Australian agriculture ministers have warned that a gap in funding for the national red imported fire ant eradication program could increase the risk of the invasive pest spreading.
A communiqué from the Commonwealth, states and territories said eradication remained technically feasible, cost beneficial and in the national interest. Ministers considered the proposed 2027–32 response plan at a meeting on 18 September.
No final funding package was announced. Each minister agreed to consult their government before a final decision ahead of the 2027–28 Budget, making the coming negotiations important for the continuity of surveillance, treatment and containment work.
Fire ants can damage agriculture, wildlife, infrastructure and public spaces. Authorities advise people not to disturb suspected nests and to report them through official biosecurity channels.
Sources: Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting communiqué; ABC Queensland.
Image disclosure: The featured image is an AI-generated conceptual editorial illustration, not a photograph of a real infestation, response site or identifiable workers.
