Fire ants can be found in quarry products. Image: NatalieJean/stock.adobe.com
The quarrying industry has been engaged as a key stakeholder in helping prevent the spread of red imported fire ants across Australia.
Cement Concrete and Aggregates Australia recently hosted Queensland members of the National Fire Ant Eradication Program.
The group toured Beenleigh Quarry and discussed industry protocols to effectively stop the spread of fire ants.
Recently, the Australian Chief Environment Biosecurity Officer, Dr Bertie Hennecke and staff from the Environmental Biosecurity Office travelled to Berrinba in Queensland for the first project board meeting of the National Fire Ant Eradication Program.
“Detecting and treating nests over such a large area is costly, but the Australian Government is committed to eradicating fire ants and has invested $296 million over the next four years which is a of the national program’s budget,” Dr Hennecke said.
“We recognise it is a challenge to eradicate RIFA, but delivering the response plan is the best tool we have to combat these fire ants in South-East Queensland and eradicate them by 2032.
“It is vital that Australians understand the importance of this pest and that we all play our part in the response.”
The program relies heavily on scientific and technical research, advice and expertise provided by program scientists and external Australian-based and international research partners.
The laboratory supports the program scientists who continually review and research current and emerging scientific techniques and processes relevant to fire ant detection, diagnosis, and treatment to ensure best practices in fire ant eradication. Live fire ant colonies are also maintained on-site to support the imprinting of odour-detection dogs.
During his visit, Dr Hennecke was given a demonstration of an odour detector dog in action sniffing out a nest. The detector dogs are used to examine high-risk areas where large amounts of soil, mulch and quarry products may be moved from one location to another, providing a lift to any ants hidden in the materials.
“Seeing a fire ant nest up close reinforced for me just how critical it is that we continue our efforts to eradicate RIFA. What makes this particular ant species so dangerous is its ability to swarm and sting repeatedly when the nest is disturbed,” Dr Hennecke said.
Authorities are asking people to report fire ant sightings immediately by visiting the National Fire Ant Eradication Program website fireants.org.au or phoning 13 25 23.
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