Fire ants forced a Greenbank soccer club to temporarily close its fields, offering a glimpse of the larger biosecurity problem facing Logan.
Teviot Downs Soccer Club announced late last month that its fields had been closed after fire ants were detected at the grounds, with playing surfaces reopening on 7 May, after treatment and monitoring.
A spokesperson for the Fire Ant Suppression Taskforce said fire ants were a known issue across Logan.
“Over the past 12 months, FAST has received more than 6,500 suspect ant reports in the Logan area, highlighting strong community vigilance in tackling this invasive pest,” the spokesperson said.
“More than 21,000 Logan households are actively treating their yards for fire ants.
“FAST has also conducted aerial treatments over the Greenbank Military Range to help curb the spread of fire ants.”
Teviot Downs Soccer Club later confirmed on 7 May, that the playing surfaces had reopened after treatment and monitoring.
While the Teviot Downs closure was temporary, the disruption showed how fire ants can affect weekend sport, public spaces and ordinary community life.
The taskforce said fire ant management on publicly owned land, including the Teviot Downs Soccer Club fields, was the responsibility of Logan City Council.
“Logan City Council takes fire ant management on council owned land seriously and are proactive in their approach on public sports fields and we thank them for their support,” the spokesperson said.
“Priority treatment is given to areas of high public risk, such as schools, childcare centres, parks and sporting fields.”
FAST said it supported government agencies, including Logan City Council, by providing free treatment products and equipment to ensure detections were treated quickly and effectively.
The taskforce has also hosted several community treatment days where Logan residents collected free yard treatment kits.
“Fire ants are a known problem in Logan, which is within the suppression treatment area, which is why it is critical everyone looks for and reports suspect fire ants,” the Spokesperson said.
“Logan residents who report fire ants can receive a fast-acting nest treatment kit, allowing them to treat nests at a time that suits them and helping protect their families and pets.”
The Teviot Downs closure comes as sporting clubs across south-east Queensland continue to grapple with the practical reality of fire ants on playing fields.
For volunteer-run clubs, even temporary closures can create problems for training, fixtures and families.
Teviot Downs had said it was working with Football Queensland and other clubs to reallocate fixtures where possible while the fields were closed.
The Fire Ant Suppression Taskforce encouraged residents and businesses to report any suspected fire ants or nests online or by calling 132 ANT, also known as 13 22 68.
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