Fire ants Gold Coast: Eradication of dangerous pests not possible, sparking beach closure fears

A dangerous “super pest” which is threatening to force the closure of popular Gold Coast beaches cannot be eliminated, sparking warnings “Russian roulette” is being played with the city’s future.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says the federal government will “prioritise” cracking down on the spread of fire ants as fears grow that some of the city’s most popular beaches will be forced to close.

The “super pests” have been found in the Broadwater Parklands in Southport and Philip Park on the Spit in the past month, sparking calls for immediate action to eradicate the ants and halt their movement.

Mr Albanese, speaking on the Gold Coast this week said dealing with the spread of fire ants presented a critical challenge for the city’s economy.

The Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, on the Gold Coast on Tuesday. Picture: Glenn Campbell / NCA Newswire

The Prime Minister said he had held talks with Southport-based Senator and federal Agricultural Minister Murray Watt on the issue after a Commonwealth review of the fire ant responses found eradication could not be achieved with the current budget.

“We certainly are prioritising this (and) working with state governments and making sure we are addressing this issue,” he said.

“It is critical that we respond and Murray Watt is certainly doing that. He is working with the state government to ensure there is an appropriate response.”

Fire ants have been detected at Philip park on The spit near Federation Walk. Picture Glenn Hampson

The nation’s ministers across different levels of government responsible for biosecurity are expected to meet in July to discuss the review’s recommendations.

“Currently, the program in southeast Queensland is a $411.4m nationally cost-shared program managed by Biosecurity Queensland,” an Albanese government spokeswoman said.

“However, the strategic review found that under the existing response program, eradication was not going to be achieved within the scope and budget.

“A new proposal is being prepared by the Queensland government and will need to be considered by all Agriculture Ministers before it proceeds.”

The latest mapping, as of June 2023, showing the spread of fire ants to the Gold Coast.

Fire ants, which are native to South America and first discovered in Brisbane in 2001, are considered one of the world’s worst invasive species because of their rapid spread.

They are highly aggressive and will swarm anything which disturbs their nests. Their stings can be fatal in rare circumstances.

The southern march of the fire ants has forced the closure of several sporting fields across the city including the Robina Common baseball diamond.

Area councillor Hermann Vorster on Wednesday wrote to state Agricultural Minister Mark Furner demanding action.

Hermann Vorster. Picture: Jerad Williams

“Red Imported Fire Ants have plunged local communities into chaos impacting the use of recreational open space – and now threatening our economy and meeting the challenge of this biosecurity risk requires political leadership and a steely resolve to ensure eradication remains the goal,” he wrote.

“With infestations not occurring metres from our world famous beaches, surely this should prompt a review of the program and if not, my personal view is that the state and Commonwealth governments are playing Russian roulette with the Gold Coast lifestyle.

A fire ants sign on Southport Burleigh Road this week Picture by Richard Gosling

“Following the closure of the Robina Common baseball diamond, I am seeking an iron-clad guarantee from you and your Government (that) you will hold steadfast to the goal of eradication, and there will be no watering down of this aim which would be tantamount to admitting failure.”

Mayor Tom Tate said the containment of fire ants was a state issue and welcomed support from the federal government.

“Council is ready, willing and able to help and be the foot soldier we just need the funding,” he said.

Fire ants. Picture Supplied,