New Fire Ant Outbreak in Queensland Prompts Calls for Biosecurity Funding Review

A new fire ant outbreak has been detected in the Darling Downs region of Queensland, marking the furthest west the potentially deadly pests have ever been found in the state. The discovery has prompted calls from farmers and experts for the government to urgently review its biosecurity funding and measures to address the increasing threat posed by the invasive species.

Fire ants are known to be highly aggressive and can deliver a painful sting, posing a risk to both humans and animals. If left unchecked, experts warn that fire ants could swarm across vast areas of Australia, devastating wildlife, agriculture, and communities. The latest outbreak in Queensland has raised fears that the pests could quickly spread to neighboring states like New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia, particularly threatening the ecologically sensitive Murray-Darling Basin.

Why this matters: The spread of fire ants in Australia poses a significant threat to the country's biodiversity, agricultural output, and public health. Urgent action and increased funding are needed to contain and eradicate this invasive species before it causes irreversible damage.

The National Farmers' Federation (NFF) has called on federal, state, and territory governments to urgently increase funding and action to eradicate fire ants. The NFF warns that if not stopped, fire ants could slash agricultural output by up to 40%. A recent Senate inquiry report on fire ants in Australia urged governments to work together and commit to uninterrupted funding to escalate the fight against this destructive pest.

The inquiry found that if fire ants break out of southeast Queensland, they could cost the national economy $2 billion annually. Senators have called for a fresh review to determine if the $1.28 billion committed by governments to 2027 is enough and to guarantee an uninterrupted flow of funding. They also want the government to consider a new model for delivering the eradication program, including an independent statutory agency and a nationally-led commission.

The Invasive Species Council has welcomed the Senate inquiry recommendations, stating that "Australians must understand the threat fire ants pose to their way of life and that the government that walks away from this fight will be judged harshly." The public is being urged to email government leaders to show support for increased action and funding for fire ant eradication, which experts consider a national emergency requiring a full emergency-level response.

The latest fire ant outbreak in the Darling Downs highlights the pressing need for governments at all levels to step up their efforts and funding to eradicate this invasive pest. As the Senate inquiry report noted, "Big changes are needed to defeat the exotic super pest." Without swift and decisive action, fire ants threaten to inflict devastating impacts on Australia's agriculture, environment, economy, and communities for generations to come.

Key Takeaways

• Fire ants detected in Darling Downs, Queensland - furthest west in Australia
• Pose threat to biodiversity, agriculture, and public health if left unchecked
• Could cost the national economy $2 billion annually if spread beyond Queensland
• Governments urged to increase funding and adopt new eradication strategies
• Public support needed to treat fire ants as a national emergency