Arum lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica)

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. It describes how a person must discharge the person’s general biosecurity duty for the biosecurity matter (weed) described.

Plant species

• Common name: Arum lily
• Scientific name: Zantedeschia aethiopica

Area of operation

South Durras.

Species information

Arum lily is a garden escape that has spread to natural areas, wetlands and pastures, forming large dense clumps. It outcompetes native plants, can choke waterways and reduces pasture productivity. It is currently impacting upon Murramarang National Park.

Arum lily is toxic to people, livestock, pets and native animals. It contains a mineral called calcium oxalate. All parts of the plant, especially the flower, are poisonous and can cause eczema and dermatitis Irritation; burning and swelling of the mouth and throat; breathing difficulties; severe nausea, vomiting and stomach pain; diarrhoea; shock and exhaustion; death.

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: High
• Impacts: Environment and community
• Control objective: Asset protection

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.
2. The landholder must prevent spread from their land to high priority sites including, but not limited to, sites with threatened species present and/or endangered ecological communities.
3. The plant must not be sold, propagated or distributed.

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.