A major breakthrough in Far North Queensland’s fight against yellow crazy ants has reinforced the importance of sustained federal investment, with the Invasive Species Council warning that progress is now at risk without renewed funding in the upcoming federal budget.
The Wet Tropics Management Authority has confirmed another 180 hectares have been declared free of yellow crazy ants, bringing the total eradicated area to more than 1,255 hectares. An independent review last year found full eradication remains achievable and in the national interest — but only if funding continues.
Invasive Species Council Advocacy Director Reece Pianta said the results show the program is working, protecting World Heritage rainforest and delivering returns on years of investment. But he warned the program is facing a “funding cliff” unless the federal government strengthens the Saving Native Species fund in May.
Yellow crazy ants are listed among the world’s worst invasive species and are known to harm lizards, frogs, small mammals and turtle hatchlings. Their supercolonies can reshape entire ecosystems, and they pose a significant threat to the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area.
