Some of South-East Queensland’s fire ant hot spots have seen a more than 80 percent decrease in numbers, as authorities work to have Australia fire ant-free in six years.
Queensland Primary Industries Minister Tony Perrett said a $24 million boost in aerial suppression had seen fire ant populations reduce by 86 percent, on average, in some of the most heavily infested areas of the region.
Minister Perrett said more than 185,000 hectares of land had already been treated across the Scenic Rim, Ipswich City, Logan City, Gold Coast City, Brisbane City, Redland City and Somerset local government areas, supporting broader eradication efforts.
He said total State investment to the Fire Ant Suppression Taskforce program to date had been $61 million, which was over and above Queensland’s financial contribution to the eradication effort under the National Fire Ant Eradication Program.
“By reducing fire ant populations in the most heavily infested areas, the Government is supporting the National Fire Ant Eradication Program to achieve its goal of eradicating fire ants from Australia by 2032.”
Minister Perrett said fire ants posed a serious threat to Queensland’s environment and could harm humans, animals and livestock.
He said if left untreated, the potential losses to Australia’s agricultural industry were estimated at $381 million annually.
“Reducing fire ant densities by 86 per cent on average is a significant milestone but there is still more crucial work to be done.
‘We cannot achieve eradication alone, success depends on all levels of government, industry, and the community continuing to work together.”
For further information visit fireants.org.au or call 132 ANT (13 22 68).
