The recent detection of red imported fire ants on farmland in Anthony, Scenic Rim, outside of the existing biosecurity zones is a reminder of the vulnerability of Australia’s farming systems and way of life for all Queenslanders.
Australia’s island status protects the country from exotic pests and diseases to a certain extent. But as the movement of people and goods around the globe increases this natural advantage is rapidly being lost. There is now more pressure than ever on our biosecurity system to evolve and adapt.
Fire ants were first detected in Brisbane in 2001, but it is thought that they may have arrived up to 20 years earlier. How they entered is not known. They are a serious pest that will have major social, environmental and economic impacts.
Vast areas of the state's natural environment, including world heritage areas and national parks, are prone to fire ant invasion. Locals in affected areas wouldn’t be able to enjoy our natural amenity or recreational areas. Economically, it has been estimated that fire ants could cost $45bn over 30 years in SEQ alone.
The spread of fire ants threatens all agricultural industries, with Queensland’s nursery industry currently experiencing the brunt of this. Containment regulations prevent nurseries from trading without the use of expensive chemicals and undergoing necessary but onerous inspections on plants and soils. As a result, trade is restricted, staff are laid off and businesses are forced to close.
A successful biosecurity system requires scientists, government, industry, and the community to cooperate. In the end it is a system of shared responsibility. $411.4 million in funding has been provided to implement the National Red Imported Fire Ant Eradication Program, a comprehensive eradication plan to find, contain and destroy the ants.
All Queenslanders have an obligation to manage biosecurity risks and threats. For the eradication program to be successful everyone must embrace this, or risk one of the world's most invasive species becoming permanently established and ruining the way of life for all.
