Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland The Honourable Tim Mulherin 30/03/2010

Fire ant infestation found outside restricted area

A new fire ant infestation found near Grandchester, south west of Brisbane has sparked renewed calls for property owners to be vigilant in the detection and reporting of fire ants.

Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland Tim Mulherin said the Grandchester infestation was of particular concern as it was found 11km away from the nearest known significant infestation at Lanefield. It is believed that the Grandchester infestation is the result of flight from another colony.

"The new fire ant infestation at Grandchester is quite a distance from the nearest known infestation, so it's possible that there are more fire ants in the area," Mr Mulherin said.

"For the last ten years, Queensland has been battling fire ants and making plenty of progress, but we've got a long way to go before we win the war against these dangerous pests.

"The new infestations, and the possibility of other unknown infestations nearby, could put our ultimate goal of eradication at risk.

"We have acted quickly and eradicated this infestation before it spreads any further.

 "All surrounding landowners can help by getting out onto their properties and looking for any suspicious ants.

"I urge landowners in the area to immediately call Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23, if they see anything." Mr Mulherin said despite a drop in the number of detections of colonies in recent years there is still plenty of work to do to ensure fire ants do not become established in Southeast Queensland.

"We've gone from an estimated 65,000 colonies in 2001 down to 556 detected last year.

"However, this is the wettest summer we've had since eradication started in 2001 and conditions are perfect for fire ants to spread.

"We've recently trained an additional 64 fire ant field staff, bringing the number of staff fighting fire ants to more than 150.

 "Our new recruits are working in high risk areas finding new infestations before they've had a chance to spread."

Biosecurity Queensland Control Centre Director Neil O'Brien said authorities were alerted to the suspicious ants by the manager of a rural property at Grandchester.

"Biosecurity Queensland received the report and officers were able to immediately examine a sample from the property and confirm it was fire ants," Mr O'Brien said.

"The nest has since been destroyed and we have already started treating the area.

"It's all hands on deck for us- Biosecurity Queensland officers are out there checking the area for further infestations and will be treating 1,257 hectares from a helicopter, with pelletised bait.

"Fire ants are small 2-6mm and a coppery-brown colour with a dark abdomen.

"Under Queensland legislation, it is illegal to disturb or move soil and other high risk materials in a fire ant Restricted Area without an inspection first providing the all-clear.

"There are major fines for anyone who is found to have contravened the legislation.

 "This responsibility applies to both backyard renovations as well as large scale commercial operations.

"This means checking your yard for fire ants, reporting your findings immediately to Biosecurity Queensland and always adhering to movement restrictions," Mr O'Brien said.

To request a site inspection, contact Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23 or visit www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au to fill out an online request form five working days prior to the work start date,

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