2/8/17 Yellow crazy ant taskforce success

A large environmental taskforce was deployed to participate in hand-treating yellow crazy ant infestations along creeks and through affected residential areas of Cairns southern suburbs from 17-20 July 2017.

The taskforce successfully treated 125 hectares in the known infestation areas.

Executive Director Scott Buchanan said riparian treatments complement the aerial treatments and on ground treatment of residential areas. The aerial treatments were completed this week covers farm lands and forested areas including small pockets of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area.

The taskforce is an annual collaborative exercise involving the Wet Tropics Management Authority, Far North Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils (FNQROC), seven local councils, QPWS Rangers, Gimuy Walubara Yidinji Traditional Owners, Gunggandji Rangers, Yirrganydji Rangers, Biosecurity Queensland and Terrain NRM.

“On average, 35 personnel attended each day, sharing their resources and expertise” Mr Buchanan said.

Travis Sydes who coordinates natural asset management for the FNQROC said “It’s great to see the taskforce evolve and grow each year to include a wider range of stakeholders; it really highlights the importance of regional partnerships in the delivery the project.

“The result is more eyes out there on the ground right across the Far North which is an essential part of the regional effort,” Mr Sydes said.

Project Manager Lucy Karger said “While work conducted by the Authority’s Yellow Crazy Ants Eradication team continues to yield good results, the fight against yellow crazy ants goes on”.  

“It is really significant that in this round of treatment we will cover off the entire infestation area. It is important that we also treat the residential areas and we appreciate the assistance of the community in allowing our crews to get into their yards.  The yellow crazy ant operations team are continuing the treatment program in these residential areas over the next few weeks”.

“We are anticipating a positive outcome from our baiting efforts and plan to start another round of treatment in November this year” Ms Karger added.  

The yellow crazy ant eradication program is supported through funding from the Commonwealth and Queensland Governments.

Yellow crazy ants are restricted biosecurity matter under the Biosecurity Act 2014 and suspected sightings can be reported by contacting Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23.

Contact: Scott Buchanan 0427 604 120 or Lucy Karger 0491 222 171.

2/8/17             Yellow crazy ant taskforce success

Published: 02nd Aug 2017

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