The Invasive Species Council and Cedar Grove Landcare Group are sounding the alarm over a huge build-up of fire ant infestations along the Logan River, southwest of Brisbane.
As the likelihood of spread through flood waters increases in the wet season, current high infestations through Cedar Grove and Waterford could impact communities downstream if urgent action isn’t taken.
‘Not only is this severely impacting important restoration work, if we have another flood anytime soon the spread of fire ants will be a massive problem downstream,’ Invasive Species Council Advocacy Manager Reece Pianta said.
‘I’ve seen firsthand the explosion of nests in this area and its impact on surrounding communities, particularly livestock and recreational horses who are being regularly stung by these super pests.
‘If the spread of fire ants is left unchecked, it will result in economic damage greater than that caused by cane toads, rabbits, feral cats, and foxes combined.
‘Nests within the fire ant eradication programs suppression zone are increasing. An immediate funding boost in 2025 is needed to get eradication on track but long-term eradication funding after the 2027 expiry date can get the job done.
‘I recently met with the QLD government’s new Minister for Primary Industries, Tony Perrett and was encouraged by his strong ambition to ramp up efforts against fire ants and so we are hopeful this is the momentum we need to get on with the job and eradicate these tiny killers for good.’
Rachel Hughes, President and Director of Cedar Grove Landcare Group said the group was contracted to restore large sections of the Logan River by Healthy Land & Water on private lands. This involves weed treatment, brush cutting and foliar spraying of herbicides, planting and watering.
However, they have recently been impacted by the immense infestation of fire ants within the project area.
‘As a contract services team working in fire ant suppression zones, we encounter fire ants daily, which has required significant adjustments to how we operate,’ she said.
‘Our task on the Logan River was to plant 450 tube stock along the river, normally a very easy task. However, in this instance, we had to rethink our entire methodology to mitigate the issue of fire ants.
‘All team members are trained to identify, treat, and adapt their practices to prioritise the safety of our staff, landholders, and livestock. But our ability to do our work efficiently is becoming increasingly difficult.
‘Before beginning any restoration or weed control work, our team conducts thorough site assessments for fire ants. If needed, we apply approved fire ant baits to control infestations before proceeding with groundwork. In cases of dense infestations, restoration work can’t go ahead.
‘In this case we engage outside contractors to inject nests. However, this approach requires nests to remain undisturbed for several days post-treatment, which can delay progress.
‘Collaboration with landholders is essential to suppress and eradicate fire ants effectively. However, these efforts can be hindered if neighboring properties or industries do not persistently address fire ant control.
‘Together, through vigilance and cooperation, we strive to mitigate the impact of fire ants on our projects and the broader community.’
Media inquiries: (02) 8006 5004
Fire ant images are available here.
Background:
- Fire ants can be lethal to humans, are expected to have a $2 billion per year impact on Australia’s economy if they get out of control, will devastate wildlife, cut agricultural output by up to 40% and may cause over one hundred thousand extra medical appointments each year.
- Fire ants can form rafts during flood events, stowaway in freight or soil or spread by Queen ant flights of around 5 km per year (and up to 30 km in favourable conditions).
- The National Red Imported Fire Ant Eradication Program strategic review estimated that at least $200 to $300 million per year will be required for ongoing eradication efforts to achieve eradication by 2032 – this compares to $94 million spent in 2022/23 and only $60 million committed for this financial year.
- Recently Australia’s governments committed to ongoing fire ant eradication but have not yet committed any new funding to fight fire ants in Australia. Fire ant eradication is being led by the Queensland government but is funded by all Australian governments because fire ants are a threat to the whole country.
- Fire ants came into Australia in the late 90s in freight from the United States, they were found in 2001. Fire ants are originally from South America.
- Fire ants have spread across most of the southern United States, and are spreading in China at a rate of about 80 km per year.
- Almost all of Australia is climatically suitable for fire ants.
- A comprehensive government study from 2021 found that between $200 and $300 million annually would be required over the next 10 years or Australia would face at least a $2 billion cost per year from fire ants forever. At the moment the planned funding is only half that amount.
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