Residents are being urged to keep an eye on their ponds, dams, lakes, rivers and creeks after Frogbit (Limnobium laevigatum) was discovered in the North Ryde area for the first time recently.
Frogbit is a floating freshwater plant that spreads quickly from a tiny piece into a thick floating mat covering the whole water surface, and can:
- Clog waterways and make the water colder, darker and harder to reach for native plants and animals that use it;
- Reduce the number of native plants, animals, fish and birds that can live in or near a waterway;
- Make it hard to use a waterway for fishing, swimming or boating; and
- Hide the view of the water surface, creating a danger by making the water surface look like firm ground.
City of Ryde Mayor Trenton Brown said residents should alert Council as soon as they suspect they may have Frogbit on their property.
"It is vitally important for our native plants and animals that we keep Frogbit out of our waterways," Mayor Brown said.
"Council confirmed the first sighting of Frogbit at Santa Rosa Park, North Ryde recently and have acted quickly to treat the weed.
"Residents should contact us on 9952 8222 as quickly as possible if they fear they have Frogbit on their property, as early treatment can help the cause immensely. Alternatively, they can call the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Biosecurity Helpline on 1800 680 244."
Frogbit has also been found in garden ponds and water features, aquariums, drains and ponds close to public parks. It has smooth, round fleshy green leaves about 4cm across. The top sides of the leaves are glossy green, and the underside of each leaf looks and feels like a sponge.
Frogbit is a prohibited weed and must not be grown, sold, displayed or moved anywhere in NSW.
