22 May 2024
- Treatment is the only proven way to eradicate fire ants once and for all.
- The National Fire Ant Eradication Program must access 100% of targeted properties to ensure eradication success in Wardell, New South Wales.
- Wardell residents are asked to provide treatment consent so fire ant teams can complete critical eradication work.
Residents in Wardell, New South Wales, are encouraged to let fire ant teams onto their properties to deliver critical eradication treatment – treatment has already started in certain areas.
The National Fire Ant Eradication Program (the program) must treat 100% of all targeted properties, regardless of whether fire ants are visible or not, to ensure eradication success.
Eradication treatment will be conducted on nearly 900 sites within 2 km of the detection site, further protecting the area and ensuring no undetected fire ants exist.
The program will deliver fire ant treatment using aircraft, utility terrain vehicles, and ground teams with handheld spreaders. Aerial treatment proves to be one of the quickest and most cost-effective methods, enabling fire ant teams to treat large areas efficiently.
Fire ant treatment is safe for people, animals, and the environment and is approved by the Australian Pesticide and Veterinary Medicines Authority. The treatment contains the same active ingredient commonly found in household and agricultural pest control products, but at a much lower concentration.
Eradication efforts will continue for years to come. Residents can expect fire ant teams to treat their properties multiple times over several years, followed by extensive surveillance.
How you can help
The National Fire Ant Eradication Program requires the consent of landowners to access properties in New South Wales.
If you are within the target area and have not already provided consent, it is important to do so as soon as possible.
The property information form enables landowners to advise of access restrictions, such as locked gates, animals, and waterways.
To provide treatment consent, please complete the property information form at: fireants.org.au/property-form
Visit fireants.org.au or call 13 25 23 to learn more about fire ants and eradication treatment.
Ashley Bacon, Executive Program Director – National Fire Ant Eradication Program:
“We must treat 100% of all targeted properties whether fire ants are visible or not,” he said.
“Treatment can only be applied when conditions are suitable, which means rain, wind, and unfavourable weather could impact the delivery and timing of treatment. We are making the most of each available day and are here to get the job done.
“Eradication is a national priority and is only possible if we all work together – the community, industry, and all levels of government.”
Cr Sharon Cadwallader, Mayor – Ballina Shire Council
“Now is the time for us to put a proactive foot forward and let fire ant teams in so they can do their important work and safeguard our region from fire ants,” she said.
“If you have not already provided the National Fire Ant Eradication Program with consent to treat your property, I urge you to jump online and complete a property information form.
“Treatment has proven to be the only way we can eradicate this invasive pest – we must rally to protect our community, outdoor way of life, local agricultural sector, and businesses.”
Scott Charlton, Chief Invasive Species Officer – Department of Primary Industries (NSW)
“Eradicating fire ants is not easy, but we can do it with eradication treatment and fire ant-safe practices in place in New South Wales – everyone plays an important role,” he said.
“We need to continue working closely with the National Fire Ant Eradication Program and Ballina Shire Council to facilitate thorough treatment and ongoing surveillance in Wardell.
“Our Biosecurity (Fire Ant) Emergency Order remains to prevent this pest from spreading.
“This biosecurity order restricts the movement of materials and machinery that can carry fire ants such as soil, hay, mulch, manure, quarry products, turf, and potted plants.”