QTPA Member Alert | New Boundaries for Fire Ant (14/12/2012)

Biosecurity Queensland – New Boundaries for Fire Ant restricted Area

Please check the areas you operate in.

The boundaries of the Red Imported Fire Ant Restricted Area are changing to a simpler two-zone system based on suburbs.

From Monday 17 December 2012, a new fire ant Restricted Area will apply.

The Fire Ant Restricted Area is in place to control the spread of fire ants through the movement of goods such as soil, mulch, hay and pot plants.

The updated Restricted Area will be easier for the public to understand; will better target the areas at risk of infestation, and will continue to manage the risk of human assisted spread of fire ants.

Over the last eleven years, the fire ant program has significantly reduced the level of infestation in the greater Brisbane region.  In 2001, there was dense infestation spread over a small area, whereas in 2012, there are very low levels of infestation spread over a large area in South East Queensland.  The successful containment of the pest to South East Queensland has been achieved through bait treatment and movement controls.

The changes are also part of the Queensland Government’s initiative to cut ‘red tape’ and simplify regulations so it’s more straightforward for the community and industry to comply with movement controls.

The boundaries of the Restricted Area will be aligned with suburb boundaries which will make it much easier for residents and businesses to know if their suburb is in or out, and what restrictions apply.

Movement controls will be applied within two zones; a high risk area and a low risk area.

The Red (High Risk) area will cover suburbs containing three or more fire ant sites, while the Orange (Low Risk) Area will cover suburbs with one or two fire ant sites and suburbs bordering the Red (High Risk) Area.

Furthermore, approximately 15,000 ha have been removed from the Restricted Area and declared completely free of any movement restrictions.

Movement Controls

What you need to know

High risk (red) area

Businesses moving restricted goods such as soil, turf, mulch and hay will need an Approved Risk Management Plan.

Movement of soil outside of the Restricted Area requires an inspector’s approval.

Residents wanting to move restricted items in the high risk area can:

• move the material to a waste facility
• treat the material as per guidelines, or
• call a fire ant inspector to obtain approval.

Low risk (orange) area

Businesses moving restricted items outside of the restricted area will need an Approved Risk Management Plan.

There are no restrictions for residents in this zone.

Movement of soil outside of the Restricted Area requires an inspector’s approval.

For more information about restricted items and movement controls, visit www.daff.qld.gov.au/fireants or call 13 25 23.

[prettyfilelink src=”http://qtpa.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/HIGH-RISK-SUBURBS.pdf” type=”pdf”]HIGH RISK SUBURBS[/prettyfilelink]

[prettyfilelink src=”http://qtpa.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/LOW-RISK-SUBURBS.pdf” type=”pdf”]LOW RISK SUBURBS[/prettyfilelink]

[prettyfilelink src=”http://qtpa.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Fire-ant-restricted-area-V45.pdf” type=”pdf”]Fire ant restricted map[/prettyfilelink]

You are urged to report any suspect nests to Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23 or for more information about the changes to the Restricted Area, please visit www.daff.qld.gov.au/fireants.

Please contact one of our Community Engagement Officers on 3310 2873, if you wish to discuss this or any other issue related to the National Red Imported Fire Ant Eradication Program

Jim Vaughan, CEO