QLD: Queensland set to get more money to fight fire ants

AAP General News (Australia)
04-16-2004
QLD: Queensland set to get more money to fight fire ants

The Queensland government has secured an in-principle agreement from all Australian
states for an extra $37.5 million for an extended campaign to eradicate fire ants.

If the extra funding is approved by all governments, the total budget for the irradication
program in south-east Queensland will increase to $175 million over six years.

Queensland Primary Industries Minister HENRY PALASZCZUK says progress towards the irradication
of the potentially fatal imported pest has been excellent.

He says monitoring results from the core treatment zone show that almost 98 per cent
of previously infested properties no longer have viable nests after two years of treatment.

AAP RTV ch/wz/lma

KEYWORD: ANTS (BRISBANE)

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