NSW Alligator Weed Strategic Plan

Alligator weed is covered under a Biosecurity zone in NSW. It invades waterways and can also grow terrestrial. In aquatic situations it can smother waterbodies.

Conditions are ideal for alligator weed in most freshwater waterways of NSW. This is a significant threat because alligator weed:

• Smothers waterways
• outcompetes native water plants
• reduces water temperature and oxygen levels
• contaminates crops
• reduces crop yield
• displaces desired pasture species
• Blocking waterways and increasing flooding
• Causes photosensitivity and skin lesions in cattle.

Alligator weed is a serious weed in 30 Countries. In China alligator weed reduces the production of rice by 45%, wheat by 36%, sweet potato by 63%, and lettuce by 47%. In NSW alligator weed is predominately found in and around the Hunter and Greater Sydney Regions. Infestations west of the range in the Namoi Valley, near Griffith and Woomargama threaten irrigation industries in these areas and pose a threat to the Murray Darling River system and significant environmental threat. It is imperative that we contain the known alligator weed infestations and stop the further spread of this weed in New South Wales.

The department led the development of the NSW Alligator Weed Strategy which details strategic direction for effective detection and control of alligator weed. If you would like more information about the Strategy, please contact weeds@dpird.nsw.gov.au

Think you may have seen alligator weed? Call us on 1800 680 244.

The alligator weed strategic plan is available to view or download (PDF, 2179.94 KB)