- Wet Tropics Management
- Legislative framework
- Management partnerships
- Sustainable Tourism Plan
- Threats to the Area
- Research and a Learning Landscape
- How can I help?
The Wet Tropics Management Authority is celebrating the successful eradication of yellow crazy ants from two sites totalling 48 hectares south of Cairns.
This is a huge win for nature and a massive relief for residents of the affected areas.
Exotic invasive yellow crazy ants are among the most serious global invasive pests. They kill native animals and leave a path of destruction in their wake.
The two sites where yellow crazy ants have been eradicated total the equivalent almost 70 soccer fields and include sugarcane and hillside forest sites in Mount Peter and Wrights Creek.
The sites were identified in 2017 and 2018 and have gone through long-term treatment and intensive surveys, including periodic surveillance by highly trained odour detection dogs, before being declared as eradicated.
Following the $24 million boost from the Australian and Queensland governments for the Yellow Crazy Ant Eradication Program, the Wet Tropics Management Authority has reached a significant turning point, with numerous other sites soon to be declared eradicated. 70 per cent of the overall infestation area is now under long term monitoring rather than broadscale treatment.
The community should remain vigilant and are encouraged to report any sightings of suspicious ants to the Wet Tropics Management Authority at YCA@wtma.qld.gov.au or call 4241 0525.
Image: Wet Tropics Management Authority's Yellow Crazy Ant Eradication Program Manager Lucy Karger shows Minister for the Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek, Queensland Minister for the Environment and the Great Barrier Reef Leanne Linard and Senator for Queensland Nita Green the sites eradicated on a map.
