Reporting and controlling invasive plants

The difference between weeds and invasive plants

Weeds and invasive plants are unwanted plants. Invasive plants quickly spread into natural areas and disrupt native ecosystems. They compete with native plants and reduce biodiversity. In the ACT, these invasive plants pose a significant biosecurity threat to the local ecosystems.

Reporting invasive plants

If you notice anything unusual you can report it to ACT Biosecurity by emailing ACTBiosecurity@act.gov.au.

iNaturalist also helps to monitor significant invasive plants sightings. This ensures we can respond quickly to stop or slow the spread of sighted species. This helps to protect the environment, economy, and human health. If you see invasive plant species, you can report it through iNaturalist.

The Atlas of Living Australia collates citizen science records. It gives an overview of the places in our region where a species of interest has been recorded.

Downloads

Invasive Plants Operations Plan 2025-30

The Invasive Plants Operations Plan 2025-30 is for invasive plant control on public land in the ACT. Many of the species are legally required to be controlled (pest plants). Planned control work on leased rural land is outlined in separate land management agreements. Major threats are tackled jointly, because invasive plants do not recognise fences or property boundaries.

Invasive plant control maps

You can check where invasive plant control has been undertaken. Explore the interactive maps below:

Related links