Yes that’s right! we now have red imported fire ants on the Gold Coast!
Yatala, Stapylton and Ormeau all became declared fire ant restricted zones on the 1st of July 2015.
So what does that mean for you?
Any site (Commercial or Domestic) where earthworks are to be undertaken in the restricted areas must be inspected for red imported fire ants within 28 days prior to works being carried out. Inspections can only be undertaken by a person who has attended the fire ant identification course conducted by Bio-Security Queensland.Tamborine and North Tamborine were designated as restricted fire ant zones in 2014.
Heavy fines are in place (up to $1.1m ) for non-compliance for both individuals and companies alike.
More information is available from Bio-Security Queensland’s’ website at…
https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/plants/weeds-pest-animals-ants/invasive-ants/fire-ants/general-information-about-fire-ants
Micro Excavations