ATTIA Biosecurity Update: Containing Red Imported Fire Ants
Fire Ant Biosecurity Update: Emergency Order No. 13 (2025) Now in Force
Red imported fire ants (Solenopsis invicta) remain one of Australia’s most serious biosecurity threats. With detections in northern NSW and infestations across south-east Queensland, strict controls continue to apply to stop their spread.
On 16 September 2025, the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) issued Biosecurity (Fire Ant) Emergency Order (No. 13) 2025, extending the emergency until 12 February 2026. This new order revokes Order No. 12 (2025) and introduces clarified and, in some cases, tightened obligations for anyone moving “fire ant carriers.”
Current Status
New South Wales: Fire ant nests have been confirmed at South Murwillumbah (Nov 2023), Wardell (Jan 2024), Clunes (Nov 2024), and Tweed Heads (July 2025). Movement controls remain in force for Murwillumbah, Wardell and Tweed Heads South.
Queensland: Infested zones continue to expand, with the Fire Ant Biosecurity Zone map updated as recently as 15 September 2025. The infested area now covers more than 1.17 million hectares, with detections only 550 metres from the NSW border at Bilinga (April 2025).
Operations: The Operation Victa enforcement campaign continues at Chinderah and other checkpoints, with hundreds of heavy vehicles inspected and penalties issued for non-compliance.
Key Compliance Changes (Emergency Order No. 13)
The order applies across four emergency zones:
The NSW protection zone (all of NSW outside the infested/movement control areas).
The NSW fire ant infested area.
The NSW fire ant movement control areas (currently around Murwillumbah, Wardell and Tweed Heads).
The Qld fire ant infested area.
Major obligations include:
Record of movement forms must be completed online before moving most fire ant carriers into or within NSW. Records must be kept for 4 years.
Premises checks: properties supplying carriers must be inspected for nests within the last 12 weeks. Written records must be kept.
Premises treatment: where fire ants are present (or detected in the past 12 months), insect growth regulator treatments must be applied on surrounding land.
Carrier-specific rules:
Potted plants must be chemically treated and accompanied by certification.
Hay, silage, chaff and turf all have specific preparation, treatment, labelling and certification requirements.
Machinery and heavy vehicles must be cleaned and free from soil, mulch, or manure before moving.
Surveillance: if notified, occupiers must allow DPIRD surveillance or engage an approved odour detection dog handler within 10 business days at their own cost.
Potted plant sellers in NSW infested areas must treat growing media with approved chemicals before sale and keep treatment records for 4 years.
Why It Matters
For the tea tree industry, the risks remain significant:
Operational disruption through restricted carrier movements.
Compliance costs for treatments, certifications and record-keeping.
Environmental impacts as fire ants threaten biodiversity and ecosystems where tea tree grows.
Worker safety risks from stings and allergic reactions.
Market access and reputation — failure to maintain compliance could affect industry confidence and biosecurity standing.
What Members Should Do
Review the new Order No. 13 in full.
Check carrier obligations before moving soil, mulch, hay, turf, plants, machinery or other risk materials.
Maintain compliance records for 4 years.
Report suspected nests immediately: Leave it, Snap it, Call it (📞 1800 680 244).
Download the BioResponse NSW App for real-time updates
ATTIA’s Position
As the global authority on tea tree oil, ATTIA will continue to keep members updated on fire ant management. By staying vigilant and compliant, we can protect the industry and ensure tea tree oil production remains secure. Protecting our industry from fire ants is critical to safeguarding production, trade and the environment.
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