State-of-the-art drone technology will be used to treat the Central Queensland mine site where fire ants were found earlier this month.
The National Fire Ant Eradication Program will begin aerial eradication treatment on Thursday 24 July 2025.
This innovative aerial approach allows for targeted treatment across a wider area, while ensuring the safety of program staff and minimising disruption to mine operations.
Program eradication officers have already treated all identified fire ant nests and completed targeted surveillance of the site. Engagement officers are also on the ground, providing education, support, and advice to the Moranbah community on how to identify and report fire ants.
Genetic analysis has confirmed the fire ants in Moranbah are linked to the South East Queensland infestation. Investigations are ongoing to determine how the ants arrived at the site.
This detection highlights the importance of understanding your general biosecurity obligation in relation to fire ant risk. It also reinforces the need to regularly check fire ant biosecurity zones and comply with associated movement controls to help prevent the spread of this globally recognised super pest.
Everyone is encouraged to:
- learn how to identify fire ants and their nests
- check their property and local area for fire ants
- report their findings online or by calling 132 ANT (13 22 68) – suspect ant reports should be made within 24 hours.
The Moranbah community is invited to speak with program staff and learn more about fire ants at the following locations:
- Moranbah Fair Shopping Centre: 10 am to 1 pm, Wednesday 23 July
- High Country Enterprises Mitre 10: 10 am to 1 pm, Thursday 24 July.
Quotes attributable to Marni Manning, General Manager, Operations, National Fire Ant Eradication Program
“We have been working with the team at BHP Mitsubishi Alliance’s Broadmeadow Coal Mine since the detection and will continue to do so for some time. Thanks to the efforts of the National Fire Ant Eradication Program, all known nests have been treated, and significant progress has been made in surveillance,” she said.
“This week, we will be treating the mine site using drone technology, which allows for fast and effective eradication treatment.
“I encourage everyone sourcing 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.
“Eradicating fire ants is a shared responsibility. Our collaboration with BHP shows just how effective we can be when we work together.”