Sales and Conveyancing

When purchasing a new property be sure to enquire about any priority weeds that may be present on the property. Or, ask about the property history.

All new property owners will receive an information package relating to weeds.

Conveyancing (Sale of Land) Regulation 2022

Part 3 Adverse affectations
32 
An emergency order or a control order under the Biosecurity Act 2015 that has been served on the owner or occupier of the land. 

33
An individual biosecurity direction under the Biosecurity Act 2015 that— 
(a) prohibits, regulates or controls the doing of anything, or 
(b) requires anything to be done. 

34 
A biosecurity undertaking under the Biosecurity Act 2015. 
Once a Direction or Undertaking has been issued, they must be declared when selling a property or the seller may face financial penalties for failure to disclose.

NEW RURAL, SEMI-RURAL LANDHOLDERS

If you are thinking of buying land in the Cowra Shire, we recommend you ask the vendor about any Priority or widespread weeds on the property. You are strongly encouraged to ask for a Priority weed inspection report from a qualified agronomist or Weed spraying contractor prior to making an offer. 

If no control undertaken-offence under NSW Biosecurity Act 2015-potential for further penalties

Please note, all landholders have an obligation under the Biosecurity Act 2015 to control weeds that pose a Biosecurity Risk, regardless of the property’s intended purpose, whether a landholder resides there permanently or as a lifestyle block, or if the property already has weed infestations at time of sale.

You can be a good neighbour, and minimise potential conflicts with a few simple steps. 

  • Work cooperatively on maintenance of rural land. For example, a combined approach to the spraying of Priority and environmental weeds over several properties will achieve a good outcome in terms of controlling and reducing the spread of weeds in the Shire. It will also potentially save time and money as the chemical and labour costs can be distributed amongst neighbours.
  • Reiterate the importance of the ongoing management of rural land encompassing weed control, and maintenance of rural fences. It will add value to your land.
  • Understand how to maintain your property in terms of weeds, boundary fencing, bushfire hazards, vegetation cover and the location of high-risk pathways.
  • Contact Cowra Council Biosecurity Officers, we are more than happy to discuss all forms of weed management, develop plans, or point you in the right direction for more specialised advice.
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