Common Weeds

Under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 (CaLP Act), Victoria classifies invasive weeds into four categories:

• State prohibited
• Regionally prohibited
• Regionally controlled
• Restricted 

Did you know that private landowners are legally responsible to control weeds on their properties?

Landholders must take reasonable steps to remove regionally prohibited weeds and to prevent the growth and spread of regionally controlled weeds on their land. 

These weeds are commonly found in the Macedon Ranges and across the state. Some are declared noxious weeds, while others are recognised as high-risk invasive or environmental weeds that require careful management. Weed classifications may vary by region or catchment.

• Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus L.agg)
• Chilean Needle Grass (Nassella neesiana)
• English Broom (Cytisus scoparius)
• Gorse (Ulex europaeus L.)
• Serrated Tussock (Nassella trichotoma)
• Willow (Salix spp.) - except Weeping Willow, Pussy Willow and Sterile Pussy Willow

Some harmful plants aren’t officially listed under the law but can still cause serious environmental damage. These are often called environmental weeds or garden escapees. They spread easily through dumped garden waste, waterways, or seeds carried by birds and animals. Plants that seem harmless in a garden can quickly become invasive if they spread into bushland or along waterways. Some examples are:

• Agapanthus (Agapanthus praecox)
• Blue Periwinkle (Vinca major L.)
• Bulbil Watsonia (Watsonia meriana), and similar bulb‑bearing garden plants
• English Ivy (Hedera helix L.)
• Gazania (Gazania spp.)
• Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica)

• Other ornamental or garden plants that may naturalise or spread into bushland, especially if they produce seed, spread via birds or water (e.g. some bulbs, shrubs, vines, groundcovers).

Some weeds are classed as regionally restricted because they pose a high risk of spreading and causing harm to the environment or agriculture in the Macedon Ranges. This is especially important in sensitive areas such as water catchments, including those managed by Melbourne Water.

Some of these weeds are:

• Briar Rose (Rosa rubiginosa)
• Patterson's Curse (Echium plantagineum)
• South African Weed Orchid (Disa bracteata)
• Texan Needle Grass (Nassella leucotricha)

Landowners are legally required to manage these weeds on their property and prevent them from spreading to nearby bushland, waterways, roadsides, or neighbouring land. Managing regionally restricted weeds helps protect native plants and animals, supports productive land, and reduces long-term control costs. Find out what landowners are required to do.

South African Weed Orchid (Disa bracteata) is rapidly emerging as a serious threat to native environments. It spreads through millions of tiny, dust-like seeds that travel easily on wind, water, soil and mud, as well as on machinery, bikes, boots, clothing and animals.

Infestations are already appearing in well used public spaces, making early detection essential.

If you think you’ve found this weed, report it to Macedon Ranges Shire Council on (03) 5422 0333 so it can be assessed and safely managed. Your sightings help protect local biodiversity.

Where it grows and how to identify it

This species often appears in native grasslands, grassy woodlands and disturbed areas. It flowers from October to December. Look for bright green, fleshy flower spikes 20–40 cm tall, emerging from a rosette of narrow, pointed leaves. Underground tubers resemble small potatoes. It is easiest to identify once the asparagus-like spike forms; earlier growth can resemble native Triggerplants (Stylidium spp.).

How to treat it

Once flowering, the plant must be carefully dug out, removing all tubers to prevent regrowth. Minimise soil disturbance and remove plants before they set seed. Double-bag all material. Plants in the leafy, pre-flowering stage may be controlled with herbicide that also kills the tubers.

If you think you’ve found an infestation

1. Avoid disturbing the site.
2. Contact Council.
3. We will help confirm identification and advise on safe treatment.

Known infestations in the Macedon Ranges

• Hobbs Road and Hobbs Road Reserve, Bullengarook
• Black Hill Reserve, Kyneton
• Barringo Reserve, New Gisborne
• Burke and Wills Track, Lancefield

For more information and images, read Connecting Country's article.

Blackberry is a widespread invasive weed across the Macedon Ranges and is actively managed as part of Council’s roadside weed control program.

Council usually undertakes blackberry control between December and March, when the plants are flowering or bearing fruit. Changes to the climate can alter these times, where spraying can begin earlier or later. During this time, contractors may spray blackberry infestations along roadsides and other public land to reduce their spread.

Is it safe to pick blackberries from roadsides?

Council does not recommend eating blackberries picked from roadsides or public areas.

Blackberry plants in these locations may have been recently treated with herbicide as part of weed control works. While contractors place warning signs where spraying occurs, these signs may sometimes be removed or moved by others and may not always be visible.

To reduce health risks, avoid consuming blackberries growing along roadsides, reserves or other public land.

Why blackberry is controlled

Blackberry is declared a noxious weed under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994. Under this legislation, land managers, including councils, are required to control its spread.

Blackberry infestations can:

• Outcompete native plants
• Reduce habitat for wildlife
• Spread quickly along waterways and bushland
• Impact agricultural productivity

Birds, animals and water can easily spread blackberry seeds, allowing infestations to expand rapidly if left unmanaged.

Council’s approach

Council works to:

• Prevent new blackberry infestations
• Reduce existing outbreaks, particularly near conservation areas and bushland
• Limit spread along roadsides and waterways

Managing blackberry helps protect local biodiversity and supports healthier landscapes across the Macedon Ranges.

Macedon Ranges, Mount Alexander and Mitchell Shire councils joined forces to produce a Weeds of Central Victoria guide(PDF, 8MB) to assist in identifying and controlling weeds.

The guide provides colour photos of locally identified weed species along with suggested control techniques. It covers all types of weeds including woody weeds, herbs, bulbs, trees, wines and creepers and aquatic plants.

Hard copies of this guide, and other species brochures, can be requested by calling our Environment team on (03) 5422 0333.