Latest news with #NationalFireAntEradicationProgram
9 News
11 hours ago
- General
- 9 News
Mining giant called to foot the bill after fire ant outbreak
Your web browser is no longer supported. To improve your experience update it here Mining giant BHP should foot the bill for a major fire ant outbreak in Queensland , an advocacy group says. It comes after odour detection dog teams found the presence of fire ants at several mine sites in the Central Highlands and Isaac Council regions, including at the BHP Broadmeadow Mine west of Mackay. Fire ants are considered invasive and feed on Australian flora and fauna, as well as displacing or eliminating native species. Fire ants can have a serious impact on Australia's ecosystem. (NSW Department of Primary Industries) In light of the latest detection, Reece Pianta believes BHP should be the ones to pay for the treatment required across their sites that were impacted by the fire ant infestation. "When a mining company moves contaminated material and sparks an outbreak, taxpayers shouldn't be left footing the bill – the companies responsible must pay to have their mess cleaned up, no different from an oil spill," he said. "This is a catastrophic breach – shipments from just one infested site have triggered a major regional outbreak. "But every dollar and every drone we have should be focused on wiping out fire ants at the frontlines near Brisbane, not cleaning up after corporate carelessness." The infestation occurred at a BHP mine in Queensland. (Will Willitts) Pianta insists it is not a matter of punishing companies such as BHP in this instance, rather than forcing public funds to be used would undermine efforts to deal with the fire ants issue. Much of the country is at high risk of infestation, according to data from the National Fire Ant Eradication Program. "This isn't about companies footing the bill for everything. But if governments allow outbreaks like this to suck resources away from where they're needed most, we risk undermining the eradication effort across the whole country," he said. "BHP did the right thing reporting and supporting fire ant surveillance work, now they are uniquely well placed to support the response." BHP has been contacted for comment. national Australia queensland mining environment animals CONTACT US Property News: Sydney's iconic wedding cake house is for sale for $9m.
Sky News AU
12 hours ago
- General
- Sky News AU
‘Corporate carelessness': Invasive Species Council blasts an unknown operator for transporting fire ants across central Queensland
An invasive species that costs the Australian economy around $2.5 billion a year has been detected at five mining sites in central Queensland just six weeks after it was reported at a BHP mine. The fire ants were found using odour-detecting dogs in the Central Highlands and Isaacs Region, after an initial outbreak at a Broadmeadow mine. According to the National Fire Ant Eradication Program (NFAEP), it is believed that the ants stowed away in a pallet of bricks that was located some 800km away from a fire ant biosecurity zone. Although the mines involved have not been named, the Invasive Species Council has blasted what its advocacy manager Reece Pianta called a catastrophic case of corporate carelessness. He said moving material that was known to be contaminated was corporate carelessness and warned that the taxpayer were going to be footing the bill for the consequences. 'Every dollar and every drone we have should be focused on wiping out fire ants at the front lines near Brisbane, not cleaning up after corporate carelessness,' he said. But he said that BHP was not to blame for the initial outbreak, adding that they had done the right thing in reporting and supporting the NFAEP. NFAEP's director of Specialist Operations Tom Roberts said the eradication of the pest was a shared community effort. He said that cooperation with industry was vital to ensure that the ants did not end up outside control zones. 'I encourage everyone sourcing equipment or materials that can carry fire ants from within fire ant biosecurity zones to ensure their suppliers follow fire ant safe-practices,' he said. Fire ants were first detected in Australia after a pallet of contaminated wood arrived in Brisbane in 2001. The ants can thrive in over 97 per cent of environments across Australia. The National Fire Ant Prevention Program aims to fully eradicate the ants by 2032, but recent wet weather in southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales has shown the species can travel on floodwaters unaided. In America, they are rumoured to be responsible for up to hundreds of deaths, and it is believed that 174,000 people in Australia could develop allergic reactions.
