Property Inspections
Hornsby Council is the Local Control Authority for Hornsby Shire under the Noxious Weeds Act 1993 and are required to ensure that the occupiers of land control any noxious weeds on that land. To comply with these requirements Authorised Council Officers often inspect private properties for the presence of noxious weeds and implement an Education and Awareness program to assist occupiers in the control of weeds.
Education and Awareness
The Education and Awareness Program often begins with a site inspection. If your property is planned for inspection Authorised Council Officers may:
- Knock on your door and ask permission to enter the property, or
- Send you a letter of notification of a proposed inspection.
Authorised Council Officers will not enter your property without the occupier's permission and will carry appropriate Council identification.
If, during the inspection, any noxious weeds are observed on your property you will receive a Seek Cooperation package in the mail including a letter, species identification information, a location of the plants observed and appropriate control information.
This program seeks to promote the awareness and understanding of noxious weeds in Hornsby Shire to the local residents. By improving the public awareness and understanding of noxious weeds Council and residents will more effectively control these weeds throughout the shire. The support of the community in controlling weeds on private land will also assist in the control of weeds in public land.
Non-compliance
Council’s Education and Awareness program seeks to promote the cooperation of occupiers of land in the control of weeds on that land. If an occupier does not cooperate and hence is not complying with their requirements under the Noxious Weeds Act 1993 then Council may need to take action under Sections 18A and 18 of the Act. This may lead to the issuing of fines to the owner/occupier with additional costs incurred for the removal of the weeds.
At any time during the Education and Awareness process (if you receive a Seek Cooperation letter, Section 18A or Section 18 notification) and you are unsure about what to do regarding noxious weeds please contact Council’s Bushland and Biodiversity Team on 9847 6832 or email hsc@hornsby.nsw.gov.au.
