The National Biosecurity Management Group (NBMG) met on 21 May 2025 and approved a 3-year Response Plan inclusive of a cost-shared budget of $4 million for the National Browsing Ant Eradication Program (NBAEP) in the Northern Territory (NT).
Browsing ant was first detected in the NT in June 2015 and the Response Plan 2024-2027 demonstrates the long-term commitment from governments to eradicate browsing ant from Australia. The Response Plan 2024-2027 extends the existing NBAEP to achieve Proof of Freedom by June 2027.
The NT is leading a nationally coordinated and funded response and is working with property owners and local governments to undertake appropriate response activities. More information on response activities is available at https://nt.gov.au/environment/animals/feral-animals/exotic-ants/browsing-ant.
If you suspect the presence of browsing ant in the NT, contact the NBAEP NT program manager on 08 8999 2247. For elsewhere in Australia contact the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881. You can find out more about how we respond to pest and disease incidents at outbreak.gov.au.