Authorities have moved to limit the risk of fire ants entering New South Wales (NSW) after the invasive super pests were detected on the Gold Coast, just 5.5 kilometres (3.4 miles) from the state border.
The nest, which has since been destroyed, was found last week on private land believed to have been used as a pony club at Tallebudgera.
Following the detection, a biosecurity control order was triggered prohibiting the movement of materials that could bring the ant into NSW.
Mulch, soil, baled hay, turf, and other high-risk material cannot presently be moved from within a 5-kilometre radius of the site without inspection and certification by Queensland authorities….