Stop the spread of weeds onto and off your land

There are many ways to minimise the spread of weeds. It's tough to get rid of them completely, but you can take action to reduce the spread. This will help you meet your General Biosecurity Duty, and better secure your property and business.

By implementing some of the practices below and improving your property, you can block weeds from showing up and spreading. This will save you time and money in the long run.

Key steps for stopping the spread

Understand how weeds are spread

Weeds can spread in a number of different ways. One way that weeds come onto properties is through the front gate.
Weeds can come in on vehicles or machinery as seeds or as small pieces of vegetation. Weeds can be on stock or in their gut and still be viable.
They can be in stock feed that has been cut from a weedy paddock.
They can be on the people that are entering your property.

If you're new to managing weeds, watch our video:

The Blockies Guide - Managing weeds on small farms and acres

Learn basic ways to protect your property

Completely preventing the spread of weeds is difficult, but there are many ways you can help protect your property from weeds.

Install biosecurity signage at property entrance to make visitors aware of not bringing or spreading weeds on property (signage is available from LLS).

Have dedicated, permanent vehicle tracks and parking areas on property to reduce vehicle deviation from these areas.
Understand which weeds are a risk to your property and how to identify them.
Identify any weed problem areas on property and restrict access from vehicles and livestock while seeding or until fully treated.
Have a holding paddock/yard area dedicated to receiving new livestock or sending current livestock away to allow for weed seeds to be eliminated from animals.
Have gauze screens in front of radiators to prevent weed seeds entering and contaminating engine bay if weed seeds are an ongoing issue
Have a dedicated, well-equipped area for washing down and cleaning vehicles and farm machinery (see next step).
Know where your fodder is coming from and ensure that it is weed free.

Set up a designated washdown area

What should a designated washdown area be like?

It should be accessible from road without creating risk to your land.
It should large enough to clean to bigger vehicles that come to your property (about 6m x 8m is large enough for most contractors vehicles and equipment).
Have signage to direct high risk traffic to use the facilities, contact details and landholder requirements.
Have a compacted surface suitable for traffic.
Have a gently sloping and located away from sensitive areas.
Have bunding or percolation areas to collect seeds that can be treated regularly.
Have access to power and water.
Have a blower, high pressure washer, brushes and storage.
Is regularly maintained and spayed for emerging weeds.