The Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate has listed the freshwater weed ‘Frogbit’ as a pest plant so it can be eradicated to protect Canberra’s natural environment.
Minister for the Environment, Rebecca Vassarotti said the weed, used in domestic aquariums and ponds, posed a risk to the Territory’s waterways and was no longer able to be sold or kept in the ACT.
“Frogbit can block waterways and destroy the habitat of native water plants and aquatic animals,” Ms Vassarotti said.
“It can also impact recreational activities such as swimming and fishing,” she said.
“While there aren’t any known outbreaks of this weed in the ACT, it is fast spreading and has shown to be highly invasive in other parts of the country such as NSW.”
Ms Vassarotti said the Directorate was acting to prevent the pest plant from spreading and the consequential environmental and economic impacts that had been observed elsewhere.
“The ban now means that Frogbit can only be sold with a permit, so we ask everyone to be aware of their responsibilities to control this invasive species,” the Minister said.
She said if people spotted the plant, or had Frogbit at home, they should contact the Directorate at [email protected] to assist in safely disposing of the weed.
Further information on the pest plant can be accessed at this PS News link.
