For those who didn’t know; we have red imported fire ants on the Gold Coast and they’re on the move!
As of 15 February 2016: Coomera, Upper Coomera and Willowvale which were previously free of restrictions are now considered to be low risk restricted areas.
Alberton, Beenleigh, Eagleby, Ormeau, Stapylton, Tamborine, and Yatala have now been declared high risk restricted areas.
So why is this happening??
- The greatest contribution to the movement and spread of red imported fire ants is human intervention.
- In other words PEOPLE (feel free to use the term idiots) ARE SPREADING THEM BY CARRYING MATERIALS CONTAINING FIRE ANTS INTO NEW AREAS!
Any sites (Commercial or Domestic) where earthworks are to be undertaken in these areas must be inspected for red imported fire ants within 28 days
prior to works being carried out. Inspections can only be undertaken by a person who has attended the fire ant identification course conducted by Bio-Security Queensland.
- We have staff who are certified to do this for you at no charge.
Only businesses that have a Fire Ant Risk Management Plan (F.A.R.M.P) approved by Bio-Security Queensland are permitted to perform earthworks in the restricted zones.
- Micro Excavations has an Approved Fire Ant Risk Management Plan (Approved Plan No: 6149).
No material (Soil, Sand, Mulch, Gravels, Road Base, Green Waste, Turf, Sleepers & Logs), can be transported out of the restricted zones.
- If you do need material carted away, we have access to tip sites within the restricted zones.
Heavy fines are in place (up to $1.1m ) for non-compliance for both individuals and companies alike.
More information is available from Bio-Security Queensland’s’ website at…
https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/plants/weeds-pest-animals-ants/invasive-ants/fire-ants/general-information-about-fire-ants
The ants release a pheromone that attracts others from the colony while they repeatedly sting their victim.
Micro Excavations