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The Wet Tropics Management Authority welcomes the Australian Government’s three-year, $9 million funding commitment to secure the future of the Yellow Crazy Ant Eradication Program.
In 2016, the Australian and Queensland governments funded the Authority’s eradication program for three years.
The Authority’s Executive Director, Scott Buchanan, said the new Australian Government commitment will ensure that the program continues on its 10-year path to eradication.
‘The Australian Government is a valued partner in the Authority’s Yellow Crazy Ant Eradication Program, recognising and acting upon community and industry concerns about the threat of this invasive ant,’ he said.
‘This commitment is recognition of the program’s success in working with local residents and industry to tackle yellow crazy ants, and ensures that this important work can continue.
‘We thank the Australian Government for its support and dedication to protecting the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area from the threat of yellow crazy ants.’
The Wet Tropics Management Authority’s Yellow Crazy Ant Eradication Program was established in 2013 in response to community demand for a solution to an outbreak of the ants in the Cairns region.
Since commencement of the Australian and Queensland government funding package in 2016, the eradication program has significantly reduced ant numbers and declared eradication at three local sites.
The Authority’s Yellow Crazy Ant Eradication Program Manager, Lucy Karger, said community and industry support has underpinned the program’s success.
‘Together with funding from the Australian and Queensland governments, this program would not be where it is today without the support of a dedicated team and the Wet Tropics community,’ Ms Karger said.
‘The support of our passionate community and industry leaders is appreciated, and remains essential as we continue on our path towards eradicating yellow crazy ants from the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area and surrounds.’
Yellow crazy ants have invaded 1,722 hectares of land in the Cairns region, including more than 90 hectares of rainforest in and adjacent to the World Heritage Area.
Anyone who suspects they have seen yellow crazy ants are encouraged to contact the Wet Tropics Management Authority on email YCA@wtma.qld.gov.au or call 4241 0525.
The control of yellow crazy ants in and adjacent to the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area is supported through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program and the Queensland Department of Environment and Science.
Yellow crazy ants are restricted biosecurity matter under the Biosecurity Act 2014. Suspected yellow crazy ant sightings can be reported by contacting Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23.
