The Northern Rivers Times
December 7, 2023
6 NEWS
Residents from Tweed-Byron urged to keep informed about Red Fire Ants following their discovery in Murwillumbah
Dog detection handler Jordan Christison and his dog Miff from the National Fire Ant Eradication Program on the site where fire ants were identified in the new industrial estate at South Murwillumbah
By Sarah Waters The discovery of red imported fire ants in Murwillumbah on Friday, November 24, has promoted a call to action for Byron Shire residents to learn about the highly invasive species. Byron Shire Mayor Michael Lyon said the discovery of the red fire ants in the neighbouring Tweed Shire was a terrible blow. “Council and the community need to now put our shoulders to the wheel and be proactive in trying to keep red fire ants contained and then eradicated from Northern NSW because there is so much at stake for the environment, farmers, residents and businesses,” Mr Lyon said. “Council staff have been working with NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI), for several months and recently 48 employees took part in training to raise awareness of red fire ants and what to look for. “The discovery of red fire ants at Tallebudgera on the Gold Coast in July was a reminder of the potential of the spread of these dreadful insects
into Northern NSW and the detection of nests at South Murwillumbah last week highlights the need for vigilance and awareness. “We all have an important role to play in this battle because the potential damage to our native wildlife and national parks, our agricultural industry and our outdoor lifestyle is extreme,” he said. The NSW Government issued a Biosecurity (Fire Ant) Emergency Order, which puts in place a Fire Ant Movement Control Area within a 5km radius of the nests found in the new industrial estate at South Murwillumbah. Under this order, the movement of fire ant material out of this 5km area is permitted under specific requirements. It does not affect cattle or produce such as fruit and vegetables, but rather it affects anything that involves carriage of earth-related material. Fire ant carrier material includes, organic mulch, compost, growing media, manure, soil and anything with soil on it, hay, potted plants, turf agricultural equipment. earth moving equipment, mining and quarrying materials,
grass, park and garden vegetation clippings. Fines for breaches of the biosecurity order are up to $1.1 million for individuals and $2.2 million for businesses. Business owners are urged to read the emergency order on the NSW DPI website at www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/ biosecurity/insect-pests/ fire-ants Since the fire ant nest were located, they have been chemically treated, and the surrounding land on the subdivision was baited to help prevent any further outbreak. Meanwhile, a community information drop-in hub has been established at Tweed Shire Council to provide support to businesses and residents. Located in front of Tweed Council’s administration office in Murwillumbah, the information hub is staffed by invasive pest specialists from the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) who have the latest information on hand to answer any questions on the emergency order issued by the NSW Government. NSW DPI investigators are continuing to trace the source of the outbreak, believed to have come from southeast Queensland. Anyone who suspects fire ants on their property is urged not to disturb the nest but to report the activity to the NSW DPI by calling 1800 680 244 or visiting dpi.nsw.gov. au/biosecurity/forms/ report-exotic-ants. More detail on the National Fire Ant Eradication Program can be found online at fireants.org.au.
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