The National Fire Ant Eradication Program’s National Management Group (NMG) met on 24 July 2024 and 12 September 2024.
NMG members received an update on how the Fire Ant Suppression Taskforce will deliver critical fire ant suppression activities across 9 local government areas in 2024-25. The work plan covers an area of more than 650,000 hectares and includes:
- continuing the successful delivery of targeted community self-treatment projects in areas where fire ant populations are high
- mobilising government agencies to manage fire ants on land they own or manage in the suppression area
- equipping primary producers and large landholders with the skills and equipment needed to keep fire ants at bay
- introducing a new responsive treatment model whereby residents are encouraged to self-treat fire ants on their properties.
The NMG recognised the significant amount of work being done to deliver the Fire ant response plan 2023-27. Members were advised that the community continue to support the work of NFAEP. This was further evidenced through the NFAEP’s attendance at the Ekka in Brisbane, where almost all of the 28,000 people who visited the stand expressed interest and support for the eradication efforts.
A project update was also provided on the various scientific trials that are underway. This includes seasonal and sequenced treatment, wettable-bait trials and the genetic research being done in collaboration with Australian universities. The objective of these trials is to test new ways to efficiently and effectively undertake activities/techniques to eradicate fire ants.
Members agreed to revising the frequency of NMG meetings from monthly to quarterly. The next meeting will be held on 12 December 2024.