The Queensland Government has announced a $24 million funding boost to supercharge fire ant suppression across the southeast, with immediate ramp-up of aerial treatments and the addition of 12 critical contractors on the ground.
The Invasive Species Council (ISC) welcomed the announcement, praising Premier David Crisafulli and Agricultural Minister Mark Furner for “important leadership and action.”
Fire ants are among Australia’s most dangerous invasive pests. They pose a growing risk to health, biodiversity, agriculture and property, with south east Queensland at the centre of the battle.
According to Reece Pianta, Advocacy Manager at ISC, “This announcement matches directly with what we’ve been calling for and shows the new Queensland government is listening and has clearly prioritised the fire ant threat.”
For Gold Coast residents already dealing with the aftermath of Cyclone Kirrily, the fight against fire ants is becoming personal.
More than 50 Queenslanders have been stung since the cyclone, many from the Gold Coast and Logan regions, highlighting the urgency. Without proper suppression, fire ants could soon reach more populated coastal areas, impacting tourism, outdoor events and daily life.
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🧪 A full eradication plan will cost $378.56 million from 2027 to 2031.
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🐜 Over 50 Queenslanders have been stung by fire ants since the last cyclone.
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💸 Fire ants could cost the economy $2 billion annually if not eradicated.
“This is shaping up to be a major election issue in Queensland,” said Pianta. “We’re hearing from communities in key seats like Blair, Dickson and Ryan that they are watching closely to see which federal parties step up with increased funding.”
ISC argues that without matched federal funding, suppression efforts won’t be enough to contain the pests, especially as their range expands. “Fire ants aren’t just a financial burden – they’re a health and environmental nightmare,” Pianta said.
Fire ants entered Australia in the late 1990s via freight from the US. Since then, they’ve spread through the southern United States and parts of China at rates up to 80 km a year. In Australia, they’re advancing up to 30 km annually in ideal conditions. A 2021 government study warned that failure to invest now would saddle Australia with a $2 billion annual cost forever.
All eyes are now on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton to match Queensland’s $24 million pledge.
ISC is calling for free treatment kits, more council support, and strong federal action before fire ants spill into other states.