Advocates are urging the federal government to commit to funding the next step of the National Fire Ant Eradication Program in the next budget.
State and federal agriculture ministers met last week to discuss the National Red Imported Fire Ant Eradication Program Response Plan 2027-32.
Invasive Species Council (ISC) advocacy director Reece Pianta said the program was beginning to see a "turning of the tide" in fighting the spread of fire ants.
Mr Perrett told state parliament in June that fire ants remained "one of Australia's most significant biosecurity threats" as he announced $10.5 million in state funding for suppression efforts in 2026-27.
Properties not within the eradication zone will not be specifically targeted, but residents can contact the Fire Ant Suppression Taskforce and work with them to treat fire ants found on their properties.
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Advocates are urging the federal government to commit to funding the next step of the National Fire Ant Eradication Program in the next budget.
State and federal agriculture ministers have agreed total eradication of the pests remained "technically feasible, cost beneficial and in the national interest".
Funding for the current eradication plan expires in June 2027.
State and federal agriculture ministers met last week to discuss the National Red Imported Fire Ant Eradication Program Response Plan 2027-32.
Queensland Primary Industries Minister Tony Perrett presented the potential impacts and consequences of wider proliferation of fire ants.
Invasive Species Council (ISC) advocacy director Reece Pianta said the program was beginning to see a "turning of the tide" in fighting the spread of fire ants.
Mr Pianta said if the ants got out of control they would cause more than $2 billion in economic damage each year. ISC modelling suggests the eradication program would cost $1 billion over five years.
Mr Perrett told state parliament in June that fire ants remained "one of Australia's most significant biosecurity threats" as he announced $10.5 million in state funding for suppression efforts in 2026-27.
The National Fire Ant Eradication Program targets properties in a broad band known as an "eradication area" around a fire ant "suppression zone", which covers a large corner of south-east Queensland, including Brisbane.
Properties not within the eradication zone will not be specifically targeted, but residents can contact the Fire Ant Suppression Taskforce and work with them to treat fire ants found on their properties.
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