Welcome Biosecurity and Weeds Team

Published on 23 June 2025

Council is pleased to welcome Andrew Scott and Neal Fenner to our Environment team, following the dissolution of the New England Weeds Authority earlier this month. Both Andrew and Neal bring valuable expertise and a deep commitment to protecting our region’s natural environment, and we're thrilled to have them continue their important work under the Council banner.

Neal Fenner

Weeds Control Officer

With four years of experience as a Weeds Control Officer at the New England Weeds Authority, Neal now leads Council’s efforts in managing invasive plant species across Council-managed lands, including roadsides, parks, reserves, stockpiles, tips, and water treatment works. His role also occasionally extends to Crown and state land through project-based funding arrangements.

One of the most rewarding parts of Neal’s work is seeing native plants like orchids and wildflowers return to areas once overrun by invasive weeds. “It’s a real sign that the land is recovering,” he says.

He also wants to highlight a common misconception: “Many people assume weed control is a blanket responsibility of Council, but there are multiple landholders, including state and federal authorities, who have their own biosecurity obligations.”

Looking ahead, Neal is excited to collaborate across Council teams to integrate weed management with broader environmental restoration and community education efforts. When he’s not working, you’ll find him on the tennis court or tending to his backyard nursery, where he grows and donates native plants to local projects.

Neal’s top local spots include Cathedral Rock National Park, Racecourse Lagoon, The Glen, and a hidden gem, Purlieu Creek Travelling Stock Reserve near Kingstown, areas where he’s seen firsthand the benefits of consistent weed management.

Andrew Scott

Biosecurity Officer

Andrew brings nearly three years’ experience as a Biosecurity Officer to his new role at Council, having also come across from the former New England Weeds Authority. He works directly with landholders to support weed control and raise awareness of biosecurity responsibilities under NSW legislation.

His journey into weed management began early, growing up on a property where weed control was part of daily life, followed by university studies in Environmental Science, where he focused on integrated weed management strategies.

What Andrew enjoys most is helping the community and getting to explore some of the most remote and beautiful parts of the region. He emphasises that effective weed management isn’t a quick fix, it’s a long-term, integrated approach that takes years of sustained effort.

Andrew is looking forward to the expanded support and collaboration opportunities at Council, which he sees as a chance to strengthen his work and better support the local community. Outside of work, he’s a keen woodworker, enjoys time in the veg garden, and values time with his family.

His favourite regional escape? Aspley Falls!