Large fire ant nests on the flood plains of Oxley Creek in Corinda, in Brisbane’s south-west, threaten the safety of the band of volunteers who tend the Cliveden Avenue (nature) Reserve and the members and visitors to the Corinda Horse and Pony Club and the Oxley Golf Complex. Fire ants were first detected in the Oxley/Corinda area in 2001. Oxley Creek has experienced two major flood events since then: in 2011 and 2013. Fire ants originated in the flood plains of South America and use flood waters to spread. Biosecurity Queensland has baited the Oxley/Corinda area numerous times with tonnes of bait. Fire ants continue to flourish. Local residents have reported the large nests on the Oxley Creek banks and are still waiting for Biosecurity Queensland to respond. Time for a Royal Commission. 2nd July 2019
Large fire ant nests on the flood plains of Oxley Creek in Corinda, in Brisbane’s south-west, threaten the safety of the dedicated band of volunteers who tend the Cliveden Avenue (nature) Reserve and the members and visitors to the Corinda Horse and Pony Club and the Oxley Golf Complex.
The wide flood plains of Oxley Creek, the Brisbane River’s largest tributary, are an ideal location for recreational activities.
The Pony Club is popular with young and old members and visitors.
The Golf Complex attracts a wide range of members and visitors with a driving range, a 9-hole course, an 18-hole pitch ‘n’ putt course and mini golf for family fun.
Because the flood plains have remained largely undeveloped, they contain remnants of the original rainforest that used to flourish there before white settlement. Those remnants are carefully tended by a group of volunteers that works to protect the area from invasive weeds.
Fire ants were first detected in the Oxley/Corinda area in 2001. It is part of Ground Zero of the fire ant infestation that now spreads from Moreton Bay in the east to the Lockyer Valley in the west, north to the Sunshine Coast and south to the New South Wales border.
The Brisbane River catchment, that includes Oxley Creek, has experienced two major flood events since fire ants were first detected: in 2011 and 2013. Fire ants originated in the flood plains of South America. In the event of a flood, they form a living raft with their bodies, with the queen and brood tucked safely inside, and ride the flood waters to higher ground to start again. Flood waters are a major cause of fire ants spreading.
Biosecurity Queensland has baited the Oxley/Corinda area numerous times with tonnes of bait. Fire ants continue to flourish.
Local residents have reported the large nests on the Oxley Creek banks and are still waiting for Biosecurity Queensland to respond.
Time for a Royal Commission.