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The Queensland Government today announced $9 million over the next 3 years to support Yellow Crazy Ant eradication in the Wet Tropics region.
Chair of the Wet Tropics Management Authority, Leslie Shirreffs, welcomed the commitment, which matches that of the Australian Government, announced in the Federal budget in April.
‘The Queensland Government is a valued partner in the Wet Tropics Management Authority’s Eradication Program,’ she said.
‘This demonstrates their continuing dedication to the protection of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area and the ongoing success of the Eradication Program.’
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.
This announcement secures the future of the highly successful program and represents a substantial funding increase to the eradication of yellow crazy ants over the next 3 years.
Yellow crazy ants pose a significant threat to the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, local agricultural industries, tourism, housing development and the quality of life for local residents.
They have invaded 1,722 hectares of land in the Cairns region, including more than 90 hectares of World Heritage listed rainforest.
The Wet Tropics Management Authority has successfully lowered the numbers of yellow crazy ants in these areas, with eradication achieved at three sites.
Ms Shirreffs said the program would not have achieved its success without a dedicated and expert team and the support of local residents and industries.
‘The passionate and active participation of the community remains essential to ensure we can eradicate yellow crazy ants from the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area and surrounds.
‘Thanks to the commitments of the Australian and Queensland governments, and with our community’s ongoing support, we can maintain our treatment and monitoring and stay on the path to eradication from the region.’
Anyone who suspects they have seen yellow crazy ants are encouraged to contact the Wet Tropics Management Authority at YCA@wtma.qld.gov.au or call 4241 0525.
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