Aussies warned over 'prohibited' household threat choking rivers: '$2,000 fines'
Residents are being warned a "prohibited plant" has been found choking an important ecological waterway in northern NSW, and have been reminded of the risk of dumping unwanted household plants.
Officials from Rous County Council, which manages the water supply and weed biosecurity of the Northern Rivers region, fear a recent infestation found near Banora Point was caused by the improper disposal of frogbit, a floating aquatic plant spread by the natural flow of water.
While the weed can be bought in some Aussie states, including in Queensland just a few kilometres away, it is illegal to buy, sell, trade or move it into NSW, with on-the-spot fines as high as $2,000 for doing so.
"We understand that NSW residents may have purchased frogbit not realising it is classified as prohibited matter," a Rous County spokesperson told Yahoo News.
"If NSW residents are in possession of frogbit, we encourage them to notify the Rous Weed Biosecurity Team, who will dispose of it properly for you."
Native to Central and South America, frogbit is a fast-growing, floating aquatic plant. Its leaves float on the surface of the water, forming thick mats across freshwater systems. In doing so, the plant can obstruct sunlight and water, and severely impact native aquatic life and block waterways, stormwater drains and irrigation channels.
Illegal dumping of aquarium or pond plants is the main cause of its spread in ecosystems across the country.
"Preliminary investigations suggest the recent infestation may have resulted from the improper disposal of unwanted frogbit into the waterway," the spokesperson explained.
While the source of the outbreak remains a mystery, it serves as an "important reminder" not to dispose of household plants in waterways, including creeks, dams, wetlands or stormwater drains.
"As soon as Rous was alerted to the infestation, our Weed Biosecurity Officers took immediate action to contain it," the authority said.
"While it may still be sold legally in some other states, it must not be brought across the border into NSW. Selling frogbit online or in person in NSW is an offence and may lead to penalties."
Under the Biosecurity Act 2015, deliberate disposal of a prohibited matter may incur an on-the-spot fine of $2000.
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In Queensland and Victoria the plant is not prohibited like it is in New South Wales, South Australia, Western Australia, the ACT, NT and Tasmania. However, the Queensland government advises all residents have a "general biosecurity obligation" to take reasonable and practical steps to minimise the risks.
The Invasive Species Council has previously called on authorities around the country to ban weeds like frogbit, as well as English Ivy and gazanias.
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