Continued Fire Ant Treatment in Murwillumbah Post-Wet Season

“Leemo has views on just about anything”

‘ASK A ‘SIMPLE’ QUESTION… but BEWARE’

‘Mum, do you buy my treats from that nice ‘Woolys’ shop? It’s just that I heard that ‘cos the ‘Woolys’ shop didn’t have any cheapie Australia Day stu imported from China on sale this year some people are very cross; some EVEN boycotting ‘Woolys’. Mum, HOW will you get my treats from there if there are protesters blocking the entry and maybe calling you bad names?’

Hmmm. e old woman just stared at me, with a look that would chill a penguin. (it’s ‘Leemo Cat here in ‘discussion’ with ‘Mum Jane’). She slowly put her book aside and quite contrary to normal, spoke to me calmly. ‘Leems, I quite frankly truly believe we have more than adequate stu being imported from China for sale in Australia right now.

‘Wooly’s’ made an astute business decision not to stock things that don’t sell which I believe is very wise on their part.’ I went to speak & she put her hand up & told me to be quiet as she wasn’t nished. Eeek!

‘Leems, China also has a day similar to ‘Australia’ Day. It is on October 1st. and started in 1949, to commemorate the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Festivities include reworks and concerts in the capital Beijing, with the focus on Tiananmen Square.’ (And don’t ask about Tiananmen Square on 15/4/1989 Gottit?)

‘Leems, I confess I am no expert on China, but I am NOT aware of Australia exporting stu in the ‘celebratory’

National Day themed goods TO China labelled ‘Made in Australia.’ Kinda like stu ed Pandas, Chairman Mao Memorabilia, Chinese Knots, Chopsticks, Chicken-ChowMein, Spring Rolls, Cloisonné artefacts & so on. And yet, bloody hell, WE import all sorts of Australia Day themed stu from China like stu ed Koalas, Kangaroos, Kookaburras, ongs, Boomerangs, Flags, T-Shirts, Hats? Next thing I know my CWA BRANCH will be importing Lamingtons & Scones for the 100th Anniversary of the CWA in Lismore in Nov. If this comes to pass, I shall certainly protest. WELL, c’mon Leems, you smartypants cat; explain this conundrum.’ OMG! Crikey! I’ve had quite enough of this. ‘MUM, you are nothing more than an vexatious old woman; I ask a simple question regarding whether you buy my treats from ‘Woolys’, but, as usual, you’ve turned an amiable chat, this time about my ‘food’ sources, into something contentious (you’re talking to yourself ‘cos I’ve turned a deaf ear to your blather) bordering on Trade Agreements between Australia & China. Get o your stupid soap-box and answer my question; DO you buy treats for me from ‘Woolys’ and where will you get them if you can’t go in there ‘cos of protesters? Well? She rolled her eyes & glared, tempting me to bite the hurty bit of her ankle. ‘Leemo, your special diet Vet Recommended treats come from various sources at great expense to myself. What I’m trying to get across to you is that we should buy as much as we can of goods MADE IN AUSTRALIA, not imported stu . And YEP, I will continue to shop at ‘Woolys’ & take a big stick with me to smack people who antagonize me. So, are you satis ed you treat obsessed cat, yet again thinking only about yourself.’ Oh thank the Lord, my feline friend ‘Treasure’ just texted and invited me on a picnic. Nitey, Leemo,

Due to recent heavy rainfall affecting the treatment of fre ants in and around Murwillumbah, the National Fire Ant Eradication Program (NFAEP) and NSW DPI have announced a temporary pause in their treatment activities. The program is set to resume once the ground conditions improve. The Tweed incident, separate from the recent discovery of fre ants in Wardell, south of Ballina, is receiving special attention. The NFAEP’s engagement team, which has garnered positive feedback and interest from Murwillumbah residents and business owners, aims to resume treatment after the wet conditions subside.

Despite having engaged with over 1,200 individuals in the area and receiving more than 500 calls about suspected fre ants, none of the reports have been confrmed as fre ants. The only confrmed detection in the Tweed region remains at the South Murwillumbah industrial estate, identifed in late November 2023.

The next phase of the emergency response in South Murwillumbah involves treating and inspecting properties within the 500 m to 5 km section of the designated Movement Control Area. Ensuring the thorough examination and treatment of all properties in this zone, visible fre ants or not, is crucial to safeguarding residents and businesses from the potential harm caused by these invasive pests.

Landowner Consent:

The NFAEP emphasizes the importance of written consent from landowners to access their properties for treatment. The team has been actively seeking consent through door-knocking efforts. Treatment can only proceed with the explicit written consent of the property owner.

Mayor of Tweed Shire, Chris Cherry, urges landowners and tenants within the 5 km zone in Murwillumbah to promptly sign the online consent form, emphasizing the collective responsibility to protect the community and local businesses.

How to Provide Consent:

1. Visit freants.org. au/south-murwillumbahfre-ant-detection.

2. Review information on the safe chemical used for treatment.

3. Complete the online consent form at ants.daf.qld.gov.au/tableof-contents/propertyinformation-form/

Once consent is granted, residents are urged to inform the NFAEP of any access restrictions and potential hazards on their property before the treatment team’s visit. This includes details about locked gates, pets, and property access issues.

Mayor Cherry emphasizes the shared responsibility of keeping the area fre ant-free and urges residents to report any suspicious ants or nests online at freants. org.au or by calling 13 25 23.

For additional information, including movement controls, refer to the NSW DPI website at dpi.nsw.gov. au/fre-ants.