The NSW Government is calling on rural communities across the Hunter to be vigilant for new Parthenium weed growth, following rainfall that has created conditions ideal for germination.
Biosecurity officers are on high alert, with the Hunter listed among the high-risk areas alongside the North and Mid Coast, Central West and North-West NSW. Warm soil temperatures and bare ground have combined to produce prime germination conditions, with authorities warning the weed can flower within just three weeks of emergence — making early detection critical.
Parthenium weed poses serious health risks to both people and livestock, and landholders are urged not to touch or disturb any suspected plants. Instead, they should photograph the plant, record its location and report the sighting as soon as possible.
Sightings can be reported to a local council biosecurity officer via hunterregionalweeds.net.au or by calling the NSW Biosecurity Helpline on 1800 680 244.
Information on how to identify Parthenium weed is available at weeds.dpi.nsw.gov.au/Weed/PartheniumWeed.
