Perth bylaws - invasive species removal rules

Environmental Protection Western Australia 3 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026 Flag of Western Australia

In Perth, Western Australia, managing invasive plants and pest animals on private property is governed by a mix of local bylaw powers and state biosecurity measures. Private landowners have responsibilities to control declared pests and weeds on their land and to respond to notices from council or state agencies. This guide explains who enforces removal, how enforcement and appeals typically work, where to find official guidance, and practical steps landowners can take to comply.[1][2]

Overview of responsibilities

Owners and occupiers are generally expected to prevent the spread of invasive species from their property. Local government staff (environmental health or by-law enforcement officers) issue notices where infestations create risk to neighbours or the public, and state biosecurity agencies manage declared pests and programs that may apply to private land.

Penalties & Enforcement

Councils and state agencies use notices and enforcement options when invasive species are not controlled. Exact monetary fines for private-land removal are often set by specific local laws or state instruments; where figures are not shown on the official guidance pages cited here, the amount is noted as not specified on the cited page.

  • Enforcer: local by-law enforcement or environmental health officers (City/local council); state biosecurity officers for declared pests.[1]
  • Common sanctions: remedial notices requiring removal, work orders for council to undertake work and recover costs, and prosecution in court where required.
  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: initial notice, compliance period, then enforcement action or cost recovery; exact timeframes not specified on the cited page.
  • Appeals/review: appeal routes are usually through the council’s internal review process or the State Administrative Tribunal where applicable; time limits for lodging reviews are not specified on the cited page.
Respond promptly to any council or state notices to avoid escalation to cost recovery or prosecution.

Applications & Forms

Whether a permit or notification is required depends on the species and the local council program. Many ordinary weed removals on private land require no specialised permit, but declared pests or actions affecting native vegetation may require approval from state agencies or the council. The cited official pages do not publish a single, universal removal form for private land and may direct users to contact officers directly.[1][2]

Check with council or state biosecurity officers before using herbicides near waterways or native plants.

Practical compliance steps

  • Inspect and identify invasive species promptly and document extent with photos.
  • Remove or treat infestations using recommended methods for the species and dispose of material per council guidance.
  • Report declared pests or complex infestations to council or state biosecurity staff for guidance and to request inspection.
  • Keep records of work done and any communications with officers in case of future notices.

FAQ

Who enforces invasive species removal on private land in Perth?
Local council by-law or environmental health officers enforce local notices; state biosecurity agencies manage declared pests and broader programs.[1][2]
Will I be fined for not removing weeds?
Councils can issue remedial notices and recover costs or prosecute; specific fine amounts are not specified on the cited page.[1]
Do I need a permit to remove invasive plants from my property?
Most routine weed removal does not require a special permit, but works affecting native vegetation, waterways or declared pests may require approval—contact council or DPIRD for confirmation.[1][2]

How-To

  1. Identify the species using council resources or state identification pages and confirm whether it is a declared pest.
  2. Create a removal plan that avoids harm to native vegetation and follows label instructions for any chemicals.
  3. Carry out removal or treatment, document the work with dates and photos, and store records.
  4. If you receive a notice, comply within the timeframe or seek an internal review with council promptly.
Keep photographic records of before-and-after treatments for compliance and appeals.

Key Takeaways

  • Private landowners must prevent spread of invasive species from their properties.
  • Contact council or state biosecurity if unsure—early contact can avoid enforcement.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Perth - Pests and weeds
  2. [2] WA Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development - Biosecurity

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