Hefty fines issued for electric ant biosecurity breach

News release | 08-Nov-2023

A construction company and truck driver have been issued more than $6,000 in fines after moving soil and rubble from an electric ant restricted zone in Cairns.

The company was fined $5,031.25 and the truck driver $1,006.25 after removing more than 3 cubic metres of soil and rubble from a construction site.

While individuals have previously been issued Penalty Infringement Notices (PIN) under Biosecurity Queensland’s National Electric Ant Eradication Program, this is the first time a company has been fined.

The notices were issued for the movement of an electric ant carrier (soil and rubble) from a restricted zone, in breach of the offenders’ General Biosecurity Obligations (GBO).

More information about electric ants in Queensland, including biosecurity zones and ant identification, can be found on the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries website.

Businesses and individuals can also register online for a free electric ant yard check, or to report suspected electric ants.

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Media contact: DAF Media, media@daf.qld.gov.au