Residents in the Northern Rivers can meet with experts this week to learn more about the invasive pests’ potential impact on NSW communities, environment, and economy.
The National Fire Ant Eradication Program will be touring the local area over the course of the week commencing 26 February, allowing Northern Rivers community and businesses a chance to learn about what fire ants look like, what to do if they’re spotted and how to prevent any further fire ant spread.
Residents can drop in and chat with fire ant experts at the following locations:
| Tuesday 27 February | 9am to 4pm at Bunnings Lismore 9am to 12pm at Alstonville Main Street |
| Wednesday 28 February | 9am to 12pm at Suffolk Park SPAR 9am to 12pm at Ocean Village Shopping Centre 1pm to 4pm at Bunnings Byron Bay 1pm to 4pm at Woolworths Mullumbimby |
| Thursday 29 February | 9am to 11am at Byron Bay Farmers Markets 1pm to 4pm at Kingscliff Shopping Village 1pm to 4pm at IGA Pottsville |
| Friday 1 March | 9am to 12pm at Tweed City Shopping Centre 9am to 12pm at Banora Central Shopping Centre 1pm to 4pm at Bunnings Tweed Heads 1pm to 4pm at Tweed Mall Shopping Centre |
Following the destruction of detected nests within 24 hours of being called in, the NSW Government continues to actively work to eradicate fire ants following 2 recent isolated detections of the pest in South Murwillumbah and Wardell.
The response works in partnership with the National Fire Ant Eradication Program, who are responsible for the ongoing treatment and surveillance of fire ant movement control areas.
In South Murwillumbah, the program will be strategically baiting around the infested premises, whether fire ants are visible or not, ensures that no undetected fire ants exist.
Residents and businesses in the area are encouraged to authorise fire ant teams to enter the outdoor areas of their property by completing a consent form online at www.fireants.org.au
Treatment is safe for people and animals and is approved by the Australian Pesticide and Veterinary Medicines Authority, containing the same active ingredients commonly found in household and agricultural pest control products, but at a much lower concentration.
In Wardell, surveillance continues to focus on the initial 500m zone as well as strategic surveillance at targeted sites.
The Northern Rivers community is continuing their vigilance in looking out for fire ants, with 561 calls to the NSW Biosecurity Hotline on 1800 680 244 or reporting online, as well as more than 1500 visits to drop-in centres and community meetings over the last few months.
The National Fire Ant Eradication Program’s fire ant display of sterile female ants is transported in a completely sealed box with a permit under the Biosecurity Act 2015.
Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:
“The NSW Government is continually reminding our communities to keep on the look-out for fire ants.
“We’ve proven that when fire ants are detected in NSW, we will respond quickly to stamp them out as soon as possible, and it’s thanks to the thousands of sets of eyes that report in suspected sightings.
“Fire ants don’t march into NSW they are carried, due to the movement of fire ant carrier materials such as soil, mulch, hay and turf.
“Biosecurity is everyone’s responsibility, so it’s critical that businesses moving these types of materials comply with the Biosecurity (Fire Ant) Emergency Order.”
Ashley Bacon, National Fire Ant Eradication Program said:
“Protecting Australia from the devastating impacts of fire ants is a national priority.
“Fire ants can have devastating consequences on our environment, economy, human health and way of life.
“If your property is in our planned treatment area, our teams, authorised under the Biosecurity Act 2015 (NSW), need your consent to access your property.
“To eradicate fire ants, we must treat 100% of all properties in our target area, whether fire ants are visible or not.”