Latest news with #BiosecurityAct2015
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Yahoo
Sinister threat found choking Aussie river highlights 'prohibited' move attracting $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. 🌵 Biosecurity threat 'hiding in plain sight' prompts reminder to Aussies 🌱 Quiet shift taking place in Aussie gardens creates 'really exciting' trend 🧑🌾 Property owners sound alarm over deadly threat invading landscape 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. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Yahoo
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. 🌵 Biosecurity threat 'hiding in plain sight' prompts reminder to Aussies 🌱 Quiet shift taking place in Aussie gardens creates 'really exciting' trend 🧑🌾 Property owners sound alarm over deadly threat invading landscape 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. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Hair-raising video captures massive snake slithering near busy boat ramp: 'It's taking itself on quite the adventure'
Australia is well-known for its wild animals, but locals were stunned by the appearance of one particular snake on the loose near Sydney. Local station 9 News Sydney shared a video showing a large red-tailed boa constrictor near a boat launch in the Sylvania area. "These snakes are native to Brazil," the reporter shared. "So the assumption is this was someone's pet, it's gotten loose, and now it's taking itself on quite the adventure." The news report added that the species isn't known to be aggressive and is actually considered "quite docile." But its constricting abilities can be dangerous, and people were warned to keep their distance and contact authorities if they spot the creature. As the coverage from 9 News mentioned, the boa constrictor poses a threat to Australia's biosecurity. It is also illegal to own the animal as a pet in the country as a matter of protecting native species and local ecosystems, ABC News Australia explained. The Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry has also described the economic significance of maintaining biosecurity — a term that generally refers to policies and procedures intended to safeguard humans, animals, food, agriculture, and the environment from potential biological dangers. "Our biosecurity system protects agriculture, forestry and fisheries export industries worth $51 billion; a tourism sector worth $50 billion; environmental assets worth more than $5.7 trillion; and more than 1.6 million jobs," the DAFF explains. The department also notes that maintaining a healthy environment allows for better protection of the culture "of our wider community and First Nations people." The red-tailed boa constrictor in this case posed the risk of becoming an invasive predator and throwing the local ecosystem out of balance. It also posed the risk of bringing illness, such as the fatal inclusion body disease, to native snake populations, according to ABC News Australia. A few days after the snake was first spotted, ABC News Australia reported that it was successfully captured by Shire Snake Wranglers, a company licensed to handle snakes. More broadly, Australia has the country's Biosecurity Act 2015 to help back efforts to protect both native and non-native species from potentially harmful situations. Should the government be paying people to hunt invasive species? Definitely Depends on the animal No way Just let people do it for free Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Meanwhile, last year, a joint initiative from DAFF and CSIRO, Australia's national science agency, launched the Catalysing Australia's Biodiversity project to invest $55 million over six years in continuing to innovate biosecurity measures. This came on top of the $1 billion already committed to the cause. In addition to formal efforts to prevent animal trafficking and the spread of invasive species, awareness campaigns to educate the public about the many hazards of selling and buying animals outside the law may be helpful in supporting a culture shift away from owning exotic but illegal pets — including those with the potential to escape into local habitats. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
