Fire ants found at Bayview Park in Hollywell

Local residents have expressed alarm after a number of fire ant nests were found in a popular Gold Coast dog park. Full details.

Hollywell locals say they are alarmed to learn that fire ants have been detected at a popular dog park.

Council said that on Monday a nest was found and treated at Bayview Park in Hollywell, while on Wednesday three more nests were detected.

David Dixon and his dog Ziggy at Bayview Park in Hollywell, where fire ants have been detected. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Local resident David Dixon, who walks his eight-month-old dog Ziggy at the park four days a week, said it was concerning to hear that fire ants were in the area.

“It’s worrying for the dogs if they get bitten,” Mr Dixon said.

“For the whole area, it’s not good. I didn’t think they’d come this way.”

Chris Cowen, at the facility to walk dogs Daisy and Dyson, said there could be up to 50 dogs at Bayview Park at busy times.

“It’s a concern. We’ve got a kids playground, retirees and dogs here,” he said.

“All the park needs protection.”

Shadow Agriculture Minister Tony Perrett at Bayview Park in Hollywell.

Speaking at the park, Shadow Agriculture Minister Tony Perrett said the spread of fire ants was “out of control” on the Gold Coast.

“When you see signs like this behind me, where parks are closing because of this aggressive and nasty ant, then authorities need to be aware and make certain that they do everything that they can to eradicate it,” Mr Perrett said.

“And heaven help us if these signs start to be (seen) on the foreshores of the beaches here on the Gold Coast. It will do untold damage to tourism and the reputation of this region.

“They are out of control. They’re not being contained. And they’re relentlessly marching south through the Gold Coast.”

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