Logan City Council claims defence against the destructive fire ant could cost ratepayers up to $10 million over the next decade.
And if financial support isn’t provided by other levels of government, the national eradication effort could be “jeopardised”.
Meanwhile, the National Fire Ant Eradication Program, who predicts the “insidious” pest could cause $2 billion in damage annually, has released a new response plan based on recommendations from a senate investigation calling for better cooperation and coordination.
In a submission to a federal inquiry into local government sustainability, Logan council called for funding from the Australian government.
Council predicted local fire ant eradication efforts could cost “up to $1 million per annum for a period of up to 10 years”.
Council was made entirely responsible for managing the invasive pest on council-owned land on 1 July this year, and has launched a $343,000, three-person taskforce.
But according to council’s submission, costs will be much higher if funding isn’t “shared”.
“A significant amount of unforeseen council expenditure and resources will be required to manage this new arrangement effectively,” council said.
“Councils currently do not receive any funding from the federal or state government to undertake fire ant suppression activities.
“Without additional funding flowing to local governments, the amplified cost of [fire ant] suppression in local areas from 30 June 2024 will unreasonably burden ratepayers and could potentially jeopardise the effectiveness of the overall eradication program.”
Multiple fire ant experts, including a whistleblower from the country’s initial eradication program, have told MyCity Logan arming local councils with treatment and funding is the only way to wipeout the pests once and for all.
When asked, state politicians agreed to support council’s efforts to eradicate the pest, including looking into “different funding methods”.
Acting mayor Scott Bannan said the national eradication effort was “losing the battle”.
“They’ve handballed it to council and haven’t given us any funding to support it,” he said.
“At the end of the day, 90 per cent of what we do is funded by the ratepayer.
“We’re more than happy to take the reins, but it’s a bit unfair on the ratepayers of the city for it to be thrown at us with not enough funding.”
Council said the consequences of “inadequate funding” posed public health and socioeconomic risks to the country.
Last week also saw the official eradication program launch its updated eradication plan.
This includes broadening the treatment area to 830,000ha, and boosting industry compliance by educating businesses.
The program’s executive director Ashley Bacon said one of the main changes was “mobilising” communities in areas like Logan, where residents are required to treat and report fire ants on their properties.
From 1 October, residents in Logan will receive free treatment kits if they report fire ants.
“We will be working even closer with community to implement suppression efforts,” Mr Bacon said.
“Eradicating fire ants is a formidable challenge that requires a united community effort.
“If we fail, life in Australia will change – backyard cricket, picnics in the park and walking on the grass without shoes could become a memory.”
Mr Bacon said the goal was to eradicate fire ants from Australia by 2032.
