QUICK action by Redland City Council officers has prevented the spread of prohibited and restricted plant species after they were discovered at a Mount Cotton property being advertised for sale on Facebook Marketplace.
Redland City Council confirmed its Biosecurity team, working with Biosecurity Queensland, intercepted and seized the plants before they could be sold or distributed more widely.
Redland City Mayor Jos Mitchell said the rapid response had shut down 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 Mount Cotton property, including water weeds and invasive cacti.
The plants are classified as prohibited or restricted matter under the Queensland Biosecurity Act 2014 because of their potential to cause significant environmental damage.
Enforcement action was taken to ensure compliance with the legislation.
Council’s Biosecurity and Pest Management portfolio representative Cr Paul Golle said biosecurity obligations extended well beyond invasive plants.
“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,” Cr Golle said.
“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.
Residents can access a guide to identifying biosecurity pests on Council’s pest animals and weeds webpage, as well as fact sheets published by the Department of Primary Industries.
Prohibited biosecurity threats can be reported to Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23.
The Redlands Coast Biosecurity Plan 2025–2030 was adopted at Council’s General Meeting in June last year and came into effect on July 1, 2025.
