Join the call for fire ant eradication in federal budget

An alliance of farmers, local government and environment groups from across Australia have called on every state, territory and the federal government to fully fund eradication of deadly red fire ants in this year's budgets. If Australia fails to eradicate fire ants almost no corner of the continent will be safe from these menacing predators. Fire ants can rapidly expand in numbers and have the potential to invade more than 99% of the nation. Once out of control fire ants would threaten every aspect of Australian life, including our farming communities, schools, sports grounds, tourism industries and unique natural heritage. That is why farmers, local government, community clubs and environment groups have signed an open letter of concern to Australia’s governments ahead of next week’s federal budget. Signatories include the National Farmers’ Federation, AgForce, Local Government NSW, the Queensland Regional NRM Groups' Collective and the Nature Conservation Council of NSW. You can view the full statement of concern here: https://goo.gl/JSAoUj Fire ant eradication will cost approximately $38 million every year for the next decade, according to a secret government report released by the Australian Senate in December. Victoria has already committed to fund its share of the eradication project when it handed down its state budget on Tuesday – but fire ant eradication requires a national effort, and that means every state, territory and the federal government has to do its bit. Organisations can add their voice to the Statement of concern by visiting our website: https://invasives.org.au/invasive-ants/eradication-of-red-fire-ants-from-australia-statement-of-concern/