Look out for new or unusual plants: Parkes Shire's focus on biosecurity
Western district landholders are being asked to look out for any new or unusual plants they may see growing on their property or roadside.
Parkes Shire Council's Director Infrastructure Andrew Francis said the movement of grain and hay between regions has the potential to spread problem weeds.
"The rain we've experienced over the spring and summer months has made conditions favourable for the mass germination of potentially destructive weeds," he said.
"As drought conditions worsened in 2019, stockfeed was being transported long distances across the state and even across the country to feed livestock.
"We are asking primary producers to be proactive and take measures to ensure any potential serious weed incursions are identified and reported to council as soon as possible."
In May 2020, the Parthenium Weed (Parthenium hysterophorus) was found growing on a property in the Parkes shire, with a handful of plants found germinating on adjoining roadsides.
"Parthenium Weed is a particularly serious weed that affects human and livestock health and negatively impacts numerous agricultural practices," Mr Francis said.
"It is declared as Prohibited Matter under NSW legislation, and therefore prohibited from being brought into NSW and anyone who sees it must report it."
While completely eliminating the risk of introducing new weeds through grain and hay stockfeed is unrealistic, Mr Francis urged landholders to understand the importance of restricting the area where livestock are fed.
"If contained, feeding areas can be easily monitored for weed germination and controlled as necessary," Mr Francis said.