The NSW Government has imposed movement restrictions on certain materials originating from Queensland to fight the threat of fire ants.

The invasive ants were last week detected a mere 5 kilometres from NSW's border with Queensland, raising alarm bells for biosecurity.

The discovery of fire ants was confirmed at Tallebudgera on the Gold Coast, prompting the NSW government to initiate measures to keep this destructive pest from infiltrating their territory. 

Materials such as mulch, soil, hay, and turf are now subject to stringent restrictions, with inspections mandated before these high-risk materials can leave Queensland.

“The nests have been destroyed but it's too close for comfort for NSW. We can't risk these ants coming into NSW, so I've put this order in place to stop that,” said NSW Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty.

Fire ants pose a significant threat to both the agriculture industry and the broader community. 

With their aggressive nature and potent stings, large numbers of fire ants can swarm and inflict multiple stings on humans or animals, causing an excruciating burning sensation. Moreover, they can damage electronic materials and trigger allergic reactions in both animals and humans, underscoring the urgent need for containment.

Ms Moriarty has appealed for national cooperation in the eradication efforts and called on other states to urgently assist with the program.

With a commitment of $95 million over four years by the state government to manage and eradicate fire ants, NSW remains at the forefront of combating this invasive species. 

Residents in northern NSW have been issued advisories to be vigilant for fire ants and report any sightings to the NSW DPI. 

The DPI described these pests as dark reddish-brown insects with a darker black-brown abdomen, measuring between two to six millimetres in length. 

Their nests resemble mounds of loose, crumbly soil up to 40 centimetres high, occasionally appearing as flattened patches with no obvious entrance holes.