Biosecurity Queensland and Sunshine Coast Regional Council recently joined forces to stop the illegal selling of regulated plant species on the Sunshine Coast.
A Sunshine Coast plant seller was fined $718 for selling white and kahili ginger, which is banned from sale in Queensland.
As well as the fine, 142 plants were seized and destroyed through the joint operation.
Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries, and Rural Communities Minister Mark Furner said the reason these plants are regulated is to try to stop them spreading throughout Queensland and threatening our environment.
“Not knowing what plants you cannot sell is not an excuse. You risk getting a fine.
“This is not the first person we have issued a fine to on the Sunshine Coast and won’t be the last.”
The most common type of plant seized from growers is regulated cactus.
Anyone who grows and sells plants needs to do their research on what they can and cannot sell.
If you are unsure contact your local government or Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23.
For more information and a list of restricted plants, go to business.qld.gov.au/industries/farms-fishing-forestry/agriculture/biosecurity/plants/invasive/restricted
