Fire Ant Alert

The Department of Primary Industries is the lead government agency who is responding to a positive sighting and treatment of Red imported fire ants (RIFA) in South Murwillumbah, the first detection of the invasive pests in Northern Rivers.

The infestation was identified on a vacant block within the new industrial estate at Quarry Road, South Murwillumbah, and was reported to the National Fire Ant Eradication Program hotline, who has since positively identified the species.

Immediate action has been taken in collaboration with the National Fire Ant Eradication Program and the NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) to address this issue.

It is important business owners read the emergency order, issued by the NSW Government, including the definitions in the order, to see if they are directly affected. The order specifies the types of materials that are NOT allowed to be moved out of the 5 km radius.

More detail on the National Fire Ant Eradication Program can be found online at fireants.org.au.