Ag Minister assures residents on fire ants

Residents in Lockyer Valley, Scenic Rim, Somerset and Ipswich have been assured that fire ant nests in their area are being eradicated under a nationally-agreed biosecurity strategy.

Acting Agriculture Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said he was concerned about misinformation and wanted residents to know that the first round of a two-year eradication program was already under way to eradicate red imported fire ants.

 “The first of three rounds of bait treatment is being applied between this month and June 2018, and will continue for two consecutive years in this region to eradicate fire ants,” he said.

“Our biosecurity officers can’t treat fire ant nests in wet weather as the chemicals used are ineffective in the wet conditions, so the recent rain, while welcome, has delayed treatment.

“Obviously, it would be a waste of taxpayers’ money to treat fire ant nests in wet weather.”

Dr Lynham said he was disappointed that the Opposition’s agriculture spokesperson was unnecessarily raising alarm among residents in the Lockyer Valley, Scenic Rim, Somerset and Ipswich.

“It is very disappointing to see misleading statements from the LNP, when this serious issue should be bipartisan biosecurity response,” he said.

 “I appreciate that politicking goes on, but this is a serious biosecurity issue covered by a national agreement with the Commonwealth and all states and territories.

 “I am sure all Queenslanders would prefer to see a bipartisan effort on fire ants.”

 Dr Lynham has today offered the Member a briefing onthe $411 million 10-year eradication plan, as he did not attend the one already offered to all MPs in Parliament on 8 August or the demonstration and display in Parliament on 6 September.

 “I thank members of the public for their assistance in identifying fire ant nests and their co-operation with the eradication program,” he said.

Media: Adrian Taylor 0448 994 172