Controlled movement from the QLD and NSW fire ant infested areas
1. Are you intending to make a controlled movement of a fire ant carrier (as defined by the Order) from a fire ant infested area? | Yes – go to 2 | No – No restrictions. The Order does not apply. |
2. Has thepremises where the carrier is from been checked at least once before a controlled movement occurs and then every 12 weeks and records kept/obtained. (Part 2, Clause 14)? | Yes – go to 3 | No – Movement is illegal. Do not proceed until requirements are met. |
3. Have fire ants been present on the property in the last 12 months? | Yes – go to 4 | Yes – go to 4 |
4. Has the premises been treated with an insect growth regulator treatment regime and records kept/obtained (Part 2, Clause 15)? | Yes – go to 5 | No – Movement is illegal. Do not proceed until requirements are met. |
5. Has the carrier been treated in accordance with the Order? | Yes – go to 6 | No – Movement is illegal. Do not proceed until requirements are met. |
6. Do you have the relevant biosecurity certificate in accordance with the Order? | Yes – go to 7 | No – Movement is illegal. Do not proceed until requirements are met. |
7. Have you made a record of movement declaration in accordance with the Order? | Yes – Proceed with controlled movement. | No – Movement is illegal. Do not proceed until requirements are met. |
Check the map and the Order to ensure you know your biosecurity duties.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
The current Biosecurity (Fire Ant) Emergency Order defines the emergency zones and requirements for moving fire ant carriers.
If you are moving the defined fire ant carriers from the parts of QLD and NSW shown in red, orange or yellow on this map, you must comply with the current Emergency Order. View the current order and Plain English Guide.
GROUP PERMIT FOR HAY EXPIRED:
The Group Biosecurity Emergency Permit, which allowed movements of hay from lower risk areas in the Qld fire ant biosecurity zone under certain conditions between June 2024 and March 2025, expired on 2 June 2025.
The permit was suspended from 13 March to 13 April 2025 and then indefinitely following Tropical Cyclone Alfred, which heightened risk of fire ants moving in floodwaters.
If you are moving hay from the parts of Qld fire ant infested area, you must fully comply with requirements of the current Emergency Order. Read the current Order and understand your obligations.
SUSPENSION TURF MOVING FROM QLD INFESTED AREAS
Following the interception at Clunes in November 2024, NSW DPIRD took immediate action to mitigate the risk of fire ant movements into NSW by placing a temporary suspension of turf movements from QLD fire ant infested areas into any part of NSW. The suspension will remain in place pending further investigations and compliance work.
Carrier requirements
Soil & plant-based products
Includes mulch, soil, compost, growing media, soil samples, hay, chaff, silage & turf.
Plants
Includes potted plants, indoor potted plants, excavated plants & stumps
Earth materials
Includes sand, rocks, stones, recycled concrete aggregate, coal fines & chitters.
Equipment and vehicles
Includes heavy vehicles, agricultural & horticultural equipment, earth moving equipment, pallets, packaging, containers & covers.
Waste products
Includes green waste & building waste
