Restrictions are in place and must be followed to move materials that can carry fire ants.
To help prevent the spread of fire ants movement controls are in place for specific organic materials within South East Queensland’s fire ant biosecurity zones.
These obligations apply to individuals and businesses and are prescribed by the Biosecurity Act 2014.
Before moving materials, you should:
- understand what fire ants and their nests look like
- report any suspect ants or their nests
- be aware of the fire ant biosecurity zones and what they mean
- follow fire ant-safe practices before moving organic materials from a site, including:
- check our material movement advice tool or material movement controls guide to ensure you can legally move your materials, and if necessary, apply for a biosecurity instrument permit
- understand the penalties that apply if you do not meet your legal obligations.
Movement controls guide
The table below outlines the rules you must follow so you can legally move soil, hay, mulch, manure, quarry products, turf and potted plants within, across or outside the fire ant biosecurity zones.
Material | Fire ant biosecurity | Fire ant biosecurity |
|---|---|---|
Soil (includes fill, clay, scrapings, and any material removed from the ground at a site where earthworks are completed) | To move soil from fire ant biosecurity zone 1 you must either:
If you cannot comply with these conditions or intend to move soil outside the zones then you must not move the material unless you are granted a biosecurity instrument permit | To move soil from fire ant biosecurity zone 2 you must either:
If you cannot comply with these conditions or intend to move soil to zone 1 or outside the zones then you must not move the material unless you are granted a biosecurity instrument permit
|
Baled hay (including straw or sugarcane mulch) Manure Mulch Quarry products Potted plants Turf | To move these materials from within fire ant biosecurity zone 1 you must either:
If you cannot comply with these conditions then you must not move the material unless you are granted a biosecurity instrument permit | To move these materials from within fire ant biosecurity zone 2 you must either:
If you cannot comply with these conditions then you must not move the material unless you are granted a biosecurity instrument permit |
Penalties for non-compliance
Breaches of these controls risk spreading fire ants across South East Queensland and further, and can potentially impact the community, economy, environment, you and your business.
Our inspectors conduct random compliance checks to ensure businesses and individuals are complying with the steps outlined in the Biosecurity Regulation 2016.
If you are unsure of your legal obligations or have any questions, contact our fire ant compliance team on 13 25 23.
