The detection of a fire ant nest at Forest Glen on the Sunshine Coast is further proof Australia cannot afford to lose momentum on eradication, with funding for the national program due to run out in June 2027.
The infestation was detected as a result of compliance actions undertaken by the National Fire Ant Eradication Program
The Invasive Species Council is urging industry and community to ensure they are compliant with their obligations not to move fire ants in carrier materials.
‘This infestation was detected by the eradication program compliance – without the fire ant program the Sunshine Coast would now be confronting an undetected high-density outbreak,’ Invasive Species Council Advocacy Director Reece Pianta said.
‘The program is working to eradicate fire ants with 208,000 hectares moving from core infestation into eradication and compliance activities clamping down on spread events in carrier materials.
‘Forest Glen is already in a fire ant biosecurity zone but the new nest detection will result in additional fire ant surveillance and treatments in the area.
‘Fire ants have also now been removed from Oakey, Toowoomba, New South Wales and Minjerribah with central Queensland infestations in their final stages of treatment.
‘All of Australia is at risk from fire ants’ that is why it’s essential that eradication funding continues beyond June 2027, supported by the Commonwealth and all state and territory governments.
‘Independent modelling estimates an established fire ant population would cost Australia over $2 billion every year through agricultural losses, infrastructure damage, medical costs and reduced productivity, while also causing significant population declines in native birds, mammals, reptiles and frogs.
Governments wouldn’t build half a bridge or put out half a fire and expect the job to stay done. Eradicating fire ants is no different. We’ve invested too much and come too far to stop just as the program is proving it can succeed.’
Media inquiries: (02) 8006 5004
Background
- On 6 August, our odour detection dogs found a single nest during proactive surveillance as part of a compliance tracing activity at a construction depot. We treated the nest using direct nest injection.
- We urge everyone in Forest Glen and surrounding areas to check their properties and workplaces now and report any suspect fire ants and nests to us immediately.
- The nest originated in the fire ant infestation zone and is being traced to ensure no other undetected outbreaks are in the area.
- The National Fire Ant Eradication Program is moving eradication treatments inward to target the core infestation area after years of successfully suppressing fire ant populations on the invasion’s outer edges.
- New suburbs across Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Logan, Scenic Rim and Somerset have been added to the eradication treatment area, with additional suburbs in Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Moreton Bay to be included later this financial year.
- Last year, an independent review found Australia’s fire ant eradication program was on track after receiving its first year of full funding and recommended governments maintain long-term investment while strengthening the program’s next phase.
- Five years ago, experts warned the national eradication program required around $200 million a year, but governments funded it at around $60 million annually. During that period, the infestation expanded by more than 40 per cent, from around 600,000 hectares to 850,000 hectares.
- The current national funding agreement concludes in 2027. The Invasive Species Council is calling on all governments to commit long-term funding to complete eradication and avoid repeating the mistakes of the past.
- Fire ants have the potential to cost Australia at least $2 billion every year through agricultural losses, damage to homes and infrastructure, medical costs and reduced productivity if they become established.
- Fire ants threaten native wildlife, agriculture, pets and livestock, and can spread through freight, soil and floodwaters. Almost every part of mainland Australia has a climate suitable for the invasive pest.
- Map here.
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