To the Editor,
I write to raise growing concern about biosecurity risks associated with the unchecked spread of weeds across the Glen Innes Severn region. Of particular note is the proliferation of blackberries along the New England Highway, rural roads, rail corridors, and Travelling Stock Routes.
These infestations are no longer contained to public land. They are encroaching onto adjoining properties, imposing significant control costs on landholders and undermining productive agriculture. Beyond the direct impact of weed spread, dense blackberry thickets provide harbour for pest species, including pigs, rabbits and deer, compounding the environmental and economic damage.
This is not a new issue, but the scale of inaction is becoming untenable. Effective weed management requires coordinated, sustained effort. At present, responsibility appears fragmented across Council, Main Roads and Local Land Services, with insufficient integration on the ground.
I call on these authorities to work cooperatively, align resources, and implement a strategic and visible weed control program. Without decisive action, the burden will continue to fall unfairly on landholders, while the broader biosecurity risk escalates.
Yours sincerely,
Mike Norton
Glen Innes
