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Tweed Shire Council is urging the community to be extra vigilant after a new fire ant nest was detected at the original infestation site at South Murwillumbah yesterday.
Vigilant site managers found an immature fire ant nest at the new industrial estate at South Murwillumbah, at the same site where fire ants were first detected in November 2023.
The nest was reported, identified and destroyed yesterday (9 May 2024), demonstrating swift action undertaken by Council staff alongside NSW Government and National Fire Ant Eradication Program (NFAEP) teams.
The new nest, which was 10-15 meters from one destroyed in November 2023, is considered low-risk due to the absence of reproductive ants. At least one broadcast treatment had been applied to the area following the initial detection.
Treatment of the South Murwillumbah infested area has been managed as a multi-stage process. Detections surrounding infested sites are to be expected, highlighting the importance of multiple stages of treatment and surveillance over an extended period.
Mayor of Tweed Shire Chris Cherry said the detection of a new fire ant nest at the original site of infestation underscored the importance of remaining on guard.
“We are once again grateful for the ongoing vigilance of our contractors, the NSW DPI and the National Fire Ant Eradication Program (NFAEP) teams who are monitoring this site at South Murwillumbah and detected this new incursion,” Cr Cherry said.
“While this new discovery was not unexpected, it is a reminder that the problem of fire ants remains with us in the Tweed.
"We cannot afford to let our defences down – it is vital all landowners continue to work with the responsible jurisdictions and allow consent for ongoing treatment on their land.”
The NFAEP is currently undertaking extensive aerial and ground treatment across targeted properties in Murwillumbah – and must access 100% of properties to ensure eradication success.
All known nests receive a direct nest injection with fipronil. Then a broadcast treatment, either through aerial or ground team application, using insect growth regulator, is spread out between 2 km to 5 km, which this site has received. Two further treatments are scheduled for the South Murwillumbah site.
An existing control order, put in place for this area after the initial detection in November 2023, restricts how potential fire ant carrier materials can be moved or transported. There is no need to extend that current movement control.
The site will continue to be monitored by the NFAEP, NSW Government and Council staff.
Residents and businesses are urged to report any suspicious ant activity to 1800 680 244 or by visiting Report an Exotic Ant (nsw.gov.au).
For information about the fire ant treatment program, visit fireants.org.au/south-murwillumbah-fire-ant-detection.
For more information about movement requirements at Murwillumbah, Piggabeen and Cobaki and guidance on how to identify and report suspected sightings of fire ants, visit dpi.nsw.gov.au/rifa.
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