- Crisafulli Government commits an additional $6 million to support ongoing Yellow Crazy Ant Eradication Program (YCAEP).
- The YCAEP has achieved the world's largest recorded eradication of Yellow Crazy Ants.
- Invasive pest poses a threat to biodiversity, agriculture, and Cairns' $4.8 billion tourism industry.
- After 10 years of decline under Labor, the Crisafulli Government is protecting our natural environment.
The Crisafulli Government is ramping up the fight against one of the world's worst invasive species, with an additional $6 million committed as part of ongoing 10-year funding program to eradicate yellow crazy ants from the Wet Tropics region.
This investment delivers on the Crisafulli Government's election commitment to support the Yellow Crazy Ant Eradication Program, led by the Wet Tropics Management Authority (WTMA).
The program has now achieved the largest recorded eradication of yellow crazy ants in the world, covering more than 1076 hectares, including 63 hectares within the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area.
WTMA has also cleared yellow crazy ants from more than 1700 residential properties in Bentley Park and Edmonton, south of Cairns, and is currently managing more than 2100 hectares, including approximately 350 hectares within the World Heritage Area.
Yellow crazy ants are listed among the world's 100 worst invasive species. Known for forming 'super colonies', the ants pose a significant threat to endemic species, native wildlife, agriculture, infrastructure, and the far north Queensland lifestyle.
Minister for the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation Andrew Powell said the program is invaluable to industries across Queensland after 10 years of decline under Labor.
"The Crisafulli Government is delivering $6 million to support this program, to help protect our natural environment from yellow crazy ants," Minister Powell said.
"WTMA's world-leading eradication program is protecting the region's iconic landscapes and safeguarding our tourism economy.
"We're using management plans driven by science to ensure there is confidence in our great state when the eyes of the world turn to Queensland in 2032."
Member for Cook David Kempton said locals played a large role in the success of this initiative.
"The success of this program has only been possible through the tireless efforts of the local community, industry and government working together," Mr Kempton said.
"To have achieved such a world-leading result for our agriculture, infrastructure and native wildlife is great news for Far North Queenslanders."
Member for Barron River and Assistant Minister for Tourism Bree James said the impact of this eradication program cannot be understated.
"Tourism supports one in six jobs in Far North Queensland," Ms James said.
"Keeping our region crazy ant-free is not just crucial for pest management, it's critical to our very way of life."
Member for Mulgrave Terry James said he's proud to be part of a government taking this issue so seriously.
"Their ability to spit acid and swarm prey makes these ants a really dangerous pest," Mr James said.
"I'm proud to see the Crisafulli Government commit more funding to keep this record-breaking eradication program in action.
"The team have done an amazing job on the eradication program thus far and it is great to see this important work continue."
WTMA Board Chair Chrissy Grant said the eradication program had evolved into a global benchmark for invasive species management.
"What we've achieved over the past decade shows the power of science-led management, strong leadership, and genuine community partnerships," Ms Grant said.
