Restrictions imposed as fire ants march on NSW
Highly aggressive and venomous fire ants are within striking distance of the NSW border, prompting a series of restrictions from the state government.
Strict new restrictions have been introduced for the importation of hay, soil and plants from parts of Queensland into New South Wales to prevent the spread of fire ants after a nest of the highly invasive insects was found just 5.5km from the border.
NSW Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty announced the material movement restrictions on Sunday after a fire ant nest was discovered by council workers at a pony club facility in the Gold Coast suburb of Tallebudgera Valley.
The control order prevents the movement of “high-risk” material, including mulch, soil, baled hay and turf, from within a 5km radius of the site.
The venomous ants, native to South America, were first detected at the Port of Brisbane in 2001 and have marched steadily throughout the state’s populous southeast corner for the past two decades, thwarting expensive government attempts to contain them.
The latest discovery is a further 5km south from the previously recorded extent of the infestation at Mermaid Waters.
“It is important to keep NSW free from this invasive and aggressive pest, which if established will have a huge impact on the way we live our lives and could affect our export markets and ability to trade,” Ms Moriarty said.
“That’s why the NSW government recently committed $95m, over the next four years, towards protecting our state and partnering in the ongoing response to red imported fire ant.
“Residents and businesses should check their properties as finding fire ants early and alerting NSW DPI (Department of Primary Industries) will increase the chances of successful eradication.”
The ants have few predators in Australia and their venomous sting is capable of causing anaphylactic shock. They also pose a threat to native wildlife and agricultural animals and crops.
A meeting of state agricultural ministers in Perth this month failed to agree on a new funding program to be delivered jointly by the state and federal governments, but agreed to bring forward $60m left over from a $400m pool.
A 2021 report from the intergovernmental National Red Imported Fire Ant Eradication Program estimated up to $300m a year would be needed to eradicate the ants before the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games.
Queensland Agriculture Minister Mark Furner is expected to visit the Gold Coast this week to outline the government’s plan to prevent the ants from reaching the border.
“The latest detection of fire ants at Tallebudgera has been dealt with but we all need to remain vigilant and do everything possible to prevent any further spread,” Mr Furner said. “It’s important to remember everyone has a responsibility to stop fire ants and that’s why we’ve provided $37m to operate a Fire Ant Suppression Taskforce.
“This taskforce has been working with Gold Coast City Council to treat 800 hectares of council land and is providing training and on-ground support to staff.”
The government has also reached an agreement with sugarcane farmers between Brisbane and the Gold Coast to treat 6000ha of farmland.
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