I had a simple question for our bio-security officials, are they winning in their war against fire ants in south Queensland? The answer I get from people on the ground is definitely not.
There’s a lot of questions about how the State Government is spending the hundreds of millions and whether it’s just a money spinner while fire ants continue their march across Queensland.
Thank you Senator Roberts and thank you to your teem who always listen to the people of Queensland. I look forward to the response of activities from the Queensland government fire ant pesticides program and the assurance of Safety to public heath, Birds, Bees, wildlife, flora and fauna.
Good afternoon, Senator, after listening to this, it clearly prompts any no of questions, as to the spend on this issue.
First off, has there ever been a (forensic) audit into exactly how all this money is actually being spent. Given Governments, of all persuasions, poor record on spending taxpayer monies, then I would love to know, if any of these 00’s of $m’s is being what I shall call “mispent”, “misallocated”, if I could politely put it ?
I can tell you right now the fire ant program is a money spinner. I worked there for almost 13 years until l was sacked because l refused the COVID 19 vaccine. I have seen blatant waste of funds on strategies that have never proven to be effective but still are implemented. I have seen utter contempt in responding to legitimate public complaints. The destruction of bee hives for example, due to the bait used. The ongoing management is expanded while boots on the ground field staff are kept to an ineffective minimum. I have been a field officer, inspector and also a public response officer that deals directly with the public and their reporting of fire ant infestation. Their concerns are legitimate and not being addressed. The programs only concern is to be perceived as doing something while they are failing miserably. The program has always been reactive instead of proactive to the fire ant problem.
Hi Malcolm, I’ve had the fire ant mob to my property on four occasions. After the first visit, they left me with a small amount of bait so I could self treat if I discovered any new nests. It makes sense as they were taking a fortnight to come and treat after initial contact and as these fire ants multiply quickly, I could try and eliminate them completely. After using the bait they left I discovered more nests, so I contacted the department again. When they arrived they refused to leave bait for me as they said they’ve been told not to. After my next two reports I got the same response from the people who attended. I have complained on line several times, as they seem willing to supply if you want to self treat, leave the yellow sticker that was in your letterbox on the front and they would supply for free. I was told I could buy it myself and treat but they dont give it for free in my area. My son was at Oxenford where they were supplying free bait, but unfortunately I’m living in Tamborine and don’t qualify. When I asked why they give it in Oxenford but not Tamborine, their answer was I could buy it at Bunnings or other outlets. This department is an absolute disgrace and the way I saw it, if they were serious about eradicating fire ants, they would supply the bait for me, which would not only be more successful at reducing fire ant numbers, but save them the time and money coming out. I’m thinking that’s why I’m not making the decisions in that organisation, commonsense takes a back seat. Regards, Mike Moran
These individuals are only there to only fill their pockets,
If anything by the looks of it they are spreading either then irradicating it. nothing but incompetent.
Must all be sacked.
Thank you dear Senator.
I live in Laidley Heights, and had a visit from a team regarding fire ants on my property, unfortunately i have been ripped off by a person hired to do so minor earth works on my property and it’s been left in an horrendous mess. I watched the process , and they showed me the nest, over the next 24-48 hours, the nest thrived. considering ant nests are an infinite aray of underground tunnels stretching for miles, sprinkling the granular substance above ground seemed ridiculous. i drive some holes with rio rod around what they showed me in a radius of about 12 m2 and filled the holes with bi-carb then poured vinegar in them. the next couple of days there was piles of dead ants around each hole. it killed many, but not nearly enough
Alice, Well there you go, there’s the answer. So appreciate Malcolm forcing accountability. If I had anything to do with the project, I would have known every section of the feasibility requirements document which by this time would have been updated with the results of action taken. I wonder if there is anyone on the team who has knowledge of ant tunneling? Perhaps the project manager need to halt releasing poison above ground and hire a consultant from any country who has expertise in destroying ant tunnels. Perhaps they could consider hiring you?
I wonder if x-ray equipment exists to get a picture of how extensive the ant tunneling is. If so, that equipment could be used weekly to track progress. How fascinating those shots would be.
Just like most government departments all talk no action. ‘They’ government is trying to destroy farmers, or anyone who produces food. We must fight them on every front, it’s a disgrace and a blight on our ancestors who worked very hard to build this country. Now the ‘woke’ are trying to enforce their ideology on us. Thanks Malcolm, glad we have some common sense with you backing us. Please don’t give up.