A biosecurity lockdown has started across several inner west Sydney suburbs to fight deadly fire ants. The measures began on Monday and cover a 2km radius around a freight facility in Strathfield, where a nest was found five weeks ago. Businesses in the area must now have a biosecurity plan, with strict controls on moving high-risk materials such as turf, mulch, soil and potted plants. Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty says breaches made knowingly could bring fines of up to $1 million for individuals and $2 million for businesses.
A biosecurity lockdown will cover Enfield in southwest Sydney from Monday after red fire ants were found at the suburb's freight centre in late September. The zone extends two kilometres from the Enfield intermodal logistics centre. Movement of high-risk items such as turf, mulch, soil, potted plants and heavy equipment will be restricted and must be treated before moving through the zone. NSW Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty said daily life would otherwise continue as normal. Further fire ants have not been found since the initial detection.
Red imported fire ants have re-infested some organic farms in Queensland that have gone 14 months without treatment. Treatment was suspended in August last year on some export-certified properties in the south-east suppression zone after genetically modified ingredients were found in baits. The National Fire Ant Eradication Program says parts of a 1,110-hectare zone spanning the Lockyer Valley, Scenic Rim and Somerset have been re-infested, though the extent is not yet known. A permit has been granted for an organic treatment using cinnamaldehyde, with the first shipment awaiting customs clearance at Brisbane port.
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Invasive red fire ants have been found in a container yard at the Enfield Intermodal Logistics Centre in Strathfield, Sydney. The ants were hidden under concrete near a shipping container. The NSW government has deployed a team to search for more nests over the next two weeks and is urging the public to co-operate. Fire ants have a painful, burning sting that can cause severe allergic reactions. Anyone who suspects fire ants should photograph them from a safe distance and report them. Bite victims should seek medical attention if prone to allergic reactions and apply ice to ease swelling.
Authorities are moving to eradicate a nest of red imported fire ants found at the Enfield Intermodal Centre in Sydney's inner west. Biosecurity officers believe the ants arrived from overseas in a shipping container. The nest was treated quickly to stop an infestation from taking hold. Properties within 500 metres of the freight facility will be inspected, and no further ants have been found so far. NSW Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty said fire ants can be eradicated in the state. The Invasive Species Council warned the pest could cost the economy up to $2 billion a year.
A nest of red imported fire ants has been found and treated at the Enfield Intermodal Logistics Centre in Sydney's inner west. Authorities believe the ants arrived from overseas in a shipping container. NSW Biosecurity has begun door-to-door inspections and surveillance within a two-kilometre radius, though no further ants have been detected. Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty said the government will work with local businesses and residents over the next two weeks. Landholders and nurseries receiving goods from Sydney are urged to check deliveries for suspicious earth mounds.
A nest of red imported fire ants has been detected at the Enfield Intermodal Centre in Sydney's inner west. Genetic testing confirmed the species, which is likely to have arrived from overseas in a shipping container. The nest has been treated, and properties within 500 metres of the freight facility will be inspected. NSW Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty said no further ants have been found. The Invasive Species Council warned the pest could cost the Australian economy up to $2 billion a year.
A colony of invasive red fire ants has been found at a shipyard in Strathfield, in Sydney's Inner West. Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry entomologists located the nest after a monitoring lure was triggered. It was hidden beneath concrete near a shipping container, which officials believe the ants arrived in. The ants are not believed to be linked to the southern Queensland infestation. The NSW Government has deployed a team to search nearby businesses, homes and public sites over two weeks. Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty said the aim is to identify and eradicate any spread quickly.
A nest of red imported fire ants has been detected at the Enfield Intermodal Centre in Sydney's inner west. Genetic testing confirmed the species, which is likely to have arrived from overseas in a shipping container. The nest has been treated, and properties within 500 metres of the freight facility will be inspected. NSW Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty said no further ants have been found. The Invasive Species Council warned the pest could cost the Australian economy up to $2 billion a year.
Red imported fire ants have likely spread beyond a freight and warehousing facility at Enfield in Sydney's inner west, authorities say. A nest was discovered at the site last month after Commonwealth officers found the insects in a detection lure on September 25. Their sting causes a painful burning sensation and can lead to swelling, itchy blisters and pustules. Genetic tests suggest the ants arrived from overseas in a container, not from south-east Queensland. Detection dogs found no other nests, and treatment and surveillance are underway within a 2 kilometre radius.
A climate protester was restrained by NSW MPs after he climbed over a barrier and interrupted question time in the state parliament. Andrew Sneddon said he was protesting the state's approval of an extension to the Hunter Valley Operations coalmine. Police said he was removed from the room and issued a move-on direction, and no further action is expected. NSW Attorney General Michael Daley called the behaviour completely unacceptable.
