Fire ant biosecurity zone changes

23 August 2022

As of 1 September 2022 new suburbs will be added to the fire ant biosecurity zones.

As of 1 September 2022 new suburbs will be added to the fire ant biosecurity zones. Fire ant biosecurity zones apply to anyone who works with materials that can carry fire ants, sourced from inside the zones.

The zones cover the Lockyer Valley, parts of Ipswich and the Scenic Rim (Zone 1) and parts of Ipswich, Logan, Brisbane, Redlands and the Gold Coast (Zone 2).

New areas are being added for one or more reasons, including that the suburbs:

• have received or are receiving eradication treatment
• are surrounded by suburbs that are included in the fire ant biosecurity zones
• have experienced repeat infestation
• are likely to become infested through spread from a neighbouring suburb.

There are rules for anyone moving soil, hay, mulch, manure, quarry materials, turf and potted plants originating in one of the zones. Anyone working with these materials is legally obliged to check the fire ant biosecurity zones and, if required, use fire ant-safe practices before moving them to a new location (Biosecurity Regulation 2016).

The rules include risk mitigation strategies that you are legally required to follow if working with or disposing of materials that may carry fire ants. In some situations, this may require applying for a biosecurity instrument permit. There are fines for breaching the rules.

More information, including the new fire ant biosecurity zone maps and a Fire Ant Compliance Advice Tool can be found on the National Fire Ant Eradication Program website.