Thousands of kilometres of inspections, countless management interventions and ongoing support for local landholders have helped Parkes Shire Council's biosecurity team safeguard the region's environment, agricultural industries and communities over the past 12 months.
The team plays a vital role in protecting the natural environment by preventing the spread of invasive weeds across natural ecosystems, farmland and private properties. Their responsibilities extend to Crown Lands, travelling stock routes, state-managed land and all Council-owned land, ensuring biosecurity risks are identified and managed across the Shire.
Beyond their regulatory responsibilities, Council's biosecurity team also provides valuable support to residents through weed identification services, expert advice on weed control and removal, and on-site property inspections.
During the 2025/26 financial year, the team inspected thousands of kilometres of roadsides, over 40 kilometres of rail corridors and 12 kilometres of waterways to monitor and manage priority weeds across the Shire.
The team also carried out inspections at high-risk sites, including nurseries, pet shops, saleyards and landscape suppliers, as well as private rural and urban properties, Council-managed sites and state-managed sites.
Parkes Shire Mayor Cr Neil Westcott said biosecurity plays an important role in protecting the region's economy, environment and agricultural productivity.
"Preventing the spread of invasive weeds is vital to protecting our farmland, native ecosystems and local industries," the Mayor said.
"Our Biosecurity Team works year-round to identify and manage risks before they become larger problems, while also working closely with landholders to meet their biosecurity responsibilities."
One of the team's biggest success stories has been its ongoing work to eradicate Parthenium Weed, one of Australia's most invasive weeds.
Since the weed was first detected on a private property in 2020, Council has undertaken control work and regular inspections of the infestation site and surrounding roadsides, neighbouring land and nearby state forest.
These efforts have delivered outstanding results, with infestations reduced from more than 500 plants in 2020 to just 20 plants in 2024, and no Parthenium Weed detected during inspections in either 2025 or 2026.
"This is an excellent outcome and demonstrates what can be achieved through early intervention, ongoing monitoring and strong cooperation between Council, landholders and the NSW Government," Mayor Westcott said.
In addition to conducting property inspections and weed identification, the Biosecurity Team is committed to educating the community about invasive weeds and biosecurity risks. Each year, the team attends four regional shows across the Shire, providing advice to residents and landholders about identifying and managing priority weeds.
Council reminds all landholders that under the Biosecurity Act 2015, everyone has a shared responsibility to prevent, eliminate and minimise biosecurity risks on their land.
