The NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) has further implemented its fire ant plan by focusing on tracing, surveillance and educating local businesses and the community following the eradication of five red imported fire ants nests at South Murwillumbah over the weekend.
In a statement, the Department said detection dogs had been on location today 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 DPI teams have also been in communication with those businesses within the 5km biosecurity control zone advising them of their biosecurity obligations under the emergency order.
“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,” said NSW Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty.
The Minister said the NSW Government was working closely with the Tweed Shire Council and the national program, which is led by Queensland, to keep the community and key stakeholders updated and all available resources applied to the area.
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.
Residents and businesses can report any suspicious ant activity to 1800 680 244launch or by visiting the Department of Primary Industries.
