“As the importation of feed from outside the region increases, so does the risk of new weeds being spread throughout the North West,” Gunnedah Shire Council weeds officer Lee Amidy said.

“Many weed species have been bought into the state over past years, particularly hay, from outside the region. Increased movement of hay particularly poorer quality stubble and pasture from south east Queensland dramatically increases the chance of weeds such as Parthenium entering NSW.”

Mr Amidy said the new Biosecurity Act 2015 placed certain obligations on both vendors and purchasers who sell, purchase and transport fodder within NSW and interstate.

Biosecurity in the fodder industry will largely be managed through the General Biosecurity Duty (GBD) where everyone has a duty to minimise the impact and risk of weeds.

The seller should also disclose if a weed may be present in the fodder and advise the buyer how to treat the product to ensure that any germinated weed seeds are unviable. The buyer has an obligation to be vigilant and treat weeds should they germinate.

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It is the buyer’s choice whether to ask for a vendor declaration detailing the likelihood of weed contamination and what weeds to look for.

Liverpool Plains Shire Council Authorised Officer Michael Whitney said it was important to ensure vehicles and equipment carrying fodder are cleaned before entering their property to reduce the spread of pests, diseases, weeds and contaminants.

“It is important to remember that land managers are within their rights to request this and refuse entry of vehicles that represent an unreasonable risk,” Mr Whitney said.

“Producers can also reduce the risk of new weed incursions by feeding in areas that can be easily identified and monitored for new weeds following the drought.”

He said the importance of keeping livestock from other parts of the state yarded until they empty out is also critical in the reduction of weed spread. Plants such as Tropical Soda Apple may be transported in the guts of animals, spreading once those animals are released onto new country.

“While it is understandable that producers are being forced to be less selective as feed continues to become scarce, it must be remembered that new incursions of weeds such as Parthenium could have a serious effect on farm biosecurity long after the drought is over,” Mr Amidy said.

For further information on weeds and the new Biosecurity Act 2015, contact Lee Amidy on (02) 6740 2100 or email council@infogunnedah.com.au