ABC News
a day ago
- Science
- ABC News
Fire ant fears in central Queensland as dogs detect nests at five mine sites
Specialised detection dogs have discovered new fire ant nests at five mine sites in central Queensland's Bowen Basin. The discoveries, announced on Tuesday, come six weeks after the highly invasive pest was found outside the south-east corner for the first time, when it was identified at the Broadmeadow Mine near Moranbah, more than 150 kilometres inland from Mackay. The National Fire Ant Eradication Program (NFAEP) said in a statement the ants arrived in pallets of bricks that were stored on soil and transported more than 800km from south-east Queensland. The surveillance occurred between August 12 and 14, and was confirmed on Monday. NFAEP operations director Tom Roberts said the ants were discovered at the new sites after the bricks were moved to other mines. "At this point, we believe we've eliminated all known risks, and we're just working with each mine site to confirm they've got all the relevant information in regards to identification," he said. The NFAEP on Tuesday said the new sites were in the Central Highlands and Isaac Council regions, but declined to reveal the names of the mines involved. Odour dogs were used to find the new nests. The nests have been destroyed using "direct nest injection", with broadscale treatment applied to the surrounding areas. The Invasive Species Council fears further outbreaks in central Queensland could take resources away from the main fire ant stronghold in the state's south-east. "It shows what we've known for a long time, and that is that if fire ants get into shipments from one site in the fire ant zone, they can spread to multiple parts of Australia all in one go." Mr Pianta said central Queensland's dry climate would help eradication efforts. "There isn't a lot of food for the fire ants to forage there in that location to be able to build up their densities and increase," he said. "The evidence is that these fire nests have been there for a short period of time and probably haven't spread locally, so it will be possible, I think, to eradicate them." Fire ants were first detected in Brisbane in 2001, with eradication work still underway in south-east Queensland. In early July, a nest of the species was found in central Queensland for the first time, which NFAEP officers destroyed on July 9. Follow-up aerial treatment using drones began on July 24, and a containment area was placed around the detection site. NFAEP said surveillance of the area would continue for years.
Yahoo
10-08-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Officials issue warning after discovering first-of-its-kind infestation at mine site: 'Significant and devastating'
Officials issue warning after discovering first-of-its-kind infestation at mine site: 'Significant and devastating' For the first time, fire ants have appeared in Queensland, Australia. What's happening? ABC Capricornia reported that fire ants were detected at a mine site in central Queensland. The National Fire Ant Eradication Program confirmed the discovery, and officers from the program quickly destroyed the nests at the site. The Invasive Species Council warned that a significant amount of Australia was at risk for fire ant infestation if the country's fire ant program wasn't soon reviewed. Jack Gough, chief executive of the council, told ABC Capricornia: "It reflects something that we've been telling governments for two years would happen. … The whole of Australia is at risk of fire ants getting out and the costs are significant and devastating." Gough noted that the spread of fire ants throughout the country could have an economic impact of $2 billion. He also estimated that suppressing the fire ants would require approximately $24 million. Why are invasive species concerning? Invasive species are concerning for numerous reasons. In this case, the spread of fire ants in Australia could cause environmental and economic damage. The ants also pose a significant health risk to the country's residents and can cause harm to livestock and native animals. Invasive species tend to spread quickly. As they do, they destroy native species by outcompeting them for food and other resources and introducing new diseases. Because these fire ants also have a painful sting and a tendency to be aggressive, they can harm not only native species but also people and pets. Protecting and prioritizing native species while working to eradicate invasive ones can help ensure the conservation of natural resources, safeguard food supplies, prevent disease spread, and keep communities safe. What's being done about the fire ants in Australia? The mine where officials discovered the fire ants will continue working with the National Fire Ant Eradication Program, which is utilizing genetic tracing and testing to determine how this invasive species arrived at the mine. Do you worry about companies drilling too deep into the ground? Definitely Depends on what it's for Only if it's near my home Not really Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Meanwhile, eradication efforts will continue in the area, along with increased surveillance to ensure officials can detect and eliminate any further fire ants. The director of the program, Michael Homden, explained to ABC Capricornia, "This detection is a strong reminder that community and industry vigilance can, and does, stop the spread of fire ants." Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
31-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Warning over fire ant misconception as vehicles stopped as part of ongoing surveillance
