Following the eradication of the five red imported fire ants nests at South Murwillumbah on the weekend, the state government says it has been further implementing its fire ant plan by focusing on tracing, surveillance and educating local businesses and the community.
Detection dogs have been on location today (Tuesday) inspecting local high-risk premises that are linked to materials that red imported fire ants like to nest and travel in, such as soil, mulch, quarry products, potted plants and baled materials.
The on-ground teams from the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) have also reportedly been in communication with those businesses within the five-kilometre biosecurity control zone advising them of their biosecurity obligations under the emergency order.
The state government says it is working with businesses to facilitate low-risk businesses to get back to normal as soon as possible.
‘The NSW government is working closely with the Tweed Shire Council and the National Program that is led by Queensland, to ensure we’re keeping the community and key stakeholders updated and applying all available resources to the area,’ NSW Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty says.
‘A community information bus is now outside Tweed Shire Council Chambers (10-14 Tumbulgum Road, Murwillumbah) for locals to obtain more information about what they can do to help stop the spread of these invasive pests.’
‘I urge everyone in the local area to check their premises, yards and paddocks for the red imported fire ants and then reporting any suspected sighting immediately.’
Residents and businesses can report any suspicious ant activity to 1800 680 244 or by visiting www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/
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