Queensland's monitoring and management of invasive species could be better co-ordinated while prioritising the impact on environment and agriculture, an auditor-general's report has found.
Prevention and recovery from pests and diseases is led by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries through Biosecurity Queensland, but its tasks lack clear definition and prioritisation.
Invasive species cost the Australian economy roughly between $5 billion and $7 billion each year.
The auditor-general's report found that while all forms of government are working together, "Biosecurity Queensland needs to take greater leadership in its oversight and co-ordination role to reduce the impact of some species".
"The Queensland invasive plants and animals strategy 2019-2024 does not address some of the key challenges facing the biosecurity system, like increasing biosecurity risk and the limited capacity of some entities," the report said.
"It aspires to reduce the impact of all invasive species, without clearly defining which ones are a priority for entities with a role in managing invasive species."
The report suggest significant variation in how state entities and local councils assess the risk of invasive species and prioritise their activities, with some having designated systems and others none at all.
The report recommends setting strategic priorities, and co-ordinating and overseeing activities across Queensland.
It also recommends prioritising funding as well as a review of the Biosecurity Act 2014 in consultation with stakeholders.
Updates to Queensland's existing invasive plants and animals strategy are also recommended, including the addition of indicators of success to measure performance across the biosecurity system.
Fire ants and their eradication form a large part of the report with more than 700,000 hectares across southeast Queensland inhabited by the insect.
Likely contributors to the fire ant situation are delays in funding approval from federal and state governments, the report said, along with delays in commencing treatment.
It recommended independent assessments through scientific data and modelling.
"Expert views on whether eradication is still feasible vary, but the benefits of eradicating fire ants are apparent," the report said.
"Continuing to try to eradicate fire ants will take considerably more commitment and funding from the Commonwealth and state governments beyond what has already been provided."
