Rodney Stevens
Clarence Valley residents returning home from Queensland by road are reminded a Biosecurity Emergency Order is in place to prevent potentially destructive fire ants moving into NSW with penalties of up to $2.2 million for bringing materials containing the insects across the border.
In July fire ants were found just 5.5km from the border at Tallebudgera in Queensland sparking the biosecurity alert, and they have also been found at Mermaid Waters, Tabooba, Kleinton, Carrara, Worongary, Mudgeeraba and Innisplain.
The fire ant-specific Emergency Order was put in place last month to help build community awareness of the NSW entry requirements for fire ant carrier materials.
The Emergency Order places restrictions on the movement of fire ant carrier materials including organic mulch, soil and anything with soil on it, hay and baled material, potted plants, turf, agriculture, or earth moving machinery, mining or quarry materials, sand and gravel being moved into NSW from the fire ant infested area of Queensland.
Police and NSW DPI officers stationed on the Queensland border have the power to stop and check vehicles under the Biosecurity Emergency Order for any signs of fire ant carrier materials.
Anyone found in breach of an emergency control order is guilty under the Biosecurity Act of a category two offence.
For an individual the maximum penalty is $1,100,000 and in the case of a continuing offence, a penalty of $137,500 for each day the offence continues.
In the case of a corporation the maximum penalty is $2,200,000, and if the offence continues a further penalty of $275,000 for each day the offence continues applies.
The red imported fire ants Solenopsis Invicta can cause serious social, economic, and environmental harm, and large numbers of ants will swarm onto a person repeatedly stinging, causing the sensation of being on fire.
Infestations can restrict the use of backyards, parks, playgrounds, beaches, and sports fields and can damage agricultural, electrical and irrigation equipment.
Fire ants feed on seeds, insects, spiders, lizards, frogs, birds, and mammals and can displace or kill off native plants and animals, altering an ecosystem beyond repair.
The presence of fire ants also limits the ability to export goods to states or countries that are free of fire ants.
It is crucial that residents and businesses in northern NSW check their properties for nests and call NSW DPI on 1800 680 244 if there is any sign of fire ants, as early detection will increase the chances of successful eradication.