1 September 2020
The National Red Imported Fire Ant Eradication Program and Somerset Regional Council invite you to join the conversation on how to keep Somerset free from one of the world’s most invasive pests.
A free online meeting at 4pm on Tuesday 8 September will educate local residents about fire ants and what needs to be done to get rid of them for good.
Program General Manager Graeme Dudgeon said this would be the first in a series of community conversations giving locals an insight into fire ants and the eradication program with direct input from fire ant experts.
“We’ve just completed three years of intensive eradication treatment in parts of Somerset and the results look promising,” he said.
“Starting this month, our eradication treatment will begin moving east, bringing welcome relief from fire ants for a new section of Somerset.
“Changes to the fire ant biosecurity zones in May have already helped further protect Somerset from re-infestation.”
Somerset Regional Council Chief Executive Officer Andrew Johnson said council was proud to once again support the National Red Imported Fire Ant Eradication Program in its efforts to help stamp out this pest.
“We’re delighted to see the program is close to eradicating this destructive pest from the Somerset region,” Mr Johnson said.
“Educating local residents is an important part of this process and we’re pleased to help facilitate these sessions by providing the venues.”
These public meetings follow a session run by the program in December in Fernvale which targeted Somerset businesses involved in moving potential fire ant carriers like soil, mulch, hay, turf and garden nursery products.
To register for the free online session, please visit somerset.eventbrite.com.au