Governments agree to tackle Australia's biggest biosecurity menace

The Invasive Species Council hailed the agreement as giving governments a war chest to stop the spread of the ants from southern Queensland where they have established in several areas.

"This will be one of the largest biosecurity operations ever undertaken in Australia. It will be a long, hard fight, but is essential if we are to keep the country safe from the ravages of fire ants," Invasive Species Council chief executive Andrew Cox said.

Mr Cox commended the leadership shown in securing the decision at a meeting of agriculture ministers from across the country in Melbourne today, particularly the role played by Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce.

“This is a huge achievement and shows a clear resolve from all governments and political parties,” Mr Cox said.

He said the ministers supported more than doubling the fire ant eradication budget, a 10-year eradication plan and a new steering committee and independent chair to keep the program on track.

“Now that proper funding has been secured, we will be focused on ensuring improved oversight and governance of the program to make sure the funds are well spent,” Mr Cox said.

Mr Cox said: “This decision is backed by an independent expert report commissioned over two years ago. The report concluded that fire ant eradication is technically feasible and in Australia’s interest and outlined both the risks of not eradicating and the costs of a full fire ant eradication program.”

The ministers' meeting also agreed to strengthen Intergovernmental Agreement of Biosecurity (IGAB) – a key framework for preventing and responding to future biosecurity breaches like the fire ant infestation.

“Prevention and early rapid response is the most cost effective way to handle biosecurity breaches and stop the next fire ant before it becomes a billion-dollar problem,” Mr Cox said.

Queensland Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries Bill Byrne said all ministers at the Agricultural Ministers’ Forum (AGMIN) had agreed it was in the national interest to effectively double the current amount of treatment and surveillance.

“The Palaszczuk Government welcomes today’s decision and remains committed to eradicating fire ants in Queensland,” Minister Byrne said.

“As a result of this agreement the National Red Imported Fire Ant Eradication Program will receive $38 million a year, adjusted annually for inflation, until 2027.”

Minister Byrne said the boosted program would be overseen by an independent steering committee of high calibre representatives from the Commonwealth and State and Territory governments.

“The Steering Committee is part of a new governance arrangement intended to provide high level strategic oversight to the operations of the national program.

“The 10-year eradication plan has been approved by AGMIN and will now be implemented as a priority in Queensland.

“That plan will include a significantly expanded fire ant treatment program which will commence in September 2017, running through to May 2018,” he said.

“The first treatment program will focus on the outer high risk infestation areas such as the Lockyer Valley and Scenic Rim local government areas.

“Biosecurity Queensland will be communicating with residents and businesses in these areas before and during the treatment season.

“We look forward to working with all our stakeholders and the South East Queensland community to eradicate fire ants once and for all.”

Minister Byrne said ministers had agreed it remained in the national interest to eradicate fire ants due to the potential negative impacts these invasive species had on Australia’s economy, environment, public health and lifestyle.