A new incursion of fire ants has been detected near the Brisbane airport. 

Genetic testing confirms these ants originated from the Southern United States and are not related to current or previous fire ant populations in Queensland. It’s likely the new fire ants arrived in freight sometime in the last two years, and thanks to a vigilant person who reported them to Biosecurity Queensland in September last year, we don’t think they’ve had time to spread far.

A new emergency response is underway to contain and eradicate the fire ants. All Australian states and territories have unanimously agreed to jointly fund the eradication. More than $910,000 has been allocated to contain and eradicate the new incursion of fire ants over a two-year period. 

A Restricted Area has been established and movement controls are in place to prevent the spread of fire ants. Restrictions apply to the movement of high risk material in the suburbs of Brisbane Airport, Eagle Farm and Pinkenba.

Although small, fire ants are one of the worst invasive species to reach Australian shores. Fire ants can ruin our way of life and have serious health and environmental impacts. 

We have seen through the success of the Fire Ant Eradication Program in Gladstone and the Port of Brisbane that this highly invasive pest can be eradicated through early detection, cooperation from industry and current treatment and control methods.

The Queensland Government has implemented movement controls in Restricted Areas where fire ants have been detected, to prevent the risk of spread.  

Requirements are placed on commercial enterprises that trade in, handle or move restricted items in the fire ant restricted area.

For information about movement controls, to view the Restricted Area map, or to request a movement approval, visit www.daf.qld.gov.au/fireants or speak to an Inspector by calling 13 25 23.

To prevent the spread of fire ants, individual operators and businesses should: 
•    understand what fire ants look like and what materials they might be moved in
•    be aware if you are working in a fire ant restricted area
•    not move restricted items within or out of the fire ant restricted area without appropriate movement approvals.

Fire ant general awareness training sessions are available for individuals and businesses that operate within the fire ant restricted area and deal with restricted items.

If you think you’ve spotted fire ants, call Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23 or report online at www.daf.qld.gov.au/fireants.

For more information about the National Red Imported Fire Ant eradication program, visit www.daf.qld.gov.au/fireants.

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