Follow the rules to avoid spreading crazy ants

Cairns residents are reminded of movement restrictions declared around the Yellow Crazy Ant Emergency Quarantine Zone in the Edmonton area, Minister for Natural Resources Craig Wallace said today.

The restrictions, which have been in place since early 2004, are helping the Department of Natural Resources and Water to eliminate the pest, which threatens native animal species, crops and the environment.

Mr Wallace said landholders within the quarantine zone were aware of the quarantine conditions and had been very co-operative with the eradication effort.

However, two Cairns men were recently fined $1,500 for failing to comply with the quarantine notice after a stable was demolished and removed from the quarantine zone.

“I am concerned that new residents, tradespersons and contractors may not be fully aware of the quarantine requirements in place to control a significant pest,” Mr Wallace said.

“Crazy ants have also been detected at sites in south east Queensland. This is why it is so important to abide by the rules to avoid spreading them further afield,” he said

Mr Wallace said the landowners under quarantine receive an emergency notice every three months. The Edmonton site is a 30-hectare rural residential area, backing onto rainforest.

“The emergency quarantine notice requires anyone planning to work or move materials from the restricted area to first contact the landowner, and to make sure they are not carrying any building materials, vegetation, pot plants, soil, fodder or other material or items that could harbour crazy ants,” he said.

“All machinery, soil, rubbish skips and other containers must be checked for crazy ants by a departmental or council officer before they are removed from the quarantine zone.”

Yellow crazy ants can be identified by their erratic walking style and frantic movements.

The adult ants are yellowish tan, about 5 mm in length, with long antennae and a long body.

These ants form super-colonies with many queens that are a significant threat to native bird, animal and plant populations.

The ants spray formic acid as a defense mechanism, especially when disturbed. In large amounts, this acid could burn or irritate the skin and eyes of animals and humans.

Failure to comply with the quarantine conditions can lead to fines of up to $60,000.

For information and advice call 0428 102 704 or check www.nrw.qld.gov.au

Media contact:

Paul Childs 0407 131 654 or paul.childs@ministerial.qld.gov.au