A new taskforce aimed at fighting fire ants has received a $24 million funding boost from the Queensland Government, increasing the total investment in suppression efforts to $61 million.
The Fire Ant Suppression Taskforce will use aerial treatments to control fire ant populations across 212,000 hectares in South East Queensland over the next two years.
The program is expected to reduce ant colony density by up to 80 per cent in heavily infested areas, supporting broader eradication efforts.
Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett said the initiative was necessary after years of inaction had allowed fire ants to spread unchecked.
“We’re hitting fire ants hard in the suppression zone, doubling down on efforts to deal with this destructive pest before it impacts more Queenslanders,” he said.
Eligible properties of 10 hectares or more will receive drone or helicopter treatment at no cost to landowners, and 12 additional contractors will be brought in to assist with the rollout.
Fire ants pose a significant risk to agriculture, the environment, and outdoor lifestyles.
If left uncontrolled, they can damage crops, harm wildlife, and disrupt community activities.
A 2021 cost-benefit analysis by Central Queensland University found that an unchecked fire ant spread could lead to agricultural losses of up to $1 billion annually.
Minister Perrett said the funding would help reverse previous missteps in biosecurity management.
“Fire ants have run rampant in other countries, stopping sports, cancelling BBQs, closing beaches, and severely impacting outdoor lifestyles,” he said.
“By working with other states and the Commonwealth, we will fight back against the out of control spread of fire ants and I am very confident we will be able to prevent a fully-fledged invasion.”
Logan falls under what is called a ‘suppression area’, in which the local council and residents are responsible for treating fire ants on their own properties.
The suppression taskforce, which operates inside the eradication zone, will focus on reducing colony density with community involvement.
