The long arm of the NSW law will reach into the world of insects this week, Solenopsis to be precise, as staff join a biosecurity compliance blitz on the NSW-Queensland Border to ensure that NSW remains free from fire ants.
NSW Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said the NSW Department of Primary Industries would be working with NSW Police to ensure no fire ants slipped through the cracks from today.
‘As well as committing $95 million over the next four years to the National Fire Ant Eradication Program, we are going the extra mile in NSW to ensure we keep these invasive pests out of our state.
Moving landscaping materials and livestock feeds
‘We know that the biggest risk to fire ants spreading into NSW is from people moving landscaping materials or livestock feeds such as baled hay across the border, which is why we have an Emergency Order in place to restrict movement of these materials.
‘Over the next two days, DPI Biosecurity Compliance Officers will work alongside NSW Police to conduct checks on commercial vehicles that are transporting material that could potentially carry fire ants.
‘If vehicles are carrying this material and they are from the known fire ant areas in South East QLD into NSW, they will need to have the correct documentation to transport these materials into NSW, otherwise they will be turned back.’
Ongoing compliance strategy
‘This two-day blitz is one part of the ongoing compliance strategy to increase awareness of fire ants and assist in reducing the threat of fire ants spreading into NSW.’
NSW DPI Chief Invasive Species Officer Scott Charlton said those who breached the Emergency Order could face significant penalties.
‘Fines for breaches of the Emergency Order can reach up to $1.1 million for an individual and up to $2.2 million for a corporation,’ Mr Charlton said.
‘It is essential that everyone knows and understands their duties when bringing fire ant carrier materials into NSW from the known fire ant infested areas in South East Queensland.
A role to play in reducing the risk
‘We all have a role to play in reducing the risk of fire ants spreading into NSW.’
Red imported fire ants cause a severe, burning sting and can cause serious social, economic, and environmental harm as infestations restrict the use of backyards, parks, playgrounds, beaches and sports fields and damage electrical, irrigation and agricultural equipment.
For more information relating to the Biosecurity (Fire Ant) Emergency Order and the requirements for bringing fire ant carrier materials into NSW visit www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fire-ants.
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