The NSW Government has today confirmed that an immature fire ants nest has been detected and treated on a property site in Tweed Heads.
The NSW biosecurity plan and team swiftly moved into action after a report of suspected ants late yesterday. The immature (non-reproductive) nest has been treated this morning to destroy the nest.
A large team comprised of the National Program and NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development staff undertook a survey of the immediate 500 metres surrounding the site to check for any other fire ant activity.
A genetic analysis has commenced of the specimen fire ants to determine the likely source. This is supported with the tracing any movements of materials and engaging with the landholder.
A new Biosecurity Emergency Control order will be issued establishing a 5km zone to restrict movement of high risk materials and undertake any required steps to control and treat.
Fire ants (Solenopsis invicta) are prohibited under the NSW Biosecurity Act 2015 and high-risk materials are restricted from the fire ant infested areas of south-east Queensland.
The NSW Government has taken strong steps in attacking the threat of fire ants including increasing funding under the former Government of $15 million to $95 million.
This increase in resourcing and funding has meant the NSW Government's fire ant response teams are well equipped to swiftly respond to fire ant nest sightings.
Work done to increase awareness in NSW has resulted in this report and shows the effectiveness of community involvement.
Other proactive steps taken include the banning of the movement of turf and hay from infected Queensland sites entering NSW, plus running frequent border inspection patrols with the NSW Police tagged Operation Victa.
The last Operation Victa exercise was held in mid-May where the NSW Minister for Agriculture attended the inspection site to meet with officers.
The operation was a success, with 289 vehicles stopped, 11 penalty notices issued for breaching the fire ant emergency order, and 11 vehicles ordered to return to Queensland.
To date, 676 vehicles have been stopped during Victa operations, 24 vehicles have been directed to return to Queensland after failing to meet entry requirements.
Two Queensland businesses were in February this year separately convicted in the NSW Local Court of breaching biosecurity regulations designed to protect NSW from red imported fire ants and in total ordered to pay $60,000.
