Biosecurity action to boot black knapweed out of NSW

Published on 09 December 2022

Last week our Invasive Plants Officer, along with 25 officers representing 13 agencies (8 Local Control Authorities, and 5 state government agencies) from 5 Local Land Services regions have had the opportunity to assist Tenterfield Shire Council in a surveillance exercise to assess the spread of a state Prohibited Matter weed, Black knapweed (Centaurea x moncktonii).

Great news, no plants were found outside of the core infestation!

This plant has potential to thrive on the Dorrigo plateau, it is unpalatable to stock, invades and outcompetes pastures, and releases a chemical that inhibits the growth of other plants.

Invasive plants teams from different councils and agencies from across the state regularly work together with the Department of Primary Industries and Local Land Services to gain on ground experience in new and emerging species and assist each other to eradicate and prevent these high priority species spreading.

More information about the exercise: https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/about-us/media-centre/releases/2022/general/biosecurity-action-to-boot-black-knapweed-out-of-nsw

More information about Black knapweed: https://weeds.dpi.nsw.gov.au/Weeds/BlackKnapweed

If you see this plant report it. Call the NSW DPI Biosecurity Helpline 1800 680 244