Drones to be used to hunt fire ant nests at central Queensland coal mine

Drones will be used to hunt for deadly fire ants after nests were found at a central Queensland coal mine, with tests confirming they are linked to the southeast’s infestation.

Drones will be used to hunt for deadly fire ants after nests were found at a Moranbah coal mine as genetic tests have confirmed they are linked to southeast Queensland’s infestation.

The drones would be deployed from Thursday, July 24, after the ants were found on July 10 at the Broadmeadow mine west of Mackay, more than 700km north of the existing southeast Queensland biosecurity zone.

It was the most northerly detection yet found and came after outbreaks in northern NSW and recently on the Queensland/NSW border at Rathdowney.

The use of drones in the fight against the invasive pests, first announced last year, meant up to 200ha a day could be monitored without disturbing cattle, a problem when helicopters were used.

National Fire Ant Eradication Program officers have already treated all identified nests at the Moranbah mine and completed targeted surveillance of the site.

BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance Broadmeadow underground coal mine.

Engagement officers were also providing education, support and advice to the Moranbah community on how to identify and report fire ants.

Genetic analysis has confirmed the pests, classed as one of the world’s worst invasive species, were linked to the original southeast Queensland infestation.

Investigations were still ongoing to determine how the ants arrived at the site.

“We have been working with the team at BHP Mitsubishi Alliance’s Broadmeadow coal mine since the detection and will continue to do so for some time,’’ fire ant program general manager Marni Manning said.

“All known nests have been treated and significant progress has been made in surveillance.

“This week we will be treating the mine site using drone technology, which allows for fast and effective eradication treatment.

“I encourage everyone sourcing materials that can carry fire ants from within fire ant biosecurity zones to ensure their suppliers follow fire ant safe practices. This is the best way to stop fire ants from spreading.’’

Fire ant bites on a victim’s arm. Picture: Supplied

Invasive Species Council chief executive Jack Gough said it was “speculative” how the fire ants reached the mine site, but warned every mine across the country that received materials from Queensland’s southeast should be checking for the pest.

“The likelihood is that it was transported there from South East Queensland, potentially through contractors,” Mr Gough said.

But he slammed federal and state governments, with the exception of Queensland, for delaying funding agreements which could have promptly eradicated the pests.

Surveillance and eradication work at the mine site would continue for at least the next two to three years before it could be declared fire ant free.

The SEQ eradication zone, set up in Brisbane in 2001, stretched from Caboolture to the Lockyer Valley and south to near the NSW border.

The public can report suspected findings online or by calling 132 ANT (13 22 68).

Originally published as Drones to be used to hunt fire ant nests at central Queensland coal mine