13 Sep 2021
Spring has sprung and so has this year’s fire ant treatment season.
National Fire Ant Eradication Program General Manager Graeme Dudgeon said this year the focus was on ridding already treated areas of any remaining fire ants and to stop them from spreading outside South East Queensland.
“Our aim is to protect the great work the program has done to date in defending the nation from one of the world’s most invasive ant species,” he said.
“To prevent infestation in the areas to the west and south of our fire ant biosecurity zones, there’ll be targeted treatment in the Lockyer Valley, Somerset and Scenic Rim, along with our most recent eradication treatment area in Ipswich and surrounds.
“It also means continued suppression treatment on the southern fire ant zone boundary, which includes the Gold Coast, and a quick response to any new detections outside or near the fire ant boundary.”
Mr Dudgeon said the program would work to treat difficult to access areas due to unsuitable terrain, cropping and other factors, with the community continuing to play a crucial role in the fight against fire ants.
“We couldn’t do what we do without the support of the South East Queensland community and we thank you,” he said.
“Allowing our teams access to properties in eradication areas means we can get our job done quickly and efficiently.
“Last year’s community self-treatment program also saw nearly 3,000 properties treated.
“We hope to do more good work with the community this year, including local governments, businesses and industry organisations. It’s to everyone’s benefit that we rid Australia of fire ants.”
The National Fire Ant Eradication Program is a nationally cost-shared program funded by all Australian state and territory governments, and the federal government.
For more information on the program visit fireants.org.au or call 13 25 23.