Fire ants are one of the world’s worst invasive species and a serious problem for everybody in Australia.

These highly invasive ants first turned up in Australia in 2001 at the Port of Brisbane. One large outbreak in southeast Queensland remains active, but contained. More than 130 red fire ant nests have now been detected on North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) sparking fears World Heritage-listed K’gari could also be at risk.

Their stings can kill people and livestock. They can also wipe out entire native ecosystems, turning bustling bushland silent.

If you are coming onto K’gari from a known Red Fire Ant area, or bringing goods onto K’gari from Brisbane, please check that you haven’t packed any hitchhikers, and help us keep Red Imported Fire Ants off K’gari.