Controlled movement from the QLD and NSW fire ant infested areas
1. Are you intending to make a controlled movement of a fire ant carrier (as defined by the Order) from a fire ant infested area? | Yes – go to 2 | No – No restrictions. The Order does not apply. |
2. Has thepremises where the carrier is from been checked at least once before a controlled movement occurs and then every 12 weeks and records kept/obtained. (Part 2, Clause 14)? | Yes – go to 3 | No – Movement is illegal. Do not proceed until requirements are met. |
3. Have fire ants been present on the property in the last 12 months? | Yes – go to 4 | Yes – go to 4 |
4. Has the premises been treated with an insect growth regulator treatment regime and records kept/obtained (Part 2, Clause 15)? | Yes – go to 5 | No – Movement is illegal. Do not proceed until requirements are met. |
5. Has the carrier been treated in accordance with the Order? | Yes – go to 6 | No – Movement is illegal. Do not proceed until requirements are met. |
6. Do you have the relevant biosecurity certificate in accordance with the Order? | Yes – go to 7 | No – Movement is illegal. Do not proceed until requirements are met. |
7. Have you made a record of movement declaration in accordance with the Order? | Yes – Proceed with controlled movement. | No – Movement is illegal. Do not proceed until requirements are met. |
Check the map and the Order to ensure you know your biosecurity duties.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
The current Biosecurity (Fire Ant) Emergency Order defines the emergency zones and requirements for moving fire ant carriers.
If you are moving the defined fire ant carriers from the parts of QLD and NSW shown in red, orange or yellow on this map, you must comply with the current Emergency Order. View the current order and Plain English Guide.
GROUP PERMIT FOR HAY SUSPENDED:
The Group Biosecurity Emergency Permit allowing movements of hay from specified lower risk areas of south east Queensland under certain conditions, was suspended for one month from 13th March 2025. This suspension allowed the department to further assess the distribution of fire ants following recent flooding events and determine the current biosecurity risk.
SUSPENSION TURF MOVING FROM QLD INFESTED AREAS
Following the interception at Clunes in November 2024, NSW DPIRD took immediate action to mitigate the risk of fire ant movements into NSW by placing a temporary suspension of turf movements from QLD fire ant infested areas into any part of NSW. The suspension will remain in place pending further investigations and compliance work.
Carrier requirements
Soil & plant-based products
Includes mulch, soil, compost, growing media, soil samples, hay, chaff, silage & turf.
Plants
Includes potted plants, indoor potted plants, excavated plants & stumps
Earth materials
Includes sand, rocks, stones, recycled concrete aggregate, coal fines & chitters.
Equipment and vehicles
Includes heavy vehicles, agricultural & horticultural equipment, earth moving equipment, pallets, packaging, containers & covers.
Waste products
Includes green waste & building waste
