The National Fire Ant Eradication Program (the program) has reached a critical milestone in the fight to protect Australian communities from the devastating impacts of fire ants.
The program is advancing its eradication treatment inward, delivering a powerful and targeted assault on this super pest.
Aerial eradication treatment is now underway in new suburbs across Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Logan, Scenic Rim and Somerset regions, as part of the program's Fire Ant Response Plan 2023–27. New suburbs across Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Moreton Bay will transition later this financial year.
This bold step marks a significant escalation in the battle against fire ants. Helicopters and drones will continue to lead the effort, with ground teams tackling areas unsuitable for aerial treatment delivery.
The suburbs which have transitioned to the eradication treatment area will undergo multiple rounds of treatment, followed by surveillance to ensure the areas remain fire ant-free.
The program will notify property owners and tenants if their property has transitioned to the eradication treatment area. Community cooperation is essential to achieving the shared goal of eradicating fire ants from Australia by 2032.
The Fire Ant Suppression Taskforce (FAST) has already supported property owners and tenants in these suburbs to self-treat their properties, through the delivery of treatment to suppress fire ant populations ahead of this major eradication push.
FAST plays a vital role in reducing fire ants in areas awaiting eradication treatment, ensuring the program's staged, inward approach remains effective.
When areas have received all required treatments, they will transition to the surveillance phase.
Community vigilance will be critical during this time. Regularly check your property and local area, and report any findings to protect the progress made so far.
These efforts are vital to securing Australia's future prosperity for generations to come.
Visit fireants.org.au or call 132 ANT (13 22 68) for more information.
Quotes attributable to Michael Homden, Executive Program Director, National Fire Ant Eradication Program
'Advancing the eradication treatment area inward is a significant step forward in our mission to eradicate fire ants from Australia by 2032,' he said.
'Every property accessed and every treatment applied is critical to the success of our program.
'We welcome new communities into this next phase. It is important property owners and tenants allow our authorised eradication officers access to their properties to carry out this vital work.
'We also extend our gratitude to communities already treated. Their cooperation has been invaluable, and many areas are now close to transitioning to the surveillance phase of their eradication journey.
'This large-scale biosecurity effort reflects our program's commitment to protecting the health, environment, economy and outdoor way of life of all Australians.'
Property owners and tenants — what you need to do:
- Check the interactive map to see what eradication activities are underway in their area.
- Complete a:
- property information form (properties smaller than 5ha)
- treatment information form (properties larger than 5ha).
- Allow eradication officers onto your property to complete treatment.
- Check your property and local area for fire ants and report any findings.
- Stay informed about eradication activities by following us on our Facebook and Instagram.