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Upper Hunter Weeds Authority Upper Hunter Weeds Authority

Green Cestrum

Mother of Millions

Scotch Broom - Barrington Tops

Weed Control using Steam

Green Cestrum

Mother of Millions

Scotch Broom - Barrington Tops

Weed Control using Steam

Weeds Authority for the Upper Hunter Valley

Upper Hunter Weeds Authority (UHWA), is the registered trading name of Upper Hunter County Council (UHCC).

The Upper Hunter County Council (UHCC) is a single purpose Council which is a Local Control Authority for invasive plants under the NSW Biosecurity Act, 2015. The present area of operation of UHCC is the local government areas of Upper Hunter, Muswellbrook and Singleton located at the northern end of the Hunter Valley, New South Wales. The County Council’s governance is in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993 (LGA 1993) with the County Council being first proclaimed on 1 January 1991. The role and functions of the County Council as biosecurity local control authority are outlined in the NSW DPI booklet Weeds and the Biosecurity Act - A handbook for Councillors and Council

UHWA provides effective integrated weed management systems utilizing the latest technology to prevent, contain or reduce the biosecurity risk of invasive plants to the environment, economy and community within the area of operation of the County Council.

Chilean Needle Grass

Chilean Needle Grass Seed Head (Photo: John Hosking).

On 5 November 2021, Authority staff identified a significant roadside infestation of the invasive grass species Chilean Needle Grass (Nassella neesiana) on the Hunter Road, east of Gundy (Upper Hunter Shire LGA). This is the first recorded infestation of this plant in the Upper Hunter.

In pastures which have been invaded by this grass, production can reduced by half with stock at risk of receiving eye and hide injuries. It can also effect meat quality, downgrade wool and reduces biodiversity.

Chilean Needle Grass grows in tussocks about a 1m high with the seed heads having purple glumes and long bent awns. Identification and other information can be found on the NSW DPI Weedwise website by clicking on this Link

Members of the public who believe they have seen this plant should contact the Authority

Contact

General Manager
Upper Hunter County Council
PO Box 6
MUSWELLBROOK NSW 2333

Telephone: 02 65410323
Email: admin@uhwa.org.au

Useful Links

Hunter Regional Weeds

Hunter Local Lands Services

NSW Weedwise - NSW DPI

Biosecurity Act, 2015

Local Government Act 1993 (LGA 1993)

Weeds Society of NSW

NSW Weed Control Handbook

Weeds and the Biosecurity Act - A handbook for local councils and councillors

Notice of Ordinary Meeting

Upper Hunter County Council

An Ordinary meeting of the Upper Hunter County Council is to be held on Thursday 5 March 2026 at 4.00 pm, TEC Meeting Room, Teriary Education Centre 87 Hill St Muswellbrook NSW 2333.

Members of the public wishing to attend this meeting need to contact the General Manager via email admin@uhwa.nsw.gov.au

Doug Campbell
General Manager

Position Vacant

District Biosecurity Officer

The Upper Hunter Weeds Authority (UHWA) has a permanent, full-time position available, based in the Muswellbrook district of the Upper Hunter. The position require excellent communication skills with the main duties involve assisting the General Manager in the County Council's day-to-day management, the inspection of private and council lands for high priority invasive plants, the preparation of records of inspection and the identification and treatment of various invasive plants. The positions also require involvement in public awareness activities such as field days

Prospective applicants must obtain an information package, application form and position description which contains selection criteria by emailing admin@uhwa.nsw.gov.au

Please contact Doug Campbell on 0408 683 490 for further enquiries about this position.

Only written applications that address the selection criteria will be considered. Applications close on Thursday, 2 April 2026.

Conditions of employment will be in accordance with the Notional Agreement Preserving the Local Government (State) Award. This position has a 9-day fortnight rostered day off scheme in place.

The Upper Hunter Weeds Authority supports the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity and provides a smoke free workplace.

Doug Campbell

General Manager

Copyright © 2026 Upper Hunter Weeds Authority.