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The Wet Tropics Management Authority today announced the last remaining residential areas in Bentley Park free of yellow crazy ants.
The 70.2 hectares of residential area now declared eradicated is in addition to the 199.6 hectares eradicated last year.
This brings the total area eradicated of yellow crazy ants in Bentley Park to 269.8 hectares and includes more than 1,100 residential lots.
Wet Tropics Management Authority Yellow Crazy Ant Eradication Project Manager Lucy Karger said Bentley Park was one of the initial and largest infestations discovered in Cairns.
“This is a milestone achievement for the Authority but more importantly a positive outcome for Bentley Park residents and the community,” Ms Karger said.
“I remember when yellow crazy ants were first discovered in Bentley Park. Residents had ants inside their homes and in electrical appliances. They were all throughout people’s yards and swarming out from their gardens.
“It did not take long before the infestation grew and invaded more and more homes.
“This eradication success continues to reinforce the benefits of working collaboratively with residents and the community to achieve a positive outcome.”
Ms Karger said this particular site had undergone long-term broadscale treatment, spot treatments and intensive surveys, including surveillance by our highly trained odour-detection dogs, and field teams over many years.
“It takes a lot of time, resources and cooperation from the community before we can confidently declare a site yellow crazy ant-free,” she said.
“We were able to confidently declare this eradication using our 14-stage detection to eradication process.
“This comprehensive process helps track progress and guide decision-making specific to each individual site, before eradication can be declared.”
Long-term Bentley Park resident Tracy Black said eradicating this invasive pest was no small feat.
“I personally want to thank Lucy Karger and the team for this remarkable achievement which has delivered so many positive benefits for residents and the community,” Ms Black said.
“Already we are starting to see native wildlife, including cassowaries, return to the forested and rainforest areas in the suburb, something we have not seen for many, many years.”
Bentley Park residents are being urged to remain vigilant and encouraged to report any suspicious ants by calling 4241 0525 or emailing yca@wtma.qld.gov.au
Yellow crazy ants are listed among the world’s top 100 invasive species.
They pose a significant threat to the environment, native wildlife, agriculture, industry and people’s lifestyle.
The Wet Tropics Management Authority administers the $24 million Yellow Crazy Ant Eradication Program which is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments to combat the spread of the highly invasive species.
