NSW Government invests $1 million to fund biocontrol research to manage weeds

THE NSW Government has granted $1 million to Australia’s national science agency the CSIRO to carry out biocontrol research to help control invasive weeds.        

Biocontrol reduces weeds by deploying natural biological agents, such as fungi or insects, and is considered increasingly important as an environment-friendly, self-sustaining and cost-effective weed-management tool.

Invasive weeds cost Australian agriculture industries close to $4.9 billion each year through crop loss and weed-management costs.

On average, biocontrol returns $23 in benefits for every $1 invested and significantly reduces reliance on herbicides.

This $1 million investment by the NSW Environmental Trust for the 2025-26 financial year will support new research initiatives led by the CSIRO in partnership with the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) and NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW).

The initiatives will target 11 weeds across diverse ecosystems from arid lands to moist forests.

For example, mass-rearing and releasing a cochineal insect to tackle Hudson pear, while a leaf-smut fungus will manage wandering trad – each tailored to the specific environment and species.

The next steps to manage weeds are to ensure approved biocontrol agents are easy and safe for the community to use.

Following biocontrol agent releases, monitoring programs will evaluate their impacts on weeds and the recovery of native ecosystems, and findings will be shared through a statewide network.

The project includes a co-designed Aboriginal Engagement Plan ensuring Traditional Custodian knowledge and values guide biocontrol efforts and strengthen outcomes on Country.

The Trust has already invested $3.4 million to date.

Previous projects have reduced the impacts of serious environmental weeds such as the coastal invader sea spurge, helping native species to recover.

Dr Ben Gooden, CSIRO Senior Research Scientist said, “This project unites cutting-edge science and ecological knowledge to tackle one of our most persistent environmental challenges – restoring landscapes impacted by invasive weeds.

“Biocontrol offers a sustainable, long-term solution to managing invasive weeds, helping native ecosystems recover and thrive without the need for repeated chemical intervention.

“Successful biocontrol reduces the burden on land managers, improves biodiversity, and supports more resilient landscapes for future generations.”