The Crisafulli Government is intensifying efforts to fight back against the march of fire ants with a record new $24 million program to control the invasive species.
A $24 million boost to Queensland’s Fire Ant Suppression Taskforce – taking total funding to $61 million – will deliver aerial treatments on large blocks across South East Queensland.
The treatments will be activated across 212,000 hectares within South East Queensland’s suppression zone over the next two years.
The fast and effective treatment for larger properties will boost eradication efforts by reducing ant density in hard-to-treat colonies as much as 80 per cent in the suppression zone.
Eligible properties of 10 hectares or greater infested with fire ants in the suppression area can be treated by drone or helicopter at no cost to the landholder.
An additional 12 contractors will support the investment.
Fire ants can have devastating impacts on the economy, environment, health and outdoor way of life.
If left untreated, they can destroy crops, gardens and parks and endanger humans, wildlife, animals and pets.
A cost-benefit analysis conducted by Central Queensland University in 2021, found that an uncontrolled spread of fire ants over the next 15 years would result in agricultural impacts costing $1 billion a year.
Fire ant treatment is safe for people, pets and the environment when used as directed by independent scientific body the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority.
Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett said they were hitting fire ants hard in the suppression zone, doubling down on suppression efforts to deal with this destructive pest before it impacts more Queenslanders.
“Fire ants have run rampant in other countries, stopping sports, cancelling BBQs, closing beaches, and severely impacting outdoor lifestyle.
“By working with other states and the Commonwealth, we will fight back against the out of control spread of fire ants caused by Labor’s chaos and crisis and I am very confident we will be able to prevent a fully-fledged invasion.”
Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers chief executive officer Bree Watson said they welcome the recent boost to fire ant funding in Queensland, which was a critical step in protecting our agricultural industries and environment.
“While Bundaberg is not currently impacted by fire ants, we remain vigilant and deeply concerned about a range of other biosecurity threats, including Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (TBRFV) which will impact our ability to export tomatoes to New Zealand and varroa mite which was recently detected in Queensland,“ Ms Watson said.
“These viruses and pests pose immediate and significant risks to our local industries, and we urge continued investment and coordination across all levels of government to strengthen biosecurity preparedness and response.“
