Biosecurity Queensland has worked with Redland City Council to intercept and seize prohibited and restricted plant species at a Mount Cotton property after the plants were discovered for sale on Facebook Marketplace.
Mayor, Jos Mitchell said the quick response and decisive action by Council’s Biosecurity team, in collaboration with Biosecurity Queensland, had helped shutdown a serious biosecurity threat on Redlands Coast.
“It serves as a clear reminder for residents to be cautious when buying plants online or from unverified sellers. Always check that species are legal before purchasing,” the Mayor said.
Biosecurity officers identified and removed several high-risk invasive species from the property, including water weeds and invasive cacti.
The species are classified under the Queensland Biosecurity Act 2014 as prohibited or restricted matter due to their potential to cause severe environmental damage. Enforcement action was taken to ensure compliance.
Biosecurity and Pest Management portfolio representative, Councillor Paul Golle said biosecurity was everyone’s responsibility and went beyond invasive weeds to include pest animals such as feral deer, feral pigs, and European red foxes, and insects such as fire ants.
“If you notice a biosecurity threat, you may be obligated under the Biosecurity Act to report it to the relevant authority, often within 24 hours of making the discovery to minimise any risk to human health,” he said.
A guide to identifying biosecurity pests is available on Council’s pest animals and weeds page as well as fact sheets on the Department of Primary Industries website.
