Invasive Cacti Seized in Yowah

0:00It's March 24th. This is Sydney News Today, powered by AI. I'm Cory with the story. Authorities in the Opel Mining Town of Yawa, far southwest Queensland, have confiscated illegal invasive cacti from a backyard garden. They remove five purple prickly pairs, one blind prickly pair, and one wheel cactus, all prohibited plants that pose a serious biosecurity risk. These tough succulents thrive in semi-airy conditions, and spread easily when pieces break off and touch the ground. Biosecurity officers say they could threaten millions of hectares if left unchecked, much like the infamous prickly pair that once plagued Australia. Owners likely had no idea the plants were banned, as many prohibited cacti have quietly circulated in gardens for years. Local leaders' note succulents are popular with albat gardeners, but stress buying only from reputable nurseries to avoid trouble. A thorough visual check of the township found no other plants, and officials confirmed the issue stayed contained within that one yard.

1:01The cacti were dug up, bagged, and destroyed to prevent any escape. With animals like kangaroos able to carry segments far and wide, vigilance remains key in these remote areas to keep invasive species from taking hold.