RESIDENTS are reporting suspected fire ant nests at dramatically increased rates, but advocates warn hard-won progress against the invasive pest could be jeopardised unless governments secure the future of the national eradication program.
Community reporting surged during June through August, with Queensland residents reporting suspected fire ant nests at 13 times the usual rate.
The Invasive Species Council said the jump demonstrated the crucial role residents could play in detecting outbreaks before they had an opportunity to spread.
Advocacy Director Reece Pianta said authorities could not be everywhere at once and having thousands of Queenslanders checking their properties, parks and neighbourhoods greatly increased the chances of finding infestations early.
The increased community involvement comes as the National Fire Ant Eradication Program begins to show encouraging signs after years of challenges in the fight against the highly invasive pest.
However, the Invasive Species Council has warned that progress could be put at risk by uncertainty surrounding funding beyond 2027.
Australian governments are yet to provide a long-term financial commitment.
