THE control authority for weeds in the Oberon Council area has issued a warning about selling noxious plants on the internet.
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Upper Macquarie County Council (UMCC), which looks after the Bathurst, Lithgow, Oberon and Blayney council districts, says its staff recently became aware that a resident of the UMCC area was selling “class four noxious weeds” on eBay.
“This particular weed was opuntia microdasys, a variety of cactus,” UMCC chairman Geoff Braddon said.
He said this weed was prohibited from sale across NSW.
“In this particular instance, on being contacted by UMCC staff, the seller immediately removed the plants from sale,” he said.
“A meeting was held with the person and an inspection of other plants on the property took place. During the inspection, two other opuntia species were identified on the property. All noxious weeds have been destroyed.
“These particular weeds are noxious due to their ability to survive in all types of terrain and conditions, their invasiveness plus their impact on humans and animals.”
He said people wanting to sell non-indigenous species, and who were not familiar with the restrictions, should contact staff at UMCC to seek advice first.
“People trading in noxious weeds can face fines. In this instance, the seller was co-operative and no further action will be taken against them,” Cr Braddon said.