Residents are being urged to keep an eye on their ponds, dams, lakes, rivers and creeks after Frogbit (Limnobium laevigatum) was discovered in the Camden 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.

Mayor of Camden, Cr Theresa Fedeli, said residents should alert Council as soon as they think they may have Frogbit on their property.

“It is vital for our native plants and animals that we keep Frogbit out of our waterways,” Cr Fedeli said.

“Council confirmed the first sighting of Frogbit on a property in Rossmore recently and have acted quickly to treat the weed.

“Residents should contact us as quickly as possible on 4654 7777 if they fear they have Frogbit on their property, as early treatment can help the cause immensely.”

Frogbit has also been found in garden ponds and water features, aquariums, and drains and ponds close to public parks. It has smooth, round fleshy green leaves about 4 centimetres 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 sold anywhere in NSW.

For more information on weeds, go to camden.nsw.gov.au and search ‘Invasive and Priority Weeds’ or visit the Department of Primary Industries’ website at bit.ly/3jCP3kG