18 July 2014
Minister for Land Resource Management, Willem Westra van Holthe, has declared neem as a Class B and C weed.
Neem (Azadirachta indica) is a highly invasive exotic species believed to be native to India that has been deliberately introduced throughout the tropics and subtropics.
Neem is believed to have first been introduced into Darwin in the 1940s and more widely planted as a street tree in the 1960s and is now a common garden plant in Darwin, Katherine and the rural areas.
Mr Westra van Holthe said the rapid spread of neem has demonstrated its capacity to compete with native plant species in intact environments.
“Deep tap roots and extensive lateral roots enable neem trees to flourish in areas affected by seasonal drought. Their large size and preference for wet areas means that control can be difficult,” Mr Westra van Holthe said.
“Results from a Department of Land Resource Management weed risk assessment, completed in 2011, shows neem to present a very high weed risk to the Territory.
“Neem has become well established in the Katherine region, with dense infestations known to occur in the Katherine, Wickham, McArthur and Roper River systems.
“Of particular concern is the infestation along the Katherine River Corridor. It is intended that a Weed Management Strategy will be developed for the Katherine River Corridor in collaboration with major stakeholders, including the Katherine Community.
“Today’s declaration of neem will address the spread and growth of neem (Class B) and prevent further introduction to the Northern Territory (Class C).
“As of today it will be illegal to buy, sell or transport neem plants or seeds and offenders will be prosecuted under the Weeds Management Act. The Department of Land Resource Management will soon be rolling out an awareness campaign to teach people about neem.
“This is much more than an attempt to wipe out a pesky weed, this is about ensuring the biodiversity of our unique environment.”
For more information, go to: www.lrm.nt.gov.au