Today Minister for the Environment, Rebecca Vassarotti has announced $5.098 million in funding towards red imported fire ant eradication in Australia.
Minister Vassarotti said the ACT Government’s commitment to its full allocation to support the new national action plan shows its commitment to being a national player in protecting and preserving our natural environment.
“Invasive species are marching down Australia’s east coast. There’s no doubt about it, this is a crisis. Every level of government must work together to protect Australia,” Minister Vassarotti said.
“Without joint action, this invasive species will reach every part of Australia.
“Australia’s environment is seriously threatened by red fire ants. As they spread, fire ants will begin to feed on insects, spiders, lizards, frogs, birds, and mammals that make up our natural ecosystems.
“This means that they threaten not only our environment, but our food production, as well as the health of our people and animals.
“So far, work to address fire ants has slowed their spread. But, after a review of the program, it was clear that Australia needs to increase its resourcing to this pest.
As ACT Minister for Environment, I was pleased to agree to increased resourcing and recognize the importance of fully meeting our share of the costs.
“While $5.098 million is a significant figure, it’s an investment that will protect our environment and our economy.
“I would like to applaud the Queensland Government for their ongoing efforts to control and eradicate fire ants, recognising the logistical challenges, resource intensiveness, and costs.
“As custodians of the bush capital, we have a responsibility to protect our local environment from this aggressive invasive ant.”
The ACT Government is also assessing the requirement to introduce restrictions under the Pest Plants and Animals Act 2005 for the import of organic material such as mulch, woodchips, compost, sand, gravel, soil, hay and other baled products from infected areas of NSW and south-east Queensland.
