The Crisafulli Government has delivered a significant reduction in the number of fire ants across South East Queensland, while also announcing further funding for effective treatment measures.
While Labor sat and watched the super pest march across communities, the Crisafulli
Government’s $24 million boost in aerial suppression has seen fire ant populations
reduced significantly in some of the most heavily infested areas.
Given this success, a $10.5 million commitment has been made in the 2026-2027 budget to supercharge Queensland’s fight against fire ants, further turning the tide after Labor’s decade of decline saw infestations spike.
More than 185,000 hectares of land has already been treated across the Scenic Rim,
Ipswich City, Logan City, Gold Coast City, Brisbane City, Redland City and Somerset local government areas, supporting broader eradication efforts.
The latest Budget commitment complements the Crisafulli Government’s investment to date of $61 million to the Fire Ant Suppression Taskforce program, which is over and above Queensland’s financial contribution to the eradication effort under the National Fire Ant Eradication Program.
By reducing fire ant populations in the most heavily infested areas, the Crisafulli
Government is supporting the National Fire Ant Eradication Program to achieve its goal of eradicating fire ants from Australia by 2032.
During Labor’s decade of decline, fire ants broke containment lines and marched
across more than 800 thousand hectares due to inadequate funding and governance
failures.
Fire ants pose a serious threat to Queensland’s environment and can harm humans,
animals and livestock. If left untreated, the potential losses to Australia’s agricultural
industry are estimated at $381 million annually.
Biosecurity is the linchpin of Queensland’s primary industries; it keeps industries viable and is integral to meeting the Crisafulli Government’s ambitious goal of reaching $30 billion in primary industries production by 2030.
Member for Scenic Rim Jon Krause said the early results were promising, reflecting the success of ongoing measures to tackle the super pest.
“A lot of work has gone into controlling fire ants across the Scenic Rim, and while progress has been made, it’s important that we keep up the effort to protect our local communities and agricultural industries,” Mr Krause said.
“Success relies on everyone pitching in, with government, industry and the community continuing to work side by side.” Mr Krause said.
For further information visit fireants.org.au or call 132 ANT (13 22 68) for more
information.