General News
10 November, 2022
$24.8m to yellow crazy ant eradication
THE Australian Government’s $24.8m budget commitment over four years to eradicating yellow crazy ants will ensure the continuation of the Wet Tropics Management Authority’s crucial work.
The Authority’s Executive Director, Scott Buchanan, said the eradication program had proved successful and was vital to ensure eradication in the long run.
“This shows the Australian Government’s commitment to the environment and foresight to keep our highly successful Yellow Crazy Ant Eradication Program running,” Mr Buchanan said.
“Yellow crazy ants in sugarcane paddocks, in local businesses and residential areas, spraying formic acid and injuring pets and people, was something Cairns experienced in 2013.
“But with the subsequent success of the Authority’s Eradication Program, yellow crazy ant infestations have reduced significantly, with eradication declared at four sites and remnant populations on track for eradication in the coming years.
“As sites progress towards eradication, we are moving from broad-scale treatment into long-term monitoring so we can be sure the ants have truly been eradicated,” he said.
Yellow crazy ants are considered one of the world’s top 100 worst invasive species and have been present in Far North Queensland for over a decade. Still, the Authority’s Eradication Program’s persistent efforts have seen widespread infestation in recent years.
The negative impact yellow crazy ants have on ecosystems can dramatically impact the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area of Queensland, considered one of the world’s most significant biodiverse places.
The ants outcompete native invertebrates and birds and impact reptiles and frogs.
Project Manager Lucy Karger said they were grateful for the investment and support of the cause.
“Support from community and industry, particularly the sugar industry, has been a major contributing factor to the Program’s achievements on-ground,” Ms Karger said.
“We are grateful for the continued investment that will support our ongoing collaboration with many and varied regional partners to eradicate yellow crazy ants from the area.
“The Authority’s Eradication Program has been jointly supported by the Queensland and Australian governments, and it is great to see that spirit of cooperation continue.”
Mr Buchanan said the Authority has already been consulting with Townsville authorities on tackling the growing infestations in the region.
If you think you may have seen yellow crazy ants contact the Wet Tropics Management Authority at 4241 0525 or yca@wtma.qld.gov.au
