Local landholders across the Western Plains are coming face to face with the longer term effects of the 2021 flood event, discovering new weeds in never seen before places, at abundantly high levels. 

By all accounts, the issue is widespread across the region, with Blue Heliotrope being discovered in the Coolah area for the first time, Tiger Pear and Mother-of-millions being reported in the Bogan Shire, and Chilean Needlegrass in Forbes. 

Central West Local Land Services Regional Reeds Coordinator Jodie Lawler said councils across the region are facing the new incursions of weeds, all spread from other areas by floodwater.

“Unfortunately, floodwaters will often spread weeds into new areas and the follow up rain and mild weather we've been having has meant many weeds are flowering much longer and growing prolifically," Mrs Lawler said. 

To combat and contain the threat, local groups have taken to large-scale spraying, with some in hard-to-reach areas needing to invest in helicopter spraying. 

Central West Local Land Services Mixed Farm Adviser Callen Thompson urged primary producers to watch out for new weed incursions particularly along waterways and areas impacted by floodwater. 

"We would urge people to report anything they haven't seen before to their local council weeds officer for advice on control options,” Mr Thompson said.

"If you have had large outbreaks, try targeting areas with high environmental or production values,” he said. 

Fortunately, the newfound weed problem coincides with a government investment of $20 million to deliver reduction and prevention activities across the country, for both weeds and pests. 

Minister for Agriculture David Littleproud said the pest and weed problem is posing a threat to Australia’s primary production, environment and biodiversity. 

“Projects will reduce the overall burden of pests and weeds on-ground through activities such as coordinated control, destruction and removal, including trapping, baiting and culling along with biological control release,” Mr Littleproud said. 

Nationally, the cost of losses to production from weeds and control activities to counter them is over $4 billion, according to the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment.