Pause Fire Ant Baiting Program at North Arm State School
The issue
We are just asking to send our kids to school, knowing that they will be in a safe environment where their health and well-being is prioritised.
A pesticide is being applied on school grounds without full transparency to the parents and community members who have significant concerns.
The fire ant baiting program has raised significant concerns among parents and community members who have been advised of harmful effects. We, the parents and concerned community of North Arm State School, believe that the health and safety of our children should come first.
While fire ants pose a legitimate threat, it is crucial that any measures taken to control them are thoroughly vetted, with any risks fully communicated and addressed.
Currently, there is a lack of clear communication regarding what chemicals are being used, the potential health effects on our children, and the safety measures being implemented to minimize exposure. The timing of bating is being questioned as well as the liability of adverse reactions. We are also asking if we can apply for Sensitive Property Exemption and alternative solutions such as sniffer dogs and thermal tracking of nests and direct treatment on found nests.
This is why we are urging authorities to pause the fire ant baiting program until all community questions and concerns are satisfactorily addressed.
We propose the following actions before resuming the baiting program:
1. Conduct a transparent community meeting, involving not only school officials but also representatives from the baiting program, where parents can ask questions and receive detailed, honest and full answers.
2. Provide written information with accessible language about the chemicals being used, along with scientific research or evidence supporting their safety for use around children.
3. Implement additional safety protocols to ensure children, teachers, and staff are not exposed to the bait while it is active.
4. Offer alternatives or complementary measures that reduce fire ant infestations with minimal or organic chemical use.
5. Explore alternative methods.
6. Explore dates that are more appropriate from bating.
7. Full transparency
Our children deserve to study and play in a safe environment, and we owe it to them to be their advocates. Please join us in ensuring that the North Arm State School and relevant authorities pause the fire ant baiting program until our community’s questions have been answered and our concerns properly addressed.
Sign this petition to protect our children and hold the appropriate people accountable for ensuring a safe and transparent environment for all students.
Note: This is NOT a paid petition, please DO NOT donate to this cause.
* If community members would like to share photos and stories of the harmful effects, please send to northarm4561@outlook.com (please do not expect a response to questions etc. it is solely to collect evidence. Thank you
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The issue
We are just asking to send our kids to school, knowing that they will be in a safe environment where their health and well-being is prioritised.
A pesticide is being applied on school grounds without full transparency to the parents and community members who have significant concerns.
The fire ant baiting program has raised significant concerns among parents and community members who have been advised of harmful effects. We, the parents and concerned community of North Arm State School, believe that the health and safety of our children should come first.
While fire ants pose a legitimate threat, it is crucial that any measures taken to control them are thoroughly vetted, with any risks fully communicated and addressed.
Currently, there is a lack of clear communication regarding what chemicals are being used, the potential health effects on our children, and the safety measures being implemented to minimize exposure. The timing of bating is being questioned as well as the liability of adverse reactions. We are also asking if we can apply for Sensitive Property Exemption and alternative solutions such as sniffer dogs and thermal tracking of nests and direct treatment on found nests.
This is why we are urging authorities to pause the fire ant baiting program until all community questions and concerns are satisfactorily addressed.
We propose the following actions before resuming the baiting program:
1. Conduct a transparent community meeting, involving not only school officials but also representatives from the baiting program, where parents can ask questions and receive detailed, honest and full answers.
2. Provide written information with accessible language about the chemicals being used, along with scientific research or evidence supporting their safety for use around children.
3. Implement additional safety protocols to ensure children, teachers, and staff are not exposed to the bait while it is active.
4. Offer alternatives or complementary measures that reduce fire ant infestations with minimal or organic chemical use.
5. Explore alternative methods.
6. Explore dates that are more appropriate from bating.
7. Full transparency
Our children deserve to study and play in a safe environment, and we owe it to them to be their advocates. Please join us in ensuring that the North Arm State School and relevant authorities pause the fire ant baiting program until our community’s questions have been answered and our concerns properly addressed.
Sign this petition to protect our children and hold the appropriate people accountable for ensuring a safe and transparent environment for all students.
Note: This is NOT a paid petition, please DO NOT donate to this cause.
* If community members would like to share photos and stories of the harmful effects, please send to northarm4561@outlook.com (please do not expect a response to questions etc. it is solely to collect evidence. Thank you
The Decision Makers
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Petition created on 10 August 2026