Fire ants detected in Sydney’s inner west have been confirmed as a separate overseas incursion, more than 800 kilometres from Australia’s only established infestation in south east Queensland.
The Invasive Species Council says the detection shows the importance of Australia’s strong biosecurity and surveillance system.
Genetic analysis has confirmed the fire ants likely arrived from overseas via a shipping container. The nest, found at the Enfield Intermodal Logistics Centre, has been treated and specialist detection dogs have so far found no other nests at the site.
‘The good news is Australia has a strong biosecurity system, and that system has detected these fire ants before they had the chance to become an established infestation,’ Invasive Species Council Advocacy Director Reece Pianta said.
‘Sydney has also been here before. Fire ants were detected at Port Botany in 2014 and successfully eradicated, and other isolated incursions around Australia have been wiped out. We have full confidence that authorities have the expertise and tools to deal with this incursion too.
‘This detection is a reminder of why we need to keep investing in strong border biosecurity and surveillance. Fire ants are widespread among many of Australia’s trading partners, so finding new incursions quickly is critical to stopping them becoming established.
‘While we have confidence that this overseas incursion in Sydney can be eradicated, the reality is that while fire ants remain in south east Queensland, everywhere in Australia is at risk.
‘The funding for that eradication is not secure, approaching a big funding cliff in 2027 and if that isn’t fully funded, then biosecurity responses like this will become irrelevant, as fire ants take over the whole nation.
‘In south east Queensland they invade backyards, parks and sporting fields, attack pets and wildlife and threaten agriculture and infrastructure. Sydney does not want to find out what living with fire ants looks like.
‘The national eradication program’s current funding runs out in June 2027. Australia’s agriculture ministers have agreed eradication remains feasible, cost-beneficial and in the national interest. Treasurers now need to back that commitment with funding.
‘Our goal should be simple – make Australia fire ant-free and keep it that way. That means eradicating the infestation already here while maintaining the border vigilance needed to stop new incursions becoming established.’
Media inquiries: (02) 8006 5004
Background:
- The current national fire ant eradication program is funded until June 2027.
- Recently agriculture ministers from across the country made a united commitment to keep fire ant eradication on the table, saying the next critical test is whether state, territory and federal treasurers will fund the plan.
- A proposed Response Plan 2027–32 would continue the eradication effort over the following five years, subject to funding commitments from Australian, state and territory governments.
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