The NSW Government has today confirmed that an immature fire ant nest has been detected and treated on a property site in Tweed Heads.

The NSW biosecurity plan and team swiftly moved into action after a report of suspected ants late yesterday. The immature (non-reproductive) nest has been treated this morning to destroy the nest.

A large team comprised of the National Program and NSW Depratment of Prim ary Industries and Regional Development staff undertook a survey of the immediate 500 metres surrounding the site to check for any other fire ant activity. 

A genetic analysis has commenced of the specimen fire ants to determine the likely source. This is supported by tracing any movements of materials and engaging with the landholder. 

A new Biosecurity Emergency Control order will be issued establishing a 5km zone to restrict movement of high risk materials and undertake any required steps to control and treat.

Fire ants (Solenopsis invicta) are prohibited under the NSW Biosecurity Act 2015, and high-risk materials are restricted from the fire ant-infested areas of south-east Queensland.

The NSW Government has taken strong steps in attacking the threat of fire ants including increasing funding under the former Government of $15 million to $95 million. 

This increase in resourcing and funding has meant the NSW Government’s fire ant response teams are well equipped to swiftly respond to fire ant nest sightings.

Work done to increase awareness in NSW has resulted in this report and shows the effectiveness of community involvement.

Other proactive steps taken include the banning of the movement of turf and hay from infected Queensland sites entering NSW, plus running frequent border inspection patrols with the NSW Police tagged Operation Victa.

The last Operation Victa exercise was held in mid-May where the NSW Minister for Agriculture attended the inspection site to meet with officers.

The operation was a success, with 289 vehicles stopped, 11 penalty notices issued for breaching the fire ant emergency order, and 11 vehicles ordered to return to Queensland. 

To date, 676 vehicles have been stopped during Victa operations, 24 vehicles have been directed to return to Queensland after failing to meet entry requirements. 

Two Queensland businesses were in February this year separately convicted in the NSW Local Court of breaching biosecurity regulations designed to protect NSW from red imported fire ants and in total ordered to pay $60,000.

Tweed residents should call the helpline on 1800 680 244 or submit an online form to report any suspected fire ants at www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fire-ants.

Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said, “The NSW fire ants’ systems and response plan are in action, and the resources required for each phase of activity are on the ground today and over the coming days.

“This detection highlights that our Government’s preparation and education within the Northern Rivers community on preventing and detecting fire ants has fostered a vigilant local community and businesspeople.

“An investigation was immediately commenced following the report of suspected fire ants and the discovery of an immature nest led to its destruction.

“The NSW Government is committed to proactive early detection surveillance, focusing on high-risk areas and employing advanced tracking and modelling techniques.

“Biosecurity is a shared responsibility, and we need everyone working together to manage the threat of fire ants.”

“Breaching the emergency biosecurity order carries penalties of up to $1.1 million for an individual and up to $2.2 million for a corporation.

NSW Chief Invasive Species Officer Scott Charlton said, "Investigations and surveillance are underway following this detection; however, the fact that the nest was immature, or non-productive, is reassuring.

“A vigilant pest control contractor at the site quickly identified suspected fire ants. This is yet another reminder that vigilance, awareness and early detection are critical to keep these things out of NSW.

“The NSW team has completed more than 1,900 surveillance events across the state, to prevent the spread of fire ants from infested areas of Queensland, including proactive early detection surveillance across high-risk sites. 

“The initiative is focusing on high-risk locations identified through tracing fire ant carrier materials, such as turf, soil, and other landscaping materials, along with areas highlighted by habitat suitability modelling.”