Invasive pest found in inner west Sydney
One of the world’s most invasive pets has been found in inner-west Sydney.
Fire ants have been detected at the Enfield Intermodal Logistics Centre and are believed to have arrived from overseas via a shipping container.
Fire ants are an invasive pest from South America that can devastate wildlife and agriculture. Invasive Species Council
The Invasive Species Council (ISC) said the Sydney detection is not believed to be linked to the established infestation in south-east Queensland.
The Council’s advocacy director Reece Pianta said the detection meant Australia’s biosecurity system was working as it should.
“’This detection is a reminder of why we need to keep investing in strong border biosecurity and surveillance,” Pianta said.
“Fire ants are widespread among many of Australia’s trading partners, so finding new incursions quickly is critical to stopping them becoming established.”
He said the council had full confidence authorities would prevent this incursion becoming an infestation.
“Sydney has also been here before,” Pianta said.
“Fire ants were detected at Port Botany in 2014 and successfully eradicated, and other isolated incursions around Australia have been wiped out.”
The Council is calling on the government to fully fund the national fire ant eradication program, which expires in June next year.
“...if that isn’t fully funded, then biosecurity responses like this will become irrelevant, as fire ants take over the whole nation,” Pianta said.
“In south east Queensland they invade backyards, parks and sporting fields, attack pets and wildlife and threaten agriculture and infrastructure.
“Sydney does not want to find out what living with fire ants looks like.”
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