All properties in Beaudesert and across the Scenic Rim Electorate that fall within the Queensland Government’s fire ant suppression area are eligible to receive free, fast-acting fire ant bait products by mail if they report fire ants on their property.
They can do this by calling the Fire Ant Suppression Taskforce on 13 22 68.
To date, 235 large properties in the Scenic Rim Electorate have received both broadscale and nest treatment products at no cost.
Many of these properties will also be eligible for free aerial treatment under a new $24 million Government program aimed at reducing the impact of fire ants in South -East Queensland.
In addition to the efforts of the Fire Ant Suppression Taskforce, the National Fire Ant Eradication Program is currently delivering eradication treatment across more than 128,000 hectares (29 per cent) of the Scenic Rim Regional Council area at no cost to landholders.
Member for Scenic Rim, Jon Krause, was joined by Primary Industries Minister, Tony Perrott, last week during an inspection of properties at Boyland, Wilson Plains and Mt Walker.
Mr Krause said that the Labor Government over 10 years failed badly when it came to eradicating fire ants.
“They just kept marching into our area,” he said.
Mr Perrott said that by working with other states and the Commonwealth, Queensland was now fighting back against the out-of-control fire ants.
“The expansion of the eradication program will ensure that more primary producers have access to free treatment tools and products, empowering them to protect their livestock, crops and livelihoods,” he said.