- Crisafulli Government delivers 86 per cent reduction on average of fire ants across larger land parcels in South East Queensland.
- Super charged investment of $10.5 million in this year’s Budget to continue driving down fire ant numbers.
- More than 185,000 hectares already treated by aerial application across seven local government areas.
- The Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland’s future and a better lifestyle through a stronger economy after a decade of decline under Labor.
The Crisafulli Government has delivered a significant reduction in the number of fire ants across South East Queensland, while also announcing further funding for effective treatment measures.
While Labor sat and watched the super pest march across communities, the Crisafulli Government’s $24 million boost in aerial suppression has seen fire ant populations reduce by 86 per cent on average in some of the most heavily infested areas.
Given this success, a $10.5 million commitment has been made in the 2026-2027 budget to supercharge Queensland’s fight against fire ants, further turning the tide after Labor’s decade of decline saw infestations spike.
More than 185,000 hectares of land has already been treated across the Scenic Rim, Ipswich City, Logan City, Gold Coast City, Brisbane City, Redland City and Somerset local government areas, supporting broader eradication efforts.
The latest Budget commitment complements the Crisafulli Government’s investment to date of $61 million to the Fire Ant Suppression Taskforce program, which is over and above Queensland’s financial contribution to the eradication effort under the National Fire Ant Eradication Program.
By reducing fire ant populations in the most heavily infested areas, the Crisafulli Government is supporting the National Fire Ant Eradication Program to achieve its goal of eradicating fire ants from Australia by 2032.
During Labor’s decade of decline, fire ants broke containment lines and marched across more than 800 thousand hectares due to inadequate funding and governance failures.
Fire ants pose a serious threat to Queensland’s environment and can harm humans, animals and livestock. If left untreated, the potential losses to Australia’s agricultural industry are estimated at $381 million annually.
Biosecurity is the linchpin of Queensland’s primary industries; it keeps industries viable and is integral to meeting the Crisafulli Government’s ambitious goal of reaching $30 billion in primary industries production by 2030.
Primary Industries Minister Tony Perrett said the early results were extremely positive and the Government would continue to invest in effective treatments to stop the spread of the super pest.
“There has been significant work into fire ant suppression after Labor’s decade of decline saw fire ant populations explode through governance failures and an inability to implement recommendations of key reviews,” Minister Perrett said.
“The State Budget commitment ensures the Fire Ant Suppression Taskforce can continue working with its partners in South East Queensland to suppress fire ant populations and support national eradication activities, following the success of a two year record injection to supercharge efforts.
“Reducing fire ant densities by 86 per cent on average is a significant milestone but there is still more crucial work to be done.
‘We cannot achieve eradication alone, success depends on all levels of government, industry, and the community continuing to work together.”
