Spray for invasive pest
FEDERAL money has been found to allow rainforest managers keep battling acid-spraying ants in the Far North.
Environment Minister Melissa Price is expected to be in Cairns today to announce $9 million for the Wet Tropics’ yellow crazy ant program, which will be $3 million to be spent over three years.
The funding, however, is short of what program managers were asking – $6 million a year over seven years – and will still need to be matched by the State Government.
Initial funding from both state and federal governments was due to run out by June 30.
Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch said he had fought hard to secure this additional funding, which would be allocated in next week’s Budget, because the alternative simply was not an option.
“I am pleased the Wet Tropics Management Authority (WTMA) will be able to continue the fight against yellow crazy ants as they have been fundamental in protecting the community and our iconic natural environment,” he said.
“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.
“Through the magnificent work to date of the WTMA, we have seen a significant reduction in yellow crazy ant densities and the return of some native species.
“The Federal Government has delivered its end of the bargain, now the onus is on the Queensland Government to match the funding as per the initial agreement.”
Ms Price said the additional funding took the government’s total commitment towards the control of yellow crazy ants in the Far North to $20 million.
“Yellow crazy ants are among the world’s 100 most invasive species and their presence threatens endangered species such as the southern cassowary, mahogany glider, northern bettong and streamdwelling rainforest frogs,” she said.
“They also present a major threat to sugar cane growers by protecting insects such as aphids and scales. WTMA has already achieved localised eradication at three sites working with landholders and the community.”