A WEED that has invaded 80 per cent of the New South Wales coastline and has the potential to eliminate native flora is in the Federal Government's firing line.

Environment Minister Peter Garrett today launched a new management manual for the bitou bush, an aggressive coastal weed listed as on of 20 weeds of national significance.

“Weeds like bitou bush pose a serious threat to Australia’s native flora and fauna, but also to our primary industry,” Mr Garrett said. “Weeds are estimated to cost more than $3.4 billion to Australian agriculture every year,”

“In New South Wales alone, bitou bush invasion threatens more than 150 native plant species, three endangered plant populations, and 24 ecological communities.”