Managing weeds on road reserves

This following information is for property owners with land that adjoins a road reserve.

A road reserve is the portion of land that extends between a property boundary and the adjacent roadway; commonly known as the ‘road verge’ or ‘roadside’.

Many roadsides contain significant remnant vegetation and unique plant communities that provide vital habitat and connectivity for wildlife or possess important heritage values. However, they are often threatened by invasive weed species. Weeds on road reserves can also pose a significant threat to agricultural and horticultural enterprises.

Weeds can be split into declared weeds and non-declared weeds. Declared weeds are those weeds declared for specific sections of the Landscape South Australia Act. A list of declared weeds are available on the Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA) website.

Landscape Boards have an important role to play in the effective and strategic management of weeds on road reserves. Councils also manage weeds on roadsides, in particular to protect the native vegetation under Council care, to support fire preparedness and resilience and to provide safe access for road users.

Who is responsible for the management of declared pest plants on road reserves?

The Hills and Fleurieu Landscape Board is the authority responsible for the appropriate management of declared weeds on road reserves in the region. The board will manage declared weeds in accordance with regional priorities and plans. Under the Landscape South Australia Act, the Board may seek to recover costs for weed control from adjoining property owners.

Note that the Commissioner of Highways has assumed care, control and management of the whole road reserve (fence line to fence line) on Controlled Access Roads, such as the South Eastern Freeway.

What can you do to manage weeds on road reserves adjoining your property?

All alert weeds must be reported to the Board. Alert weeds are those weeds that would have significant impacts if they were to establish in the region. A list of alert weeds can be found on the PIRSA website.

With the prior permission of Council, individuals and community groups can also work on all weeds on road reserves.

You will need to obtain permission by applying for a Section 221 permit prior to undertaking your own control activities, or those of your
contractor. It is important that you have discussions with Council so that you are aware of other important factors such as environmental or heritage values which need to be protected and safety considerations for yourself and road users.

Options for the management of weeds in the road reserve adjoining my property

The following information brochure is aimed at providing landholders, who own or lease property adjacent to road reserves, a clear view of roles and responsibilities with regard to controlling weeds in road reserves.