Biosecurity

New Biosecurity Laws - 1 July 2016 - Landscape Industry Specific Information

New biosecurity laws for the Queensland landscaping industry

The new Biosecurity Act 2014 (the Act) will come into effect on 1 July 2016. The Act will improve Queensland’s biosecurity preparedness and response capabilities for the protection of your industry. Under the Act, we will be better placed to focus on the biosecurity risks that impact our economy, our agricultural and tourism industries, our environment and our lifestyle.

All individuals and organisations whose activities pose a biosecurity risk will have a legal responsibility for managing them. As an industry worker you will need to take an active role in managing biosecurity risks under your control. You will not be expected to know about all biosecurity risks, but you will be expected to know about those associated with your landscaping activities. Read the full article

What Do You Need to Know About Fire Ants?

Fire ants are dangerous imported pests that could spread to large areas of Australia, severely damaging the environment, our outdoor lifestyle and our Industries. It is for this reason that biosecurity zones and movement controls are in place to restrict the spread of fire ants in areas of South East Queensland.

The landscaping industry in Queensland is a vital partner in the fight to achieve fire ant eradication.

Responsibilities for businesses

Under biosecurity laws, all Queenslanders have a shared responsibility to help eradicate pests such as fire ants. The latest biosecurity regulations allow businesses and individuals to find better ways of managing their risks.

Here are some of the ways you can fulfil your biosecurity obligation.

Understand what fire ants look like and what materials (i.e. fire ant carriers) they might be moved in
Be aware if you are living or working in a fire ant biosecurity zone and follow movement controls
Follow the correct procedures when moving or storing fire ant carriers
Take all reasonable steps to ensure you do not spread fire ants
Report suspect nests to Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23 or HERE

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Construction & Landscaping

Primary Producers

Important Links

Fire Ant Biosecurity Zones - Interactive map	LQ Members can use the interactive map to enter an address and check if movement controls apply to their worksite or project. If any part of a property touches a restricted zone, the entire property is included. These zones are updated monthly based on new detections. Link: Fire Ant Biosecurity Zones - Interactive map
Planned activities	The Fire Ant Eradication Program follows a structured Response Plan to control and eliminate fire ants. This interactive map helps businesses and contractors understand: Planned treatment and surveillance activities in their area. Whether a property is in an Eradication Area (government-led treatment) or Suppression Area (businesses must self-manage fire ant treatment). The latest biosecurity expectations based on location, including required fire ant-safe practices. Priority areas for the National Fire Ant Eradication Program’s engagement efforts. Link: Planned activities
Online training	Training for the Landscaping Industry Training for Primary Producers Training for your clients - Residential Training Training for Pest Managers
Fire Ant Compliance Tool	An interactive tool to check fire ant movement requirements based on location and material type. Includes a checklist of fire ant-safe practices based on business location. Check carrier-specific movement rules before transporting materials. Allows businesses to log and track compliance actions for record-keeping. Use the tool to report non-compliance. Link: Fire Ant Compliance Tool
How to treat Fire Ants	Video about the program-approved treatment methods. Differentiation between eradication and suppression areas: Eradication Areas – Biosecurity Queensland applies treatment. Suppression Areas – Businesses must conduct their own treatment program. Link: How to treat fire ants
Processed materials Guidelines	Quarry materials, mulch, animal manure, and processed soils can spread fire ants if not properly managed. The Biosecurity Regulation 2016 outlines strict storage, treatment, and movement requirements for these materials within fire ant biosecurity zones. Requirements for Businesses Handling Fire Ant Carriers: Monthly Fire Ant Surveillance – All businesses handling fire ant carriers must conduct monthly inspections to detect infestations early. Storage & Movement Protocols: If storing fire ant carriers (soil, mulch, manure, turf, quarry materials, etc.) for more than 24 hours, businesses must: Cover and store materials on a fire ant-resistant surface or treated ground. Apply a perimeter insecticide treatment using a bifenthrin-based product. Disturb stored materials every 21 days or within 24 hours before movement. Machinery & Equipment – Any machinery or equipment with soil or organic material attached must be cleaned before leaving site to prevent fire ant spread. Businesses must also keep records of compliance actions for at least two years to demonstrate due diligence and avoid penalties. Link: Processed materials Guidelines
Landscaping Industry Tools and Resources	Biosecurity Record-Keeping Requirements: Businesses must maintain records for at least two years to demonstrate compliance. Records should include: Fire ant awareness training logs for staff. Monthly surveillance records, including who conducted the inspection and any suspect detections. Treatment records, including dates, locations, products used, and application methods. Movement tracking for fire ant carriers. Penalties for non-compliance: Up to 800 penalty units or 6 months imprisonment. Link: Landscaping Industry Tools and Resources
GBO for Business	This guideline helps businesses understand and meet their legal obligations under the Biosecurity Act 2014 by outlining steps to manage fire ant risks when moving carriers, including surveillance, treatment, and compliance with carrier-specific regulations. Download here

Downloadable Resources (Click to Download)

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