Update – Fire ants in Gladstone

Please find below a quick update on the situation in Yarwun, Gladstone.

Since the confirmation of fire ants at Fisherman’s Landing, surveillance of all suitable habitat within a 6km radius of the detection has been completed. We have not detected any infestation outside an area 2 kilometres from the initial site on Fisherman’s Landing. The Fisherman’s Landing site remains the likely site of establishment of the incursion and the core of the infested area in Yarwun.

Approximately 60 nests have been identified across five sites, with four sites located at Yarwun and one on Curtis Island. All nests have been treated by direct nest injection with a contact insecticide and baiting of the immediate area with an insect growth regulator. Two rounds of aerial treatment of granular baits has been completed on Fisherman’s Landing and Curtis Island. In total, seven rounds of treatment will be conducted over the next two years.

You would have recently received the updated fire ant restricted area map for South East Queensland. In order to minimise the risk of fire ant spread, Biosecurity Queensland has also established a high risk restricted area in the Yarwun, Targinnie and Curtis Island areas of Gladstone. Please find a link to the Gladstone restricted area map attached http://www.daff.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0015/147030/rifa-gladstone-restricted-area.pdf

The Restricted Area was declared on 26th March and strict movement controls are now in place for businesses within the area. Further information can be obtained by calling 13 25 23.

We have trained over 600 industry, council and state government personnel in fire ant awareness including identification, impacts and movement controls. The level of support and cooperation we have received from affected businesses and key stakeholders has been overwhelming and has made our job that much easier. Due to this continuing support, we have been able to contain the pest and treat all known infestations.

It is important to reiterate that our genetic tests show that the fire ants in Gladstone are a new incursion in Australia and not related to either the previous Yarwun detection in 2006, or the South East Queensland incursion.

As always, if you would like more information or have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Kimmy Wolfenden

Senior Liaison Officer
Biosecurity Queensland

Emailkimmy.wolfenden@daff.qld.gov.auMobile 0434 562 964
Websitewww.daff.qld.gov.auCustomer Service Centre 13 25 23