

If anyone suspects parthenium weed, they should contact their local weeds officer.

Source: NSW DPI. More information on parthenium is available at http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/pests-weeds/weeds/profiles/parthenium

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