For some time, the dreaded fire ant has lingered close to our Queensland border, triggering alerts and increased biosecurity measures in New South Wales.

Only a few days ago, the invasive insects were detected at Tallebudgera, a mere 5.5 kilometres from the state line. This discovery has prompted both state governments to launch urgent action.

Immediately following detection of the ants, the NSW Biosecurity (Invasive Ant Carriers) Control Order 2023 was triggered to prohibit the movement of materials that could bring the ant into NSW. This included movement of materials such as mulch, soil, baled hay and turf being prohibited from within a five kilometres radius of this site without inspection and certification by Queensland authorities.

Alarmingly, fire ants have breached Queensland containment zones six times in the past six weeks as authorities try to stop march to NSW border.

Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty said while the latest nest has been destroyed, it is crucial that residents and businesses in northern NSW be alert for the signs of fire ants and to report any suspected detections.

“This is the closest detection of fire ants to the NSW border since they were first detected at the Port of Brisbane in 2001, and more recently at Mermaid Waters in Queensland, 11.5km north of the border,” Minister Moriarty said. “It is important to keep NSW free from this invasive and aggressive pest, which if established, will have a huge impact on the way we live our lives and could affect our export markets and ability to trade."

“NSW DPI is working closely with the National Fire Ant Eradication Program, Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and northern NSW local government authorities. Residents and businesses should check their properties as finding fire ants early and alerting NSW DPI will increase the chances of successful eradication.”

From Queensland's side, the government has announced a new suppression strategy by creating a horseshoe shaped containment zone; a 10 kilometre wide band that will be blanketed with treatment three times a year. The band extends from Moreton Bay, west to the Lockyer Valley, and south to the Tweed Shire Council in New South Wales. Treatments will include baiting and using dogs to detect new outbreaks.

These sniffer dogs are trained to detect the ant’s scent and can find nests not visible to the human eye. They can also sniff out the foraging pheromone from up to 30 metres away.

But while detection measures are in place, Western Plains residents are urged to keep an eye out for fire ants.

Fire ants are dark reddish-brown with a darker black-brown abdomen and from two to six millimetres long. They look similar to other ants, but their ant nests are distinctive with mounds of loose, crumbly or fluffy looking soil with a honeycomb appearance, up to 40cm high and with no obvious entrance holes.

Red imported fire ants can damage electrical and agricultural equipment, sting people causing allergic reactions, sting pets and livestock, kill native plants and animals as well as damage ecosystems beyond repair.

Residents and businesses should report any sign of fire ants to the NSW DPI on 1800 680 244.