Aerial fire ant treatment is taking to the skies in Central Queensland as the National Fire Ant Eradication Program (the program) tackles several outlier detections in the region.
Starting Monday (15 December) helicopters will deliver the first of several planned eradication treatments across 5 affected mining sites in the Central Highlands and Isaac regions.
This follows the initial activities which focused on destroying identified fire ant nests, conducting surveillance, and applying targeted broadscale treatment.
Given the vast size and challenging terrain of the mines, aerial treatment is the most effective and efficient way to cover large areas in the fight to eradicate fire ants.
A small team will also conduct ground treatment near buildings and ventilation shafts to ensure accuracy and full treatment coverage.
The program uses the same treatment product for aerial and ground treatment. It is safe for people, animals, and the environment.
Fire ant eradication treatment will be delivered in 4 rounds, approximately 12 weeks apart, depending on weather conditions.
The program is working closely with the mines to prioritise staff safety and maintain smooth operations while this critical eradication effort is underway.
Quotes attributable to Tom Roberts, Director of Specialist Operations, National Fire Ant Eradication Program:
'Aerial eradication treatments in Central Queensland are crucial to stopping the spread of fire ants, protecting agricultural productivity, preserving native biodiversity, and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of local communities,’ he says.
'With the helicopter’s large load capacity, we can treat an entire mine site each day, while prioritising the safety of those on the ground.
'Our aerial fleet, which includes drones and helicopters, is a tremendous asset in treating large and challenging areas, ensuring no area is left untreated.
'Eradicating fire ants is a shared responsibility. Our collaboration with the mine sites shows just how effective we can be when we work together.
'I encourage everyone sourcing equipment or materials that can carry fire ants from within fire ant biosecurity zones to ensure their suppliers follow fire ant-safe practices. This is the best way to stop fire ants from spreading.’
Visit fireants.org.au or call 132 ANT (13 22 68) for more information.