The state government has flagged new funding to tackle the spread of fire ants.
It comes as more and more nests are being detected across the Gold Coast, forcing the closure of parks and sporting grounds.
There are growing fears the ants could decimate our tourism industry if they reach our beaches with nests recently found at The Spit.
A meeting of state and federal Agriculture Ministers last week agreed to bring forward $60 million in funding this year but failed to come up with a new plan.
Acting Mayor Donna Gates this week warned the funding was not nearly enough to wipe the ants out.
“They have allocated $60 million but that’s for suppression. We’d like to see eradication and sooner rather than later,” Cr Gates said.
“Our playing fields are often shut down because of fire ant nests. We need them eradicated so that sports can continue and heaven forbid they get to the beach.”
An Auditor-Generals report warned that closer to $600 million would be needed to eradicate the ants.
Premier Annastaica Palaszcuk says Queensland’s Agriculture Minister has been in talks and an announcement is expected soon.
Federal Agriculture Minister Murray Watt concedes more money will be needed.
“Obviously this issue will go beyond this year and I’ve asked all the states and territories to seek further funding through their budget processes to cover the next few years. I’m planning to do that at a federal level,” Senator Watt said.
“There’s no doubt this is going to be a very expensive investment. Already the federal government, states and territories have spent more than $400 million over the last few year son this and I think it’s likely it’s going to take a significant investment going forward.”
