State independent review into fire ant funding delayed a year

Fire ant fears are mounting in South East Queensland as the government delays an independent review of a $593 million eradication program.

Petitioners and farmers gathered last year to protest forced treatment on their properties. Picture: Contributed

The state government has revealed it will wait another year before launching an independent review into the $593 million national fire ant eradication program.

Primary Industries Minister Tony Perrett made the announcement on Monday, in response to two petitions signed by 3200 calling for a complete overhaul of the program.

The petitions, led by Gatton farmer Trevor Hold and tabled in state parliament, accuse the program of significant environmental and human health risks, and urge the state government to reassess its approach.

The petitioners specifically cited fears about the widespread use of pesticides, the program’s impact on private property rights, and the failure to reduce fire ant infestation despite more than $296 million in investment since 2023.

The program has been allocated more than $1.2 billion in federal and state funding, with $593 million specifically for the period 2023 to 2027 and the federal government committing $296 million over the next four years.

Gatton farmer Trevor Hold launched two petitions protesting the funding for the eradication of fire ants and called instead for measures to focus on suppression. Picture: Contributed

Mr Hold said waiting another year for the review was futile and would allow enough time for the program to receive the green light for a further $296 million, the final 50 per cent funding due.

“It’s outrageous that the department plans to delay the official review until 2026-27 while adverse effects continue daily,” Mr Hold said.

“The reckless and irresponsible use of chemicals in areas with no fire ants is damaging the social, mental, and physical health of people.

“Eradication is neither technically nor economically feasible and we need a collaborative, sustainable, eco-friendly approach that focuses on suppression zones where fire ants are actually impacting communities.

“Further funding for the program depends on community objections being 1 per cent or less of the treatment population, a key performance indicator.

“So far, there have been about 145,000 sites treated in the eradication zone over the past year and, of those, there have been 1442 properties where treatment has been forced on to owners.

“Delaying the review allows the state department to sidestep these objections and secure additional funding.”

In his response, Mr Perrett addressed the primary concerns raised by the petitioners, reaffirming the government’s commitment to controlling the fire ant threat.

His letter outlined that a comprehensive independent review in 2021 confirmed the technical feasibility of eradication, “provided operational improvements” were made.

He said that led to the development of the program’s Response Plan for 2023-2027, endorsed by all state, territory, and federal agriculture ministers.

The independent review would be conducted by the National Biosecurity Management Consultative Committee, chaired by Dr John Robertson who previously chaired the national steering committee and was an executive of Biosecurity Queensland.

Primary Industries Minister Tony Perrett said an independent review would not be conducted until 2026-2027.

Whistleblower Dr Pam Swepson said the fire ant baits were not insecticides and were effective if applied by professional pest managers.

“They are much safer on your property than fire ants.

“My advice to the new government is that it needs to face facts and implement the containment and suppression program that US experts recommended in 2001 instead of a fruitless chase to eradicate the last ant.”

The program is governed strategically and operationally by the National Management Group, with the work delivered by Biosecurity Queensland in partnership with the community.

“The Crisafulli government has always said recommendations from independent reviews should be implemented, and highlighted the former Labor Government’s refusal to do so,” Mr Perrett said in his letter.

“The government fully supports suppression activities and this is currently under careful consideration of government.”

Mr Perrett said concerns over forced access to private properties for pesticide application was permitted only under specific conditions set out by Queensland’s Biosecurity Act 2014.

He said under the law, treatment was allowed only when a biosecurity risk was present, and residential properties were excluded from access without consent.

The minister also said the ongoing independent review scheduled for the 2026-2027 financial year would assess the effectiveness and future direction of the eradication program.

“We urge all Queenslanders to play their part in stopping this destructive pest,” Mr Perrett said.