How Gold Coast sporting codes are preparing for a fire ant threat this winter

Some of Queensland major football codes have plans in place as they prepare for a rise in infestation of fire ants this winter. Find out why >>>

Some of Queensland major football codes have plans in place as they prepare for a rise in infestation of fire ants this winter.

Fire ants forced Helensvale Cricket Club to abandon a cricket match and move the next two matches in January after they were spotted at Hession Oval, now other sporting codes are on red alert.

Rugby League Gold Coast and Football Queensland had an issue with fire ants during their 2023 season’s and since have planned ahead.

Queensland Rugby League have put plans in place if games need to be relocated because of fire ants in season 2024. Picture: Richard Gosling

Queensland Rugby League’s Gold Coast co-ordinator Geoff Bartlett said last year’s hiccup was a great opportunity to put plans in place.

“We had an issue last year where we had to move a match due to fire ants,” Bartlett said.

“We will work with clubs this year if in case it does happen again, we hope it doesn’t but you never know with these things.

“Clubs will move to a ground that will be able to house more games and potentially a night game.

“Helensvale have now got new lights put up so they could house a night game.

“A lot of things would have to be discussed though on how we go about it.”

It’s not just the on field issue clubs will face if their grounds are closed due to fire ants.

“Clubs will lose out on the financial side of things, they will lose canteens sales,” Bartlett said.

“We will make sure there is a way around everything that we possibly can for them.

“Last year when we had the issue, we moved them up to the touch football field.

“That at least gave them the chance to still play on pretty much their home deck.

“But were able to move and set up a stand-like canteen for them to at least sell drinks.”

Football Gold Coast general manager Damien Bresic said it is no different to moving clubs because of wet pitches.

“If grounds are absolutely soaked, like they were last week, we move clubs elsewhere,” Bresic said.

“I wish it was as simple as that sounds though, a lot of work gets put into that.

“We had an issue last year where some clubs weren’t able to play on their home decks because of the weather.

“But we made it work, and we will make it work this year if we come across anything along the lines of it again.”