Efforts to tackle the threat of yellow crazy ants in the Wet Tropics are intensifying with the Minister for the Environment and Energy, Josh Frydenberg, today confirming that he has signed off on a funding agreement for the Coalition Government’s $7.5 million election commitment.
Yellow crazy ants are an invasive pest threatening endangered species and ecological communities in and adjacent to the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area.
In the Daintree today, Mr Frydenberg reaffirmed that the Government is providing, through the National Landcare Programme, $7.5 million over three years to control the spread and promote the eradication of yellow crazy ants in Far North Queensland.
“Yellow crazy ants pose a serious threat not only to our environment and native species, but also to our agricultural sector, our communities’ safety and way of life,” Mr Frydenberg said.
“This funding will provide for yellow crazy ant control activities in Far North Queensland, including detection, baiting and monitoring-with a view to eradicate yellow crazy ant infestations. We are committed to controlling this threat and today’s funding will build on almost $4 million of existing Federal Government support to tackle yellow crazy ants.”
Federal Member for Leichhardt, Warren Entsch, congratulated the Wet Tropics Management Authority on securing further funding to control yellow crazy ants in the Wet Tropics region.
“I am pleased the Wet Tropics Management Authority, through the wonderful efforts of the Yellow Crazy Ant Eradication Team led by Lucy Karger, will continue the fight against yellow crazy ants as they have been fundamental in protecting the community and this iconic region,” Mr Entsch said.
“Their previous ant control activities have significantly reduced infestations in and adjacent to the World Heritage Area, including some heavily impacted residential areas around Edmonton.
“It is important that the Wet Tropics Management Authority continue their work to protect the World Heritage Area and the many diverse and unique plants and animals.”
This National Landcare Programme grant delivers on the Turnbull Government’s $8.8 million election commitment to control yellow crazy ants and tackle tramp ants in Far North Queensland. The remaining $1.3 million is being delivered by the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources for building skills and for management of invasive ant species.
