Noxious Weeds
Weeds can be declared noxious if they effect human health or damage the environment. By law, noxious weeds must be controlled or removed.
There are many kinds of plants listed on the 
Noxious Weeds List 2010 - 261 KB under the Noxious Weeds Act 1993. There are different procedures for control and removal, depending on the type of weed. Council has developed Management Plans to provide advice on how to control particular plants.
How can I identify a noxious weed?
Councils Management Plans are a useful resource for identifying weeds that commonly grow in the Willoughby area. You can also:
- Take a sample of the plant to your nearest garden centre or nursery
- Phone the Royal Botanic Gardens Botanical Information Service on 9231 8111
- Phone the Department of Agriculture on 1800 808 095
- Phone Council’s Open Space Branch on 9777 1000 or email weeds@willoughby.nsw.gov.au
What should I do if I have a noxious weed, or my neighbour does?
Our Management Plans cover the best ways to remove or destroy a variety of weeds. If the weeds are on your neighbour's property, talk to your neighbour about how the weed is affecting the environment and how they can manage or remove it.
What if my neighbour ignores their weeds?
If you’ve alerted your neighbour to the problem and they haven't taken action, you can phone Council’s Open Space Branch on 9777 1000 for help. Council will inspect the weed and discuss with the resident the best method for control or removal. As a last resort Council will write to them advising them of their obligations under the Noxious Weeds Act.
If all other options are unavailable, as a last resort Council may issue a notice to control or remove a weed. The Noxious Weeds Act 1993 gives Council the authority to place penalties on land holders who don’t make the appropriate efforts to control noxious weeds.
Council will not act as a dispute resolution service. This service is available from the Community Justice Centre.