NSW at ‘extreme risk’ of fire ant invasion after nest discovered 5.5km from border

Fire ants swarm dead insects. The discovery of a nest 5.5km north of the NSW border has sparked calls for governments to eradicate the invasive species. Photograph: Lyle Radford

The discovery of a nest of red fire ants just 5.5km from New South Wales’ northern border has prompted calls for urgent action to stop the spread of the destructive invasive insect.

The nest, found at Tallebudgera on the Gold Coast, is the farthest south the pest has been detected, prompting accusations that governments have been dragging their feet on properly funding eradication programs.