Glen Innes Severn Council has officially taken on responsibility for invasive and noxious weed control in the local government area, following the dissolution of the New England Weeds Authority (NEWA) last month.
The transition, effective from 16 June 2025, marks the end of more than 75 years of operation for NEWA, one of NSW’s first single-purpose county councils established in 1947. NEWA had been responsible for managing invasive weeds across the New England region, acting as the Local Control Authority (LCA) under the Biosecurity Act 2015.
The move follows a series of governance and financial issues that came to light in 2024. On 17 May 2024, the NSW Minister for Local Government suspended the NEWA board and appointed interim administrator Mr John Rayner due to serious concerns about the organisation’s financial position and recordkeeping.
“The problems are of real concern, particularly given the potential impacts the financial instability of NEWA has for its four member councils which help fund its operations,” said Minister Ron Hoenig at the time.
Further investigation revealed financial irregularities, including the inability of the Audit Office to issue an audit due to gaps in financial records. As a result, all four constituent councils—Armidale Regional Council, Walcha Council, Uralla Shire Council and Glen Innes Severn Council—jointly supported the dissolution of NEWA, which was officially proclaimed on 4 June 2025 and took effect on 13 June.
Under the new arrangement, each of the former member councils will now act as the LCA in their own regions. Glen Innes Severn Council will continue weed management operations locally, with an experienced Biosecurity Officer—previously employed by NEWA—joining Council staff to lead implementation and ensure continuity of service.
Acting Mayor Carol Sparks said the community can expect consistent service delivery with the added benefit of increased local oversight.
“One of the former NEWA staff has joined our team, and I’m confident the transition will be seamless for local landholders. This change allows Council to deliver weed management services more efficiently and with greater local control, ensuring better outcomes for our environment and the broader community,” Cr Sparks said.
Council is updating its website to reflect these changes and will provide ongoing updates about weed management responsibilities, support programs, and community engagement initiatives in the coming months.
