Queensland enhances funding to combat invasive fire ants

The Queensland government has announced an additional $24 million to combat invasive fire ants. This funding will replace the previous self-treatment model, which required landholders to manage the pests themselves. The fire ants are causing problems for people, livestock, and farmers, with sixty severe sting reactions reported this month alone. Authorities noted that a two-year eradication plan is in place for a one-million-hectare biosecurity zone. Within this area, 650,000 hectares have been designated as a suppression zone funded by the Queensland government. The new funding will allow for treatments using drones or helicopters at no cost to eligible landholders. Queensland Primary Industries Minister Tony Perrett criticized the self-treatment approach, stating it was not effective. He explained that fire ant queens could travel five kilometers, making it difficult for individual landholders to control the situation. The turf industry, significantly affected by fire ant restrictions, has welcomed the funding boost. Some groups are still concerned that the new funding will not be sufficient. The Invasive Species Council has called for federal matching funds to enhance suppression efforts. Federal Agriculture Minister Julie Collins noted that the federal government has already committed $296.4 million over four years to address the fire ant threat. Local residents, such as Kirsty McKenna, are actively monitoring the fire ant population and stressing the need for more government funding. Many believe that greater support is essential to effectively reduce fire ant numbers and prevent their spread.