Red fire ant: The number of detections in the past year

More resources are needed for local governments to help tackle the spread of a noted biological pest in southern Queensland.

More than 15,000 detections of red fire ant have been noted across southern Queensland in the past 12 months, prompting industry to renew calls for increased efforts to suppress and eradicate the pest.

Invasive Special Council advocacy manager Reece Pianta said local governments needed to be better supported with resources within the suppression zone, with a noted uptick in community reporting of the pest in the past six months.

“People are being more vigilant and alert, and that’s great, with more detections coming from members of the public,” Mr Pianta said.

According to Fire Ant Eradication, more than 15,000 sites in Queensland have detected fire ant in the past year, with data collected using suspect ant reports submitted by members of the public, along with nests identified by program officers.

Mr Pianta said in the 18 months to January 2023, industry noncompliance was “very high” after 1300 audits.

Red fire ant detections continue to be noted in the suppression zone in southern Queensland. Picture: Supplied.

“Non-compliance is people moving materials like hay and soil or mulch that could carry fire ants to new locations,” Mr Pianta said.

“More fire ants means it’s more likely fire ants can hitch a ride. This is not just a problem for southeast Queensland.”

The Invasive Species Council estimates a widespread red fire ant outbreak could affect Australia’s economy by $2 billion annually, with the potential to reduce agricultural production by up to 40 per cent.

A single red imported fire ant was detected at a plant nursery in Melbourne’s north on February 23 last year, with a suspect wingless ant collected and sent for identification.

“It has a huge impact for agriculture, for our environment, our pets and animals … it’s an aggressive stinging ant,” Mr Pianta said.

The Australian Fire Ant Response Plan 2023-27 had has dedicated more than $590 million to tackle the pest, with a focus on “containment and compliance”, along with program-led and community treatment within the containment area spanning Moreton Bay, Lockyer Valley, the Gold Coast, and the Tweed Shire.

Mr Pianta said more community resources were needed within the suppression zone, particularly through local government, proactively distribute bait.