Fined for selling prohibited weeds

A Melbourne woman has been fined $2,000 for selling the State prohibited weed salvinia online, pleading guilty in the Heidelberg Magistrates Court.

Salvinia poses a significant threat to agricultural production and the environment, as it has a rapid growth rate, clogs waterways, and blocks sunlight needed by other aquatic plants, deoxygenating the water.

It is a State prohibited weed in Victoria, and Agriculture Victoria is responsible for preventing its introduction, and detecting and eradicating any infestations before they become widespread.

Agriculture Victoria Senior Compliance Officer, Mark Sellwood, said the accused was initially contacted by biosecurity officers who explained that it was illegal to keep, sell or grow salvinia in Victoria, and requested the accused to cease selling the salvinia and surrender any plants to the Department.

“Despite this approach, the accused continued to sell the plants across Victoria and into NSW and Queensland and following the execution of a search warrant in October 2021, over 2000 salvinia plants were seized from the property,” Mr Sellwood said.

Biosecurity officers continue to monitor online platforms where these illegal sales take place, and Mr Sellwood warned sellers that serious penalties can be imposed.

“You can be charged with an offence under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994. The financial penalties can be high, as demonstrated in this instance,” he said.

“If left, it [salvinia] can block waterways, impede irrigation, prevent recreational activities and impact water quality, resulting in the loss of native flora and fauna.”

If you think you have seen salvinia growing in the natural environment, in your own pond or fish tank, contact Agriculture Victoria for free removal and treatment.

If you spot salvinia, email photographs and details of the plant to [email protected] and an officer will contact you to offer assistance.

For more information on State prohibited weeds visit www.agriculture.vic.gov.au.