FIRE ANT SITE INSPECTIONS – UPDATE

As advised previously turf producers have the ability to undertake a training course run by the state government on site inspections for fire ants. This provides the flexibility for your business to undertake those initial site assessments yourself.

After completing fire ant awareness training, businesses can now conduct the initial inspection and ongoing visual surveillance activities for fire ants. This means there is no longer a requirement to book a fire ant inspection with a Biosecurity Queensland inspector. Free training courses are available, simply contact 3310 2873 to book.  If there are around 20 people interested from within the Turf Industry, one of our trainers can come to a venue that suits.

NOTE: It is vital that businesses maintain records of all fire ant surveillance activities as our inspectors will request these records, should they be audited.

If any members would like more direct information about the changes, please contact Kimmy Wolfenden (details below).

Kimmy Wolfenden Senior Liaison Officer, Biosecurity Queensland Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

T: 07 3310 2914. M: 0434 562 964.  E: Kimmy.Wolfenden@daff.qld.gov.au  W: www.daff.qld.gov.au

53 Seventeen Mile Rocks Road, Oxley Qld 4075   PO Box 1241, Oxley, Q 4075  Customer Service Centre: 13 25 23

PRESS RELEASE

You may have seen some recent media coverage about the National Red Imported Fire Ant Eradication Program. Be assured that the Queensland Government remains committed to eradicating fire ants and delivering on the agreed 2013-18 Response Plan.

Since it began in 2001, the Program has been under constant scrutiny and review, with regular independent technical, efficiency, and financial reviews and audits.

The outcome of each of these, including a recent efficiency review, has been that the Program is performing efficiently and effectively. Annual independent technical reviews of the Program, including the most recent, continue to support that eradication remains achievable.

This is not to say that there are not significant challenges facing the Program and we need to ensure we maintain community support, vigilance and reporting of suspect fire ants.

One of the areas subject to recent questioning was our remote sensing surveillance.  It is important to note that this is world-first technology that is extremely complex and is still under development.  Remote sensing is only in its second season of use and our processes are constantly being refined. The purpose of the remote sensing surveillance is to confirm the exact extent of current fire ant infestation.

We do not expect to find large numbers of fire ant nests in the areas currently being surveyed as they are on the outer edge of what is believed to be the infested area.  It is however important that we check every potential target identified to ensure no nests are missed.

Another issue recently raised has been the changes that were made to the fire ant legislation in December 2012 which removed the requirement that fire ant treatments must be completed by or under the direction of an inspector.  This change reduces red tape for commercial operators and enhances the ability of businesses to continue to trade by treating their own properties and thereby minimising the risk of spreading fire ants through their business activities.  Businesses in the restricted area still need an Approved Risk Management Plan that details their proposed treatment activities.

As a result of these changes residents have the option of treating any fire ants they find on their property.  However, it remains a legislative requirement for anyone who reasonably suspects they have detected fire ants to report them to the department.

There are products available that people can use to treat fire ants if they choose to do so.

We will continue to follow-up reports of suspect fire ants, treat confirmed fire ant nests and undertake surveillance of the surrounding area to identify any undetected nests. 

I would like to reinforce the message that eradication is still achievable and with the community’s ongoing support, we are determined to be successful.

Attached are frequently asked questions that have been developed to address the issues that have arisen recently. Please feel free to share with those who may require this information.

Thank you for your ongoing support of the eradication program and continuing to promote our message of reporting fire ants to Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23

Fire ant FAQs for Industry