Somerset calls for funding to finish the fire ant fight
Published on 14 August 2026
Sign the Invasive Species Council’s petition for State and Federal Governments to continue funding the National Fire Ant Eradication Program.
THE FIGHT against fire ants in South East Queensland is moving in the right direction, but the job is far from over.
Somerset Regional Council is raising awareness and support for the continuation of funding as the National Fire Ant Eradication Program (NFAEP) moves inwards to target the core infestation area.
Somerset Deputy Mayor Helen Brieschke said the NFAEP needed sustained investment to eradicate the pest.
“Fire ants are a threat, not only to Somerset agricultural businesses and our local economy, but to the whole of Australia and our way of life,” Cr Brieschke said.
“They have the potential to harm people, pets, livestock, damage crops and make outdoor spaces unsafe.
“Our Council has a strong history of advocacy on this issue, working closely with Council of Mayors South East Queensland and the Invasive Species Council.”
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt was part of a delegation to Canberra in 2025 to advocate for increased funding.
A major independent review in 2021 found the approach to fire ant eradication needed a stronger strategy, much greater investment and improved national coordination.
In July 2023, national agricultural ministers endorsed the National Fire Ant Eradication Response Plan, which has successfully guided the NFAEP’s work to date.
Cr Brieschke said advocacy was now focused on ensuring the program’s continuation, with national funding arrangements concluding in June 2027.
“We have signed the Invasive Species Council’s petition for sustained funding from State and Federal Governments to finalise eradication by 2032, and we encourage all residents to join us in supporting this issue,” Cr Brieschke said.
“If Australia strays from its current trajectory, fire ant numbers will continue to grow and the species would become a pest that local governments and landholders would need to manage under the Biosecurity Act 2014.
“We’re winning the fight against fire ants, but we need to finish the job. If we don’t keep up funding, it will cost our communities and the national economy a whole lot more.”
Sign the Invasive Species Council’s petition: invasives.org.au/how-to-help/take-action/2026-fire-ant-petition