Invasive plant classification
Declared noxious weeds
Under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 (CaLP Act) certain plants are declared as noxious weeds in Victoria. These plants cause environmental or economic harm or have the potential to cause such harm. They can also present risks to human health. The CaLP Act defines four categories of noxious weeds:
- State Prohibited Weeds
- Regionally Prohibited Weeds
- Regionally Controlled Weeds
- Restricted Weeds.
Invasive plants are categorised into one of the above four categories for each catchment region in Victoria.
State prohibited weeds
These invasive plants either do not occur in Victoria but pose a significant threat if they invade, or are present, pose a serious threat and can reasonably be expected to be eradicated. If present, infestations of a State prohibited weed are relatively small.
They are to be eradicated from Victoria if possible or excluded from the State. The Victorian Government is responsible for their eradication, but under Section 70(1) of the CaLP Act, it may direct land owners to prevent their growth and spread.
If you think you have purchased or seen a State prohibited weed, please contact the Department of Primary Industries by telephoning 136 186. Please do not attempt to control or dispose of these weeds yourself
Regionally prohibited weeds
Regionally prohibited weeds are not widely distributed in a region but are capable of spreading further. It is reasonable to expect that they can be eradicated from a region and they must be managed with that goal. Land owners, including public authorities responsible for crown land management, must take all reasonable steps to eradicate regionally prohibited weeds on their land.
Regionally controlled weeds
These invasive plants are usually widespread in a region. To prevent their spread, ongoing control measures are required. Land owners have the responsibility to take all reasonable steps to prevent the growth and spread of Regionally controlled weeds on their land.
Restricted weeds
This category includes plants that pose an unacceptable risk of spreading in this State and are a serious threat to another State or Territory of Australia. Trade in these weeds and their propagules, either as plants, seeds or contaminants in other materials is prohibited.
Noxious aquatic species
Some aquatic plants pose a serious threat to fisheries, the aquatic environment or human health. The Fisheries Act 1995 has declared some species as noxious aquatic plants. It is an office to bring them into Victoria or posses, sell, transport or release them. Click here for a full list of all noxious aquatic species.
Click on your area of the map below to see a list of declared species and their classifications in your catchment.
