INVASIVE weed species remain a big issue in the region and Member for the Northern Tablelands Brendan Moylan has been advocating for more action from the NSW Government to stop the spread of harrisia cactus and tropical soda apple.

This week the NSW Government responded with $10 million to target high-risk weeds across the state through their Weeds Action Program.

The program focuses on prevention and early intervention and is administered by local councils and Local Control Authorities.

The harrisia cactus is a problem in the areas of Croppa Creek, North Star and Boggabilla and has choked out a large amount of valuable agricultural land.

Animals can become trapped in the plant and the barbs are so sharp they can puncture vehicle tyres. One flower will have approximately 1000 seeds in it and are spread rapidly by birds.

Tropical soda apple is a big problem in the Macleay Valley which borders the Northern Tablelands.

It is moving from the riparian areas onto private land at a rapid rate.

“Both species of weeds are particularly aggressive and produce large amounts of seeds which are easily spread by birds and other animals,” Mr Moylan said.

“We have seen valuable farmland decimated and farmers within the region are struggling to keep it off their land.

“Funding to target these invasive high-risk weed species is a step in the right direction to protecting our agricultural industries.”

The harrisia cactus is a huge threat to farmland in the western side of the Northern Tablelands electorate.

The LCAs will work with community groups, land managers and farmers to protect livestock and lands.

The program commissions LCAs to undertake services such as surveillance, and rapid response to prevent, eradicate or contain new infestations of priority weeds.

In addition, the program funds training for LCA biosecurity officers so they can effectively respond to biosecurity emergencies across NSW.

Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty, said weeds are a serious threat to the environment and economy.

“This investment helps communities tackle invasive weed species head-on by supporting local management efforts, improving detection of these weeds and then responding with know-how and strong co-ordination between government agencies, councils and landholders,” Ms Moriarty said.