Weed “impossible to control” if containment lines break

Sticky Nightshade has been discovered near Porters Mount Road and Camp Road, outside the core infestation area around Canowindra. This detection signals a concerning expansion of the weed, which has been actively managed for several years in the region. Local authorities, agricultural experts, and landholders are now on high alert as the invasive species threatens to spread further into unaffected areas. Sticky Nightshade (Solanum sisymbriifolium) is a fast-growing, aggressive weed that can quickly establish itself in grazing lands, pastures, and even cropping areas. It is known for its sticky, thorny leaves and small purple flowers, which make it easily identifiable. However, its rapid growth and ability to spread through seeds—dispersed by wind, water, vehicles, and animals—have made it a persistent problem for landholders and farmers alike. The newly detected infestation lies beyond the core zone of Sticky Nightshade in the Canowindra area, where targeted management efforts have been underway for several years. This new sighting near Porters Mount and Camp Roads has raised concerns that the weed may be spreading further into the broader Cowra region. A spokesperson for Central Tablelands LLS said the infestation could be hard to control, with easy germination from roots and seeds, requiring a whole-of-industry response. “Local Land Services will continue to build awareness and support the weed officers at Cowra Shire Council – the Local Control Authority under The NSW Biosecurity Act 2015. The overall goal will be to work with landholders to eradicate the new infestation near Porters Mount Road and Camp Road,” the spokesperson said. “Sticky nightshade is listed as a regional priority weed in the Central Tablelands and all plants found in the region should be reported by landholders to their local council weed officer. The weed officers will provide the landholder with the best advice on controlling sticky nightshade.” Sticky Nightshade is not only a threat to agricultural productivity but also to local biodiversity. The plant competes with native species for nutrients, water, and space, which can disrupt ecosystems and degrade natural habitats. In farming environments, the weed poses a serious challenge to pasture quality, potentially reducing grazing capacity and interfering with crop growth. In addition to the on-ground management efforts by Local Land Services, Cowra Council has committed to supporting local landholders in the fight against Sticky Nightshade. Council staff are working alongside LLS to ensure that information is being effectively communicated and that resources are available for landholders to tackle the weed on their properties. “The detection of Sticky Nightshade outside of the Core Infestation areas is extremely concerning and has triggered Cowra Council’s Rapid Response policy in order to quickly eradicate new infestations,” a spokesperson for Cowra Council said. “Properties surrounding a newly identified infestation have been issued Notices to Inspect, and an education campaign via Cowra Council Facebook site and Community Noticeboard has commenced, along with a letterbox drop to all properties surrounding the new infestation. Any new infestations outside of the Core Infestation Zone are subject to Eradication, and continuous destruction. The area will also be subject to surveillance on a monthly basis to allow detection of new plants in a timely manner.” The Cowra Council weed control team also expressed concerns of a potential major outbreak if the infestation spreads. “Our other major concern is the Wyangala Catchment area. Due to geographic accessibility issues and water movements, if the weed gains a foothold there, it will be impossible to control,” the spokesperson said. To help control the spread of Sticky Nightshade, Cowra Council is encouraging landholders to take proactive measures on their properties. This includes regularly checking for the weed, especially in areas where it has not been previously detected. The use of integrated weed management strategies, including both chemical and non-chemical treatments, will be key in preventing further infestations. Landholders in the Porters Mount and Camp Road area are encouraged to report any sightings of Sticky Nightshade to Local Land Services immediately. For more information on Sticky Nightshade and weed management strategies, landholders are urged to visit the Local Land Services website or contact Cowra Council’s weeds team.