The National Fire Ant Eradication Program’s (the program) National Management Group (NMG) met on 12 December 2024.
Members received an update on the progress being made delivering the Fire Ant Response Plan 2023–27.
Key highlights:
- 186,649 ha treated across Moreton Bay, Somerset, Scenic Rim, Lockyer Valley, Gold Coast and Redland City, as of 30 October 2024.
- Over 22,000 new households signed up for the community self-treatment initiative – led by the Fire Ant Suppression Taskforce.
- A significant reduction in fire ant nests on Minjerribah, indicating notable progress since the initial detection in July 2023.
There was also discussion about the success of the Industry and Council Collaboration Network meeting in November and strengthened program backing. Conversation focused on compliance checks on businesses handling or transporting materials that can carry fire ants such as soil, hay, turf and potted plants.
The NMG approved 6-monthly updates on the Strategic Program Review (2021) and Queensland Audit Office recommendations, ensuring transparency and accountability as the program moves forward.