Fire Ant Program | Concerned Residents Community Forum

A public meeting open to all residents of Currumbin Valley, Tallebudgera Valley and surrounding suburban and hinterland areas impacted by the fire ant program. 

The Federal and State Governments are currently implementing a Fire Ant Eradication and Control program. Whilst the majority of residents are in favour of a program to control this invasive pest, many residents have raised concerns over large scale, broadcast aerial baiting in our region. 

But are fire ants actually here?

The program has only recorded isolated outbreaks in the area, largely the result of human movement of materials such as hay & mulch, not natural movement of the ants themselves.

There are more questions than answers:

1. Has blanket distribution of an insecticide on this scale ever been done before?
2. What is the risk to our native ants, bees & pollinators and the environment? 
3. Has an environmental and human risk assessment been done?
4. Do fire ants even live in our forests?
5. Is the bait really safe, or is it harming our pets, livestock and us?
6. Why are residents regularly threatened with fines up to $15,000?
7. How can we interact with the program staff and officers in a positive and constructive way?

You'll also have the opportunity to meet and hear firsthand accounts from residents of Samford Valley in Brisbane about the contamination event in Dawson Creek and the South Pine River on 26 May 2024. How did it happen? What is the program doing about it? Could it happen here?

If you, your family, pets or livestock have experienced any adverse effects, bullying, intimidation or incidents that you would like documented, volunteers will be available on the night to formally record and confirm your experience. Compiling and formally reporting adverse events pressures the program to re-evaluate impacts and issues.

This is a free community event. Cafe open from 6.00pm to get settled for a 6.30pm start to the forum.