Fire ant movement controls
To stop the spread of fire ants, the Queensland Government has implemented movement controls in areas of Queensland where this pest species has been detected. These controls apply to individuals and businesses, and restrict the movement of certain items that could carry fire ants.
It is an offence for a person to move a live fire ant anywhere in Queensland. Breaches of these controls can potentially impact on the community, economy and the environment.
You can help stop the spread of fire ants and meet your legal obligations by understanding:
- what fire ants look like and how to report suspect ants
- what materials fire ants might be moved in
- if you are working in a fire ant restricted area
- what to do when moving high-risk items and operating within or from a fire ant restricted area
- that you must not move or disturb more than 1 cubic metre of soil in a fire ant restricted area without a fire ant inspector's written approval.
This guide explains your legal requirements when working with high-risk and restricted items in fire ant restricted areas.
