Fire ants are a massive biosecurity risk, and the State Labor Government has failed completely in its job to eradicate the ants. They continue spreading despite hundreds of millions of dollars being spent, yet there is still no sign of eradication.
Despite thousands spent on helicopter baiting, and the disruption this causes for some landholders and livestock, the pests continue to spread.
People in the Scenic Rim electorate have been on the front line of this battle for years and years, and they are telling me that the program needs to change because it is failing. We all know that landholders look after their land better than any other person, so the government should be looking at supplying bait to residents and landholders and especially farmers, turf growers and larger lot holders so that they can treat the ants themselves.
I am not talking about just one-kilogram bags; they need to be supplied in bulk quantities so that these landholders can get on the front foot when they have fire ant outbreaks on their properties. The way the program is doing it at the moment is simply not working to contain these outbreaks.
Fire ants are into New South Wales, after years of spreading south. This has created enormous issues for hay producers and turf growers who now cop massive costs and new regulations just to sell their product into NSW. The Queensland Government needs to work with the New South Wales Government to ensure that turf and hay growers can send their produce across the border in an efficient way.
I have requested that the Queensland Government collaborate with the NSW Government to establish a system that eases the transportation process for the impacted industries. Unfortunately, the Queensland Government has declined my request, stating that it is solely a NSW issue. They have left our industries to fend for themselves.
As a result, farmers and affected industries bear the costs and challenges. It costs our communities income. I will continue to take up this issue with the Government as I know these industries are vital for the Scenic Rim.
Photo Credit: Qld Department of Agriculture and Fisheries