- Crisafulli Government's primary producer fire ant treatment is clearing Scenic Rim farms of invasive fire ant.
- More than one thousand primary producers have joined with State to drive down fire ant numbers on around 125,000 ha in the Scenic Rim region.
- Results prove Labor's lack lustre approach to suppression and governance failures caused ant numbers to multiply.
- Crisafulli Government is delivering better lifestyle through a stronger economy.
The Crisafulli Government has delivered a drastic reduction of fire ants at Scenic Rim farms while showing the biggest hinderance to slowing the spread of ants was the former Labor Government.
Primary producers and larger landholders in the Scenic Rim are celebrating the success after the combination of a primary producer program and aerial suppression over the last year are delivering results.
Since scaling up in early 2025, the Queensland Government's Fire Ant Suppression Taskforce (FAST) primary producer project has been stamping out fire ant densities with a range of new initiatives including free fire ant treatment products, training and equipment to help farmers self-manage infestations on their farms.
In another example of the Crisafulli Government's commitment to extension, three additional farm extension officers have been working directly with primary producers to combat the super pest.
This is in addition to the Crisafulli Government's $24 million investment for large landholders which has delivered 62,294 hectares of aerial suppression treatment in the Scenic Rim Regional Council area.
During Labor's decade of decline, fire ants broke containment lines and spread to spread to more than 800 thousand hectares.
Fire ants pose a serious threat and can harm humans, animals, and livestock. If left untreated, the potential losses to Australia's agricultural industry are estimated at $381 million annually.
Biosecurity is the linchin of Queensland's primary industries. It is what keeps industries viable, and is integral to meeting the Crisafulli Government's ambitious goal of reaching $30 billion in primary industries production by 2030.
In just over a year, the Crisafulli Government is delivering clear results by addressing the ballooning ant numbers left by Labor in the suppression zone.
Minister for Primary Industries, Tony Perrett said more than 1,000 primary producers had partnered with us to treat this invasive pest across 125,000 hectares, and early results are incredibly positive.
"Those actively treating their properties are seeing real progress in the fight against fire ants," Minister Perrett said.
"The success from the primary producer program and the aerial suppression clearly shows what can be achieved when farmers are supported with the tools and equipment they need to manage their land.
"Involved farms have gone from heavy infestations to little or no detectable activity in some areas, which is an incredible outcome."
Member for Scenic Rim, Jon Krause said the results from proactive primary producers working with the State are worth celebrating.
"For a decade under Labor the problem continued to get worse and worse due to inaction and lack of support, and finally the problem is being addressed," Mr Krause said.
"I encourage all primary producers to get involved with the confidence others have seen results."
'It is not just a rural problem – fire ants are in suburbia as well. I have seen videos from America where people can't even have a barbecue in their yard without being overrun by fire ants. That's not much of a life.'
In June 2024 Scenic Rim primary producer Len Potts had an average of 366 nests per hectare in his hay paddock.
Mr. Potts has been involved in the program, and no nests were found when it was surveyed a few weeks ago.
"I've seen livestock, particularly calves and fowls, die from fire ant stings. The severity of these ants can't be underestimated," he said.
"This program works, we can beat these pests with the right support and a commitment to proper treatment; primary producers and residents can protect their property and be part of the solution."
For assistance to self-manage fire ants on your land with free treatment products and support until June 2026 visit the website.
