NSW has over 340 weeds, though only one-third are considered noxious, which were purposefully introduced as garden and farmland plants, and thus had escaped.
An excess of $50 million of public money (half which come from state government) is currently being spent on weed control.
[2] Weeds are threat to the state's natural environment and would jeopardise many native plants and animals in NSW.
They would also effect the price of food, human condition (allergies and asthma), recreational activities and the economy of New South Wales.
These legal rules apply: Plants listed below are noxious weeds that should not to be sold in parts of New South Wales due to their invasive nature (most listed here are a 'Weed of National Significance') as they pose a threat to native fauna and flora, and are in the class 3 or 4 categories (a few are prohibited for purchase or propagation in some local government areas).
A Class 4 weed,
Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata
(African olive) is not to be traded, carried, grown or released into the environment.
A Class 5 weed,
Asparagus asparagoides
(bridal creeper) is a restricted weed that may not be sold, bought or knowingly distributed throughout the state.
A Class 5 weed,
Tamarix aphylla
is a restricted weed that should not be sold or brought into the state.