under the Fisheries Act 1994 "it is an offence to bring noxious fisheries resources (meaning fish) or cause noxious fisheries resources to be brought into Queensland; or possess, rear, sell or buy noxious fisheries resources; or relate noxious fisheries resources; or cause noxious fisheries resources to be placed or released, into Queensland waters. This includes keeping them in an aquarium or farm dam. Fines of up to $150 000 can be imposed on anyone having noxious fish in their possession without a permit. Noxious fish cannot be kept, hatched, reared or sold. When caught all noxious fish should be destroyed; they
must not be returned to the water and must not be used as bait. Anyone releasing noxious fish may be charged with the cost of eradication and removal of those fish."
It is advised that if any tilapia is caught they should be buried above the high watermark.