War against fire ants ramps up after discovery 5km from NSW border
Queensland has unveiled a new multi-tiered strategy to help aid the fight against fire ants as the invasive species continues its relentless march towards the Queensland-New South Wales border.
It comes after the super pest was detected in a new location in Tallebudgera, which is about 5.5km from the border.
A horse-shoe shaped containment area is being deployed around south-east Queensland and harsh new penalties including fines and prison time will be enacted against anyone found to be breaking the rules.
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Fire ants are considered to be one of the worst invasive species in the world. CSIRO
"They are extremely dangerous not only to humans but also to agriculture, land, and animals," Agriculture Minister Mark Furner said.
"They are extremely dangerous not only to humans but also to agriculture, land, and animals," Mr Furner said.
"They are a super pest and we need to make sure we suppress and then eradicate them.
"We will be coming down tough on compliance.
"There are fines in the act of up to $470,000 or three years' imprisonment."
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A horseshoe shaped containment area is being introduced around south-east Queensland. National Fire Ant Eradication Program
A world-first secret weapon will also be deployed to help detect the animals; fire ant sniffer dogs, which will help find underground nests.
The dogs have been trained to sniff out the specific pheromone of the fire ant.
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Fire ants were found 5-kilometres from the NSW border. NSW Department of Primary Industries
It comes after NSW restricted the movement of high-risk materials, such as hay and mulch, across the border.
Fire ants are considered to be one of the worst invasive species in the world.
They were first found in Australia at the Port of Brisbane in 2011. Since then, they have spread to Ipswich, the Gold Coast, Scenic Rim and Lockyer Valley areas.
The species is extremely aggressive, and attack in large numbers if their nests are tampered with.
Stings cause a painful, itching sensation. Someone with multiple stings may feel as though their body is on fire.
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