Published 19 August 2026
Queensland's fire ant biosecurity zones have been updated, effective 26 June 2026.
The updated zones now include additional suburbs in these local government areas:
- City of Moreton Bay
- Lockyer Valley Regional Council
- Scenic Rim Regional Council
- Sunshine Coast Regional
- Toowoomba Regional Council.
Notably, a 5km radius around the Cotswold Hills area has been added to the zones, impacting both individuals and businesses. Moving fire ants—even accidentally—threatens national eradication efforts. Anyone handling or transporting the following items in these zones must comply with biosecurity requirements:
- materials that can carry fire ants
- vehicles, equipment, machinery, portable structures and tools, especially if they have been stored outdoors or have come into contact with soil
- large removable structures stored on the ground, such as shipping containers, site sheds, portable offices or modular buildings.
What you should do
Businesses
- Check zones monthly for updates.
- Follow movement controls.
- Use fire ant-safe practices.
- Clean equipment and machinery before moving it offsite.
Residents
- Ensure equipment and items purchased or received from these zones are cleaned on the source site.
- Ensure materials are processed, treated, and stored using fire ant-safe practices.
Eradicating fire ants is a national priority. If you see suspect fire ants or nests, report online or call 132 ANT (13 22 68) within 24 hours.