African lovegrass ( Eragrostis curvula)

Weed control program

Section 371 (1) b of the Biosecurity Act 2015

This Weed Control Program is a Council endorsed document under Section 371 (1) (b) of the Biosecurity Act 2015 and describes how a person must discharge the person’s general biosecurity duty for the biosecurity matter (weed) described.

Plant species

Common name: African lovegrass
Scientific name: Eragrostis curvula

Area of operation

Local government area of Eurobodalla Shire.

Species information

African lovegrass is a hardy, drought tolerant perennial grass species native to southern Africa, which can grow from 30 cm to 120 cm tall. It thrives on sandy soils with low fertility, is highly persistent, summer-growing, and regarded as a weed due to its low feed quality and acceptance by livestock.

In coastal regions the plant can flower all year, but this occurs predominantly in the warmer months. Seed has an inherent dormancy, which is broken after 5 to 6 months with some seed remaining viable for up to 17 years.

Seed may be dispersed by grazing animals, slashing, vehicles, water, fodder and short distances by wind. Spread is enhanced by drought conditions and over-grazing. Paddocks with low ground cover are more susceptible to invasion.

African lovegrass has the potential to become a major weed of agriculture and native grass lands in the Eurobodalla Shire.

Legal obligations

Any person who deals with biosecurity matter or a carrier and who knows, or ought reasonably to know, the biosecurity risk posed or likely to be posed by the biosecurity matter, carrier or dealing has a biosecurity duty to ensure that, so far as is reasonably practicable, the biosecurity risk is prevented, eliminated or minimised.

Weed risk assessment

Risk level: Medium
Impacts: Economic and environmental
Control objective: Containment

Council control requirements

  1. Destroy all plants, or if that is not practicable, destroy as many plants as is practicable and stop the spread of any remaining plants from the property in a manner agreed to, or dictated by, Council.
  2. The landholder must prevent spread from their land.

Enforcement

A person who fails to discharge the person’s general biosecurity duty is guilty of an offence.

In the event that the general biosecurity duty is not discharged, Council may:

  • charge a reinspection fee
  • issue a fine notice (refer to Biosecurity Regulation 2017 (NSW) Schedule 6 - Penalty notice offences)
  • enter the property, perform weed direction works, and recoup all costs and expenses incurred.

Review date

When required.

Contact details

Invasive Species Supervisor - Biosecurity Act 2015 Authorised Officer
PO Box 99
Moruya NSW 2537

T: 02 4474 1000
E: council@esc.nsw.gov.au