2km lockdown imposed over fire ant threat in Sydney suburbs
A 2-kilometre biosecurity lockdown has been imposed around a Strathfield freight facility where fire ants were discovered five weeks ago.
NSW authorities have locked down inner west Sydney suburbs in a 2-kilometre radius around a freight facility in Strathfield. Fire ants were found there five weeks ago.
Fire ants are tiny at 6 millimetres long but can be lethal to humans and devastate local wildlife. A queen can lay up to 5,000 eggs daily and experts say 95 per cent of Australia is suitable habitat for them.
Businesses in the zone must now have a biosecurity plan and strict rules on moving turf, mulch, soil, plants and heavy equipment. Breaches carry fines up to $1 million for individuals and $2 million for businesses.
In the past two weeks, 400 calls came to a hotline reporting suspected fire ants, but all were ruled out. Lisa Szabo, executive director of biosecurity for NSW Primary Industries, said the ants are designed to evolve and survive.
- 6 millimetres
- Ant size
- 2 kilometres
- Lockdown radius
- Up to 5,000
- Eggs per queen daily
- $2 million
- Business fine maximum
Why it mattersIf fire ants escape the lockdown zone, they could spread across Australia and cause severe damage to farms, ecosystems and human health.
AustraliaSydney residents face biosecurity restrictions, and if fire ants establish across Australia, they pose a nationwide threat to agriculture, wildlife and people.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 3 h ago
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