Australians are urged to be on alert for one of the country's worst and most notorious invasive species currently on the move. Authorities warn that, despite common belief, they're actually much smaller than most people realise, making the individual super pests difficult to spot. Earlier this month, officials confirmed the detection of red imported fire ants in New South Wales, found at a property in Tweed Heads in July 2025. A pest control contractor discovered the nest, which was immature and without a reproductive queen, and it was destroyed within 24 hours. The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has since carried out surveillance at 270 sites in the local area while the National Fire Ant Eradication Program has treated 85 hectares of land. "There are no known fire ants in NSW," a DPIRD spokesperson told Yahoo News on Wednesday, adding that there is no evidence of continued spread in the state from that nest. "Surveillance and treatment in the adjacent area, and investigation into the possible source, is continuing." Describing the ants as "one of the world's worst invasive species", the department says it is maintaining dedicated preparation, prevention and early detection strategies. "NSW regulates the movement of fire ant carriers to protect NSW from fire ant risks. Border surveillance operations have stopped nearly 700 vehicles, with 24 sent back to Queensland for non-compliance. "Surveillance is continuing, with the NSW fire ant team conducting more than 2,120 activities and three waves of sentinel detection since November 2023. Odour detection dog and human teams have inspected 138 hectares of high risk sites, and all high-risk sites have been found free of fire ants to date." Locals reminded over fire ant misconception The state's various authorities continues to engage the community in order to raise awareness about how best to spot the super pest. "Fire ants are smaller than most people realise. They're only two to six millimetres in length, but what they lack in size, they make up for with aggression, adaptability and efficiency," the Agricultural and Biosecurity departments outlined in a social media post reshared on Wednesday to remind the public of what to look for. "In comparison, the much-feared backyard adversary, the red bull ant, is five times the size. Fire ants will also vary in size within the nest, which is a key identifying trait. Most other ant species are uniform in size or have two sizes within the nest." Where did fire ants come from, and why are they dangerous? Native to South America, red imported fire ants are one of the world's worst invasive species. They form large colonies capable of producing soil mounds that damage agricultural equipment, infrastructure, and even building foundations. They strike quickly with a venomous sting that causes painful pustules in most people and can lead to serious allergic reactions or even life-threatening anaphylaxis in sensitive individuals. Their ecological impact is equally serious. Fire ants are aggressive predators that feed on insects, reptiles, ground-nesting birds, and small mammals, posing a threat to endangered species such as cassowaries, Gouldian finches, hawksbill turtles and green turtles. They can disrupt seed dispersal, pollination, and soil ecosystems, further unbalancing native environments. Related: Aussie mum sounds alarm over deadly garden threat What can happen if they're left unchecked? Economically, the threat is immense. If left unchecked, fire ants could eventually cause billions in damages nationally, with projections for Queensland devastating, driven by losses in agriculture, livestock deaths, infrastructure damage, healthcare and potential declines in property values. They could cause six deaths and trigger 116,000 medical visits annually, according to a recent report from the Australia Institute. The electorates of Coomera on the Gold Coast, Bundamba and Jordan in Ipswich, and Logan are expected to be the hardest hit. Modelling shows that in each Queensland state electorate, fire ants could sting more than 16,500 people per year and lead to more than 1,200 extra medical visits, including over 330 cases of anaphylaxis. The cost to medical systems could top $500,000 annually, while vet visits would rise by more than 2,000, adding a further $204,000. In total, combined households are projected to fork out an average of $2 million per year on pest management and related expenses, including $1.3 million in direct costs to manage fire ants. The National Fire Ant Eradication Program, launched in 2001, now spans parts of South East Queensland and northern NSW, yet gaps in funding and enforcement have spurred warnings from experts that the program may not be equipped to prevent future incursions. Since first arriving in Australia in 2001, fire ants have survived floods and droughts by forming floating rafts of linked workers, are capable of flying up to five kilometres during swarming events, and often spread via contaminated cargo, turf, soil, hay, or equipment. 🐜 Warning of devastation if 'red terror' super pest spreads 🐟 Dad's fight against invasive threat spreading 'everywhere' 🌱 Crews caught with illegal garden items fined $60,000 What to do if you see fire ants in NSW LEAVE IT: Do not move ants or treat the nest. Fire ants are prohibited matter in NSW. SNAP IT: Safely take a clear photo or video for identification. CALL IT: Call NSW Biosecurity on 1800 680 244 and submit an online form. Early detection and strict biosecurity protocols are crucial to preventing further establishment outside the main eradication zone. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? 🐊🦘😳 Get our new newsletter showcasing the week's best stories.
