Queensland’s Fire Ant Eradication Program
This factsheet is about Queensland’s Fire Ant Eradication Program and how you can raise your concerns to the state government.
Summary
Key takeaways
Red imported fire ants pose a significant biosecurity risk to Queensland. Queensland’s Fire Ant Eradication Program (Program) is regulated by the state government under the Biosecurity Act 2014 (Qld).
Chemicals used in the Program are subject to federal permitting under the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Code Act 1994 (Cth). Despite the potential for bait treatments containing pesticides such as pyriproxyfen causing damage to the health of people, wildlife and environment, it is widely applied in Queensland.
Key actions
If you have concerns about the Program you can make a complaint directly to Department of Primary Industries (DPI).
If you are not satisfied with DPI’s response, you may wish to lodge a complaint with the Queensland Ombudsman.
You may also wish to consider:
- creating a petition;
- encouraging other individuals or groups who share your concerns or views to join you in lobbying; and/or
- contacting the media with your views on the Program.
