Fire ant movement approvals set to change 1 January 2016

December 2015

On 1 July 2016, new Biosecurity legislation (Biosecurity Act 2014 and Regulation) will commence. This will mean changes to movement controls for people inside the restricted areas moving restricted items. With these changes Approved Risk Management Plans will no longer be used.

To assist with the transition to the new legislation, on 1 January 2016 there will be changes to movement approvals implemented by the National Red Imported Fire Ant Eradication Program. Movement approvals will still be required for the movement of restricted items within the restricted areas and from within the restricted areas to outside the restricted areas—they will be issued as inspector’s approvals instead of risk management plans. It should be noted that existing Approved Risk Management Plans and inspector’s approvals will remain valid until 30 June 2016.

Director of the National Red Imported Fire Ant Eradication Program, Ms Sarah Corcoran, said that it is up to everyone to play their part in halting the spread of fire ants. This means that people moving fire ant restricted items are obligated to have the relevant movement approvals before moving these items.

To find out what movement approvals you require before moving fire ant restricted items, or for more information, visit www.daf.qld.gov.au/fireants or call 13 25 23.