The Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF) is calling on the Queensland public to take on an increased understanding of their biosecurity responsibilities, following the detection of red imported fire ants (RIFA) outside the existing biosecurity zone, including on farmland in Anthony in the Scenic Rim .

In a media release and in the Queensland Country Life column by QFF President Stuart Armitage, the QFF has highlighted the extreme threat that RIFA poses to Queensland’s agricultural industries, as well as the major social, environmental and economic impacts it could have across the entire state.

In particular, the QFF is highlighting the threat that RIFA poses to the Australian way of life and the danger it poses to anyone enjoying the outdoors.

Eradication efforts are continuing to remove RIFA from south-east Queensland, with $411 million allocated by Australia’s state, territory and federal agriculture ministers to try and ensure this invasive pest doesn’t become permanently established.

There are fundamental steps that everyone can take to try and ensure that they don’t contribute to the spread of RIFA. These include checking shoes, clothes and tyres as you travel through areas that are known to be dealing with the ants to avoid carrying ants or infested soil.

For more information on the presence of RIFA in Queensland, or to report a suspected identification of RIFA, visit the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries website.

This post appeared in the AUSVEG Weekly Update published 29 May 2018. Subscribe to the Update using our online form to receive the latest industry news in your inbox every week!