Tweed Shire on alert after fire ants discovered at Mermaid Waters on Gold Coast

Authorities have raised the alarm as fire ants threaten to spill over the border into northern NSW – potentially leading to the closure of beaches and other public areas. Here’s what we know.

Northern NSW is on high alert after fire ants were discovered far too close for comfort, threatening to invade Tweed Shire and lead to mass closures of beaches and public areas.

The stinging ants have recently been detected at Mermaid Waters on the Gold Coast – about 11 kilometres from the Queensland-NSW border.

It followed the discovery of nests at Mudgeeraba, Carrara, Worongary and Innisplain, within 18km of NSW.

The discovery has jump-started a comprehensive awareness campaign spearheaded by the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and Tweed Shire Council.

The NSW government announced last week it would spend an additional $80 million to protect the state from the insect.

The council has been working alongside the DPI, warning residents to be on the lookout for red imported fire ants.

Fire ants. Picture: Tweed Shire Council.

The ants, which originate in South America, were first detected in Brisbane in 2001 and in Alberton on the Gold Coast five years later.

This year, they have been on the move, sparking fury from certain Queensland councillors.

Mapping, as of June 2023, showing the spread of fire ants on the Gold Coast.

In June, Biosecurity Queensland identified 26 nests at the popular Broadwater Parklands after council officers raised the alarm.

Gold Coast Division 6 councillor Brooke Patterson said the state government had “taken the foot off the pedal” of its eradication efforts, allowing the pests to spread rapidly.

Ms Patterson said even more concerning was the fact the ants were now approaching the Gold Coast’s beaches.

“There’s a report from the state government that once they reach the beaches the beaches can be deemed unusable,” she said.

“Fire ants can make beaches unusable. Let that sink in.”

Gold Coast councillor Brooke Patterson. Picture: Glenn Hampson

Fire ants cause serious social, economic and environmental harm and it’s important to keep NSW free from the aggressive pest, according to NSW DPI invasive species biosecurity director Scott Charlton.

“Local residents and businesses should check their properties and if you see any sign of fire ants, please call NSW DPI on 1800 680 244 – finding them early and alerting us will increase the chances of successful eradication,” he said.

NSW DPI invasive invertebrates program lead Ian Turnbull meets with Tweed Shire Council’s pest management supervisor Brian Falkner at the Murwillumbah Depot ahead of a briefing with field staff.

The council’s pest management supervisor Brian Falkner said his team was preparing to tackle the invasive pest.

“Working closely with NSW DPI and Queensland authorities, we are running fire ant surveillance programs and preparing to respond if fire ants are found here,” he said.

“Educational support and training workshops are being provided to all field-based staff, so they know what to look out for on the ground.

“Local developers, builders, road crews and the agricultural industry should also be on alert.

“We cannot allow fire ants to take hold in the Tweed.

“We need your help to look out for this invasive species to help keep our community safe.”

Tweed Shire Council is launching a campaign for residents and businesses to be on alert for fire ants.

The ants are copper brown in colour, have a darker abdomen and measure 2–6 mm in length, with a variety of sizes found in each nest.

Nests appear as mounds or patches of loose soil and have no obvious entry or exit holes.

The insects are known to be highly aggressive and swarm when nests are disturbed. Their stings cause a painful burning sensation that lasts up to an hour.

Fire ants can spread up to 5km by flying and may take refuge in pot plants, hay, turf, mulch, soil, potted plants, sand, gravel or agricultural machinery, for example.

People bringing these goods into NSW from Queensland should check if they came from areas within 5km of a known infestation.

“Such goods are subject to strict entry conditions and must be accompanied by a certificate,” the council warned in a statement.

Anyone who notices fire ants or signs of their presence in the state should phone NSW DPI on 1800 680 244.