MINNS LABOR GOVERNMENT NEEDS TO GET DEADLY SERIOUS ABOUT THREAT POSED BY FIRE ANTS MARCHING INTO NORTHERN RIVERS

The Minns Labor Government needs to get deadly serious about the threat posed by fire ants marching into Northern Rivers communities following the latest detection of the harmful super pest at Wardell, says Clarence Nationals MP, Richie Williamson.

Mr Williamson said the response to date from the NSW Premier and his Primary Industries Minister around biosecurity control and eradication efforts since the Red Imported Fire Ant (RIFA) was first detected near the QLD/NSW border has been inadequate.

“The ants made their way south across the border back in November with nests found at South Murwillumbah and we now have a new infestation further south at Wardell, but there is still no clear action plan from the Government on controlling any further spread,” Mr Williamson said.

“It’s time for the Premier to step up, take charge and provide confidence to Northern Rivers communities that the Government has a plan to put in place immediate measures to stop the ants marching any further south.

“The Premier also needs to come clean and tell the local community what led to this latest movement of fire ants.”

Mr Williamson said it cannot be underestimated the serious threat the spread of fire ants posed to local communities, including our primary industries.

“It’s not a time to be complacent. Fire ants are one of the world’s most harmful invasive species to the agricultural sector, our native wildlife and communities as a whole,” Mr Williamson said.

“The response from the NSW Government needs to reflect to the gravity of situation and so far it has not.

“I also think it’s critical the Government rolls out an urgent public education campaign in the Northern Rivers not only around the impact of fire ants on local communities, but how to identify them and what steps to take to report any sightings.

“To most of us the threat of this invasive pest is foreign, but it’s now on our back door and communities need to be informed and remain vigilant.

“The NSW Premier needs to act urgently on both fronts and assure Northern Rivers communities the Government he leads is taking this threat seriously.”