If not controlled weeds are a major threats to the natural environment, threatening native flora and fauna and choking natural systems including rivers and forests.

Weeds can reduce farm and forest productivity, invade crops, smother pastures and some can harm livestock. They can also affect human health by causing skin irritation with some even poisonous.

So, with spring just around the corner, Kempsey Shire Council is offering community groups a free information session presented by a Council Weeds Officer. 

Council has previously run several field days for farmers and landholders as well as workshops for garden clubs in Kempsey and South West Rocks about the types of noxious weeds, their impacts and ways landholders can eradicate them.

There is a range of free weed publications available to residents including the Garden Escapee and other weeds of bushland and reserves booklet. 

Council Weeds Officer, Greg Egan said the publications are a great resource for helping to identify particular weeds.   

Mr Egan said one of the quickest ways weeds can spread is if they are dumped in bushland, parks, reserves and beach dunes or disposed of in green garbage bins instead of their red garbage bins.  

“It is very important for the community to utilise their garbage bins, know what can go in the green and red bins and use the waste facility centres to dispose of garden rubbish that contains weeds,” he said.

“Plants like Lantana, Mother of Millions, Groundsel Bush, Bamboo and Asparagus Fern are growing in areas where they shouldn’t because of garden waste dumping. Awareness is a key to improving this issue.”

Residents interested in learning more or to enquire about the free weeds presentation, can call the council on 6566 3200.