The freshwater weed Frogbit is now listed as a pest plant so that 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 our 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. It can also impact recreational activities such as swimming and fishing," Minister Vassarotti 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. We are acting now to prevent it spreading and the consequent environmental and economic impacts that have occurred 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."
