CANBERRA: There are renewed concerns over the outbreak of red imported fire ants in Sydney which could spread to backyards and playgrounds as the state government expands its eradication efforts. NSW Minister for Primary Industries Katrina Hodgkinson announced on Wednesday that the control area had been extended to cover a two-kilometre radius from the nests in Port Botany.
The control area now includes more than 2000 homes, as well as playgrounds, golf courses and local businesses. The ants were first discovered in early December and experts have warned it is critical to eradicate them immediately. While no additional sites have been found, authorities are taking all possible steps to prevent any potential spread of the pest,” Ms Hodgkinson said.Surveillance has now covered 366 hectares across the two-kilometre zone, according to Ms Hodgkinson. The movement of high-risk materials that could contain the fire ants – including soil, mulch, pot plants and turf – has also been limited within the control area.
