Detection of fire ants in Queensland 800km from closest infestation sparks fury over gaps in eradication funding

Red imported fire ants are one of the world’s worst invasive species, considered a pest due to their painful stings and potential to cause severe ecological, agricultural and economic damage. Photograph: Invasive Species Council

Fire ants have been detected in central Queensland for the first time in history after a major outbreak at a BHP Broadmeadow coalmine.

The discovery has prompted fury among the Invasive Species Council, who have questioned how the invasive pest had travelled almost 800km from the closest known infestation zone.