Control laws for weeds (invasive plants)
Landowners are responsible for taking all reasonable and practical steps to minimise the risks associated with invasive plants under their control. This is known as the general biosecurity obligation (GBO). Your local government and Biosecurity Queensland provide invasive plant control support services but may also enforce landowner responsibilities if necessary.
Prohibited invasive plants
Prohibited invasive plants:
- are not present in Queensland
- would seriously threaten Queensland's agriculture industries, natural environment, livestock, human health and people's livelihoods
- if found in Queensland must be reported to Biosecurity Queensland within 24 hours of the sighting.
A person reporting the prohibited plants must take all reasonable and practical steps to minimise the risk of it spreading until they receive advice from an authorised officer.
Report suspect plant sightings
To report suspect sightings of prohibited invasive plants, contact Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23.
Restricted invasive plants
Restricted invasive plants:
- are established in Queensland
- seriously threaten Queensland's agriculture, natural environment, livestock, human health and people's livelihoods.
Under the Biosecurity Act 2014, there are 7 categories of restricted matter (i.e. restricted matter may include matter such as plants, animal diseases, invasive fish, insects, invasive animals and weeds).
Restricted invasive plants may fall into 1, a combination or all of Categories 2 to 5 (listed below). Under each Category the restricted invasive plant has listed restrictions. The specific restriction requirements also apply to a person when dealing with restricted invasive plants unless they have a restricted matter permit.
Restricted invasive plant categories and restrictions:
- Category 2: the invasive plant must be reported within 24 hours Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23.
- Category 3: the invasive plant must not be distributed either by sale or gift, or released into the environment.
- Category 4: the invasive plant must not be moved.
- Category 5: the invasive plant must not be kept.
Invasive plants
Invasive plants are not prohibited or restricted invasive plants.
Everyone is obligated to take all reasonable and practical steps to minimise the risks associated with invasive plants under their control.
Also consider...
- Find out more about the national tropical weeds eradication program.
- Read the Biosecurity Act 2014.
- Learn about preventing the spread of weeds after a natural disaster.