We are all responsible for managing biosecurity risks when dealing with materials that can carry fire ants.
The general biosecurity obligation (GBO)
Under the Biosecurity Act 2014, all Queenslanders have a general biosecurity obligation (GBO) to manage any biosecurity risks and threats. This includes making sure they do not spread fire ants.
Anyone who deals with materials that can carry fire ants is legally required to manage fire ant risks and threats:
- under their control
- that they know about
- that they are expected to know about.
The GBO applies to everyone – individuals, businesses, and organisations.
If you are producing, storing or moving any materials from within the fire ant biosecurity zones, you should do the following:
- look for and report fire ants
- check the fire ant biosecurity zones
- follow movement controls relevant to the materials you are working with, including when buying and selling products
- use our material movement advice tool to find out what rules apply in specific situations
- clean machinery and equipment used when working with materials that can carry fire ants, before moving it off-site
- treat any fire ants you find to reduce the risk of them spreading.
Our officers conduct compliance checks to make sure that businesses and individuals are complying with the rules outlined in the Biosecurity Regulation 2016. There can be penalties if you don’t comply.
New GBO guideline for businesses
This GBO guideline, made under the Biosecurity Act 2014, is for businesses that deal with materials that can carry fire ants.
It explains what steps you should take to fulfil your GBO to reduce the risk of spreading fire ants, including:
- surveillance of high-risk areas on your property and any incoming fire ant carriers
- proactive broadscale and responsive self-treatment
- program-led treatment
- carrier-specific movement requirements
- training
- recordkeeping.