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Northern and Yorke
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Pest plants & animals

Why control matters

Pest plants and animals are one of the greatest threats to our ecosystems and agricultural production, and the flow of ecosystem services on which we rely. Invasive species are those that occur beyond their natural range and threaten valued environmental, agricultural, marine and social resources.
The Board supports the management and control of all declared weeds, for the benefit of the environment and primary production, working alongside Primary Industries and Regions South Australia (PIRSA) to support management of agricultural pest plants and animals. Integrated, landscape-scale management is needed to address the risks posed to the environment, primary production and society.

Pest plants (weeds)

There are various classes of pest plants, with Weeds of National Significance (WoNS) being particularly invasive, high-impact pest plants that are difficult to manage. WoNS and their management is coordinated nationally between all levels of government.

Declared plants are those that present a significant threat to agriculture, the environment and/or public health and safety. They are declared in accordance with the Landscape South Australia Act 2019. Alert weeds are declared plants not yet established in South Australia but pose a serious threat. Landowners must report alert weeds found on their property. The Board maintains a priority weed list for each district, focusing investment and control efforts on these species.

Pest animals

Feral predators, such as foxes and cats, are among the leading causes of biodiversity loss in Australia. The Board is committed to ongoing management and control programs for declared pests in partnership with landholders. Increased collaboration, coordination and investment in invasive species management is a target under Australia’s Strategy for Nature 2024–2030 and the Global Biodiversity Framework.

How we can help

The Board works closely with land managers to implement integrated pest management practices that help restore native biodiversity and reduce impacts on agricultural production and other valuable assets. While landowners are responsible for managing declared pests on their property, the Board provides expert advice and assistance with planning weed and animal control programs, including access to biocontrol agents and other effective control methods.

Addressing invasive species takes coordination across all levels of government, industry and community.

Pest plants & animals

TARGETED | COORDINATED | INTEGRATED

Objective: Reduce impact from pest plants and animals

  • Pest plants and animals are effectively managed to protect biodiversity, agricultural production and natural landscapes.
  • No new pest plant or animal incursions become established in the region.
  • Livestock and agricultural produce are protected from contamination by invasive weed species.
  • Feral herbivores are removed from high-value conservation areas and reduced to manageable levels across the landscape.
  • The impacts of pest animals on broadacre farming, horticulture and viticulture are minimised.
  • Technology, research and innovation are used to develop more effective and adaptive pest plant and animal control methods in a changing climate.