DBCA creates integrated weed management plans and uses a range of control methods, which are tailored to the weed species being managed.
Search by weed to find species-specific control information based on research and management experience.
DBCA chooses the most effective herbicide for the target weed, factoring in a range of environmental factors. DBCA uses organic pesticides where efficacy information is known.
DBCA uses a range of different herbicides depending on the situation, including glyphosate. The APVMA regulates the use of Agvet chemicals in Australia and states glyphosate is considered safe to use when the instructions on the label are followed.
Pesticide labels will tell you whether the product is approved for use around waterways. Always read the label before applying chemical to sensitive areas. See this guideline for using herbicide around water from the Weeds CRC.
Note PSC Circular 88 for herbicide use in water catchment areas.
Also read our review of glyphosate biactive for an example of how some herbicide formulations have lower toxicity near waterways.
Managerial control encompasses cultural and managerial practices to directly or indirectly reduce or eliminate weed populations. Can include revegetation, burning, hygiene practices, mulching, or even grazing.
Biological control, also simply known as 'biocontrol', utilises biological (living) organisms to naturally control other living organisms. In weed management, plant pathogens or insects that parasitise their host plant are the most common forms of biocontrol.
Physical control involves physically removing weeds or parts of weeds by hand or machinery, and does not involve chemical use. Methods may be targeted or broad area, depending on the form of application.
Chemical control employs the use of specially formulated herbicides to treat weeds. There are numerous herbicides and several methods of application, each developed to target a weed or group of weeds.
Herbicide resistance is an inherited ability of a plant to adapt to the herbicide's chemical structure, changing its own chemical structure to render the herbicide ineffective. Read more about herbicide resistance from DPIRD WA.
DBCA is responsible for weeds only on lands managed by the department. This includes National Parks, some unallocated crown land and some unmanaged reserves. See our who is responsible page for more information.
There are over 1500 weed species in WA—around half of which can be found on DBCA estate. DBCA therefore has to prioritise weeds for management based on ecological impact and feasibility for control.
There is a role for everyone in protecting our state's extraordinary environment! Visit our get involved page to learn what you can do to get involved.
Contact the park staff to report a new weed invasion in a National Park.
You can also report a weed using DPIRD's MyPestGuide or using the iNaturalist biodiversity app (save your observation to Weeds DBCA project).
Not all bushland weeds are managed by DBCA. You need to contact the landholder—which could be local government, private owner, or other state government agencies.
If the weed is a declared pest, report to DPIRD biosecurity via MyPestGuide.
The information provided by Bushland Weeds is free to use, given the source is acknowledged.
A plant that has—or has the potential to have—a detrimental effect on conservation values. See the What are bushland weeds page to learn more.
Weeds can be locally eradicated if they are not widespread. Eradication requires a long-term commitment to managing the weed issue—best undertaken using an integrated weed management plan.
Weeds of National Significance (WoNS) are established weeds that Australia has identified for their severe environmental, social and economic impacts. Western Australia is fortunate to not have all 32 WoNS weeds due to strong border protection policies. Visit our page about Declared Weeds and WoNS for more information.
Other WoNS resources: Weeds Australia and the Australian Weeds Strategy 2017-2027
In Western Australia, a Declared Weed is a plant that has been listed as a Declared Pest under the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007 (BAM Act). Declared weeds are legally regulated, requiring landholders to control, manage or prevent their spread.
Visit our page about Declared Weeds and WoNS for more information.
Western Australian bushland needs your help. Volunteers play a vital role in identifying, monitoring and removing invasive weeds across the state. Whether you are a landowner, bushwalker or community group, there are practical ways to make a difference.
The Government of Western Australia acknowledges the traditional owners throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land, waters and community. We pay our respects to all members of the Aboriginal communities and their cultures; and to Elders both past and present.