Rahul Somvanshi
Queensland has announced a $24 million boost to combat the spread of fire ants as the invasive species continues to pose a serious risk to public health, agriculture, and wildlife across Australia.
Rising Health Concerns
The impact of fire ants on human health has become increasingly evident. In March alone, 60 people reported extreme reactions to fire ant stings requiring medical attention, with 23 hospitalized in southeast Queensland. Many victims were stung while doing cyclone cleanup work.
“It just shows you what a serious risk fire ants pose to anyone who’s got a job that requires them to go outdoors, or who enjoys bush walking or barbecues on the beach,” said Reece Pianta, advocacy manager at the Invasive Species Council.
The situation is affecting children too. Carla Jarmila’s two-year-old daughter was bitten on the foot in a Beaudesert playground. “She’s now quite frightened of any ants and whenever we go walking she says ‘ants, ants,'” Jarmila reported.
Growing Threat After Cyclone Alfred
Experts have noted an “explosion” in fire ant numbers following ex-tropical Cyclone Alfred. The recent flooding has helped spread the pests to new areas, creating ideal conditions for their proliferation.
Kirsty McKenna, co-founder of the Fire Ant Scenic Rim Facebook page, said she had noticed a significant increase in fire ant numbers since the cyclone swamped southeast Queensland.
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Economic Impact
The red imported fire ants (RIFA) pose a substantial economic threat. A 2021 cost-benefit analysis by Central Queensland University found that an uncontrolled spread over 15 years would cost the agriculture industry $1 billion annually.
The turf industry has been particularly affected. “It’s costing us a couple of people’s wages every year just to treat red imported fire ants when our neighbors directly opposite us are doing nothing,” said Hugo Struss, Turf Queensland president.
Government Response
The Queensland government’s $24 million funding boost represents a shift in strategy. The previous state government’s self-treatment model, which made landholders responsible for controlling the pests in the suppression zone, has been abandoned.
Queensland Primary Industries Minister Tony Perrett criticized the previous approach as “short-sighted,” noting that fire ant queens can travel 5 kilometers in a single flight. “I’m seriously concerned that if we don’t get on top of fire ants and eradicate them, then the cost to the Australian economy will be many billions of dollars annually,” he said.
The new funding will allow treatment over two years across 212,000 hectares of the 650,000-hectare suppression zone. Under the new plan, eligible fire ant infested properties of 10 hectares or more can be treated by drone or helicopter at no cost to the landholder.
Calls for Federal Support
The Invasive Species Council has welcomed the state funding but is calling for matched federal support. “Without matched federal funding, we do not have confidence that suppression efforts will be as effective and targeted as they need to be to stop fire ants from spreading into other states,” Pianta stated.
Minister Perrett revealed he wrote to Federal Agriculture Minister Julie Collins in January seeking matched funding but has yet to receive a reply. Collins stated that the Albanese government has “provided $296.4 million over four years to 2027” to tackle the fire ant problem.
The Scope of the Problem
The red imported fire ants, native to South America, are believed to have arrived in Australia via infected materials on ships at the port of Brisbane in 2001, though they may have been present since 1992.
The pest has now spread to more than 700,000 hectares in the Brisbane region, with outlier detections found in Oakey, the Sunshine Coast, and northern NSW. Their impact extends beyond human health to pets and livestock, with reports emerging of animals suffering anaphylactic reactions and even deaths.
Experts warn that if fire ants become endemic, 150,000 Australians each year would need medical attention because of stings.
“It isn’t just a problem for Queensland, this is a problem for the whole nation,” said Pianta, describing fire ants as a “ticking time bomb” that could fundamentally change Australia as we know it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fire ants (Red Imported Fire Ants or RIFA) are small, aggressive ants native to South America that deliver painful stings. They’re dangerous because they attack in swarms, can cause severe allergic reactions requiring hospitalization, and have been known to kill pets and wildlife. Beyond health risks, they threaten agriculture, infrastructure, and natural ecosystems across Australia.
Fire ants are dark reddish-brown with darker abdomens and range from 2-6mm in length. Unlike most native ants, they build distinctive dome-shaped mounds without visible entry holes. They’re extremely aggressive when disturbed and will swarm up vertical surfaces to attack. If you suspect fire ants, it’s important to report sightings to local authorities without attempting to disturb the nest.
If stung by fire ants, immediately move away from the area to avoid further stings. Wash the area with soap and water, and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Over-the-counter pain relievers and antihistamines may help with pain and itching. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe swelling, difficulty breathing, dizziness, or nausea, as these may indicate a serious allergic reaction.
Fire ants spread through both natural and human-assisted means. Queens can fly up to 5 kilometers to establish new colonies, while flooding events like Cyclone Alfred can rapidly transport colonies to new areas. They also spread through the movement of infested materials such as soil, mulch, potted plants, hay, and turf. Without proper containment, they could potentially spread across most of Australia’s populated areas.
Australia has a National Fire Ant Eradication Program that includes surveillance, baiting, and treatment of infested areas. The Queensland government has recently announced an additional $24 million funding boost over two years, focusing on 212,000 hectares of the suppression zone. Properties over 10 hectares can now receive free drone or helicopter treatment. The federal government has committed $296.4 million over four years to 2027, though experts are calling for matched funding for Queensland’s recent initiative.
If fire ants become established across Australia, the consequences would be severe. Experts project 150,000 Australians would need medical attention for stings annually. The economic impact on agriculture alone is estimated at $1 billion per year. Outdoor activities would become more dangerous, native wildlife would be threatened, and the management costs would be enormous. The Invasive Species Council describes them as a “ticking time bomb” that could fundamentally change Australia’s way of life.
