The National Fire Ant Eradication Program (NFAEP) continues to make progress toward its goal of eradicating red imported fire ants from Australia by 2032. At the September 2025 National Management Group meeting, the Program shared updates on operations, community engagement, and strategic planning.
Recent efforts in compliance and enforcement are showing results, with a noticeable decrease in non-compliant behaviour. This reflects growing understanding of the risks posed by fire ants and the importance of collective action. Community reporting has played a vital role in early detection, enabling rapid response and containment.
The Program’s communications team is working on a new campaign aimed at raising awareness and encouraging participation that everyone has a role to play in the eradication of RIFA.
Operationally, the Program achieved its surveillance targets for 2024–25, which provides confidence that the program is containing natural spread, and is preparing for proof-of-freedom assessments in some areas which will result in the ‘moving in’ of the treatment band.
A revised treatment strategy was discussed which aims to overcome the challenges from 2024-25, by adapting to address risks including treatment delays and gaps due to the wet weather experienced by southeast Queensland.
The 2025 independent review is now underway, which is part of the Queensland government's internal governance processes and will provide a formal assessment of stakeholder engagement, program milestone delivery, risk management, and the resources needed to sustain the program.
The NMG acknowledged the continued collaboration across jurisdictions that demonstrate national commitment to achieving eradication of fire ants from Australia.
For more information, visit fireants.org.au or call 13 25 23.