Fire ants could rival cane toad

RED FIRE ants could rival cane toads in their impact on NSW agriculture, says NSW Nationals leader Dugald Saunders, who said Labor is “failing to act” to protect NSW.

Mr Saunders joined MPs from NSW and Queensland to slam the government’s handling of the red fire ant containment, which was last detected about 5.5km from the Tweed Shire. “We cannot say with any certainty that the fire ant is not already in NSW,” Mr Saunders told the media at the NSW-Queensland border marker on Monday, August 7.

Mr Saunders said the “failure of the Commonwealth and other states to commit their funding has resulted in a reduced budget of only $84 million for 2023/24”, which he says is $49 million short of the $133 million required for full eradication.”

“Based on the results of feedback and consultation, the government will develop a plan and timeline for returning Murwillumbah High School and Wollumbin High School.

“Provide a clear outline of future works across at the Murwillumbah schools.

“Collaborate: harness opportunities across Murwillumbah’s school community.

“As the schools return to having their own unique identity, continue ongoing collaboration between staff, finding more opportunities to share learning material and collaborate on curriculum.”

Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin welcomed the minister and expressed how grateful she is for the demerger process.

“I am so grateful that we are able to move forward on our election commitments, returning four schools to the Murwillumbah area as we listen to the community,” she said.

“We are committed to listening, learning, and getting things right in Murwillumbah.”

Member for Tweed Geoff Provest attended the meeting alongside several local and Queensland farmers, and said the arrival of the pest would have a catastrophic impact for the Tweed.

“Fire ants kill off native plants and animals and damage ecosystems beyond repair, they sting people, pets and livestock and can result in the closure of parks, playgrounds and beaches,” Mr Provest said.

The Weekly took the National Party’s concerns to the government for a response and received an update from the Department of Primary Industries instead.

A spokesperson for the Department of Primary Industries said it has a NSW Government commitment of $95 million over four years to “protect and prepare the state for a fire ant invasion”.

“NSW is part of the National Fire Ant Eradication Program, which is focused on the containment and eradication of red imported fire ants,” the DPI spokesperson said.

“The National Response Plan is reviewed and adjusted as required.

The DPI spokesperson said its intent was that fire ants “do not reach NSW”.

“To further prevent red imported fire ants moving into our state, NSW is engaging directly with stakeholders and businesses who are likely to import material from the high-risk areas of south-east Queensland, reminding them of the need to ensure the imported materials comply with the NSW Regulations,” the DPI spokesperson said.”

Residents and businesses should report any sign of fire ants to the NSW DPI on 1800 680 244.