What’s Happening?
The Invasive Species Council is urging immediate action from Queensland’s next government to expand the free fire ant bait program within its first 100 days, as several high-risk areas remain unprotected.
Despite recent political pledges to prioritise fire ant eradication, the council highlights that more urgent measures are necessary.
Why It Matters
Fire ants are among the world’s most dangerous invasive pests, capable of killing humans, wildlife, and pets, with the potential to cause $2 billion in annual economic damage if left unchecked.
Without immediate action, Queensland faces a significant increase in fire ant population density, which would pose a devastating threat to agriculture, the environment, and public health.
By the Numbers
- $2 billion/year in economic losses due to fire ants if not eradicated.
- 40% reduction in agricultural output expected if fire ants spread.
- $188 million/year potential cost to households if fire ants are not contained.
- Six deaths and 116,000 medical visits annually predicted due to fire ants.
Zoom In
The fire ant eradication program currently covers Brisbane, Ipswich, Logan, and the Gold Coast.
However, critical regions such as Moreton Bay, Redlands, Somerset, and Scenic Rim remain excluded from the free bait distribution scheme.
The Invasive Species Council is pushing for these areas to be included immediately, backed by an investment of $1.5 million per year over four years.
The council’s Advocacy Manager, Reece Pianta, emphasised the need for action:
‘While residents in Brisbane, Ipswich, Logan, and the Gold Coast currently receive free fire ant treatment kits, crucial Council areas of Moreton Bay, Redlands, Somerset, and Scenic Rim have been left unprotected. This must be extended as a priority.’
Zoom Out
Fire ants are a nationwide threat, affecting not just Queensland but the entire Australian continent.
If left unchecked, fire ants could permanently damage local ecosystems, reduce agricultural productivity, and disrupt everyday life.
The Invasive Species Council is calling for a stand-alone fire ant response authority to ensure sufficient, long-term funding beyond 2027.
‘Fire ants are a Queensland emergency and must be a first 100-day priority for the next government,’ Pianta urged, highlighting the significant risk posed to both Queensland and Australia at large.
Local Impact
The impact of fire ants in high-risk Queensland areas, including Moreton Bay and Redlands, is already becoming evident.
Without access to fire ant bait kits, these communities face increased risks of outbreaks. Additionally, the ongoing threat extends to local wildlife, with a study predicting population declines in 45% of bird species, 38% of mammals, 69% of reptiles, and 95% of frogs in South East Queensland.
What to Look for Next
In the next 100 days, the Invasive Species Council is advocating for:
- Expansion of the free fire ant bait kit program to cover Moreton Bay, Redlands, Somerset, and Scenic Rim.
- Additional resources and staff for high-risk councils, including Brisbane, Ipswich, Logan, and the Gold Coast.
- Employment of 12 extra suppression task force members to target large properties.
- A $2.5 million awareness campaign to combat the spread of fire ants.
Queenslanders will be watching closely to see if these promises materialise into immediate action.
