$24.8m for crazy pests

LABOR has pledged $24.8m to combat yellow crazy ants in Cairns and Townsville, if it is elected on May 21, in what could be a “game changer” for the Far North.

Labor made the announcement in Cairns on Friday at the same time as promising an additional $194.5m in reef protection programs over the forward estimates.

Invasive Species Council conservation director James Tezise said yellow crazy ants were one of the world’s worst invasive species.

“Labor’s announcement also locks in funding for the successful eradication program at Cairns being run by the Wet Tropics Management Authority,” he said.

“Continuing this funding is vitally important if we are to safeguard Australia’s World Heritage-listed rainforests, and it’s pleasing to now see bipartisan support for this measure.”

Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch has promised $3m for the eradication of yellow crazy ants in the Far